Can't decide... 6" or 4" ?
- Thread starter mellow_c
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4". With that full-lug barrel anything much longer gets a bit nose-heavy IMO, and with the smaller .22-caliber holes in it, the 617 is plenty beefy as-is. My favorite .22 is a 4" S&W M-18 (blued K-frame, predecessor to the 617). No barrel underlug and it's a 6-shot. It's pretty substantial but makes for a wonderful plinker.
Somebody will come along to tell you the 6" "is more accurate". It's easier to shoot accurately with irons on a longer sight-radius, yes. However, with proper fundamentals and practice, the 4" guns are accurate enough. I like to plink at the 100-yard rifle gong with my 4" .357s (586 and 19). So...
Somebody will come along to tell you the 6" "is more accurate". It's easier to shoot accurately with irons on a longer sight-radius, yes. However, with proper fundamentals and practice, the 4" guns are accurate enough. I like to plink at the 100-yard rifle gong with my 4" .357s (586 and 19). So...
If you plan to carry it...fishing, backpacking, around the woods as you deer hunt, squirrel hunting or just plinking, you'll appreciate the shorter barrel in a good belt holster...the longer gun, especially in .22 lr, has always seemed muzzle heavy to me, and is an absolute PITA if you try to sit with it holstered on anything but a horse...it pokes right up into your ribs.
The longer barrel is marginally more useful for accuracy on a range...but not much...here on our farm range, a 6-1/2" Ruger is 1/4" better in group size than its shorter cousin the 4-5/8" one...at 25 yds too. There's a reason that all the cops for the last 100 years have toted 4" barreled revolvers and automatics...I've a Colt Diamondback with a 4" tube in .22 lr, and a Smith Kit gun with the same length...and a Ruger with a 5-1/2" barrel that's a mite too long for convenient carry.
A .22 lr revolver with a 4" barrel is one sweet shooting piece of gear....even the marginally longer Ruger Single Six, at 4-5/8" is no big trick to carry, or to make impressive hits with either...here's a pic of a sweet rig with one of Ruger's Bird's Head Single Sixes' mounted up...about as convenient and light as you'd like. That's a Tom Threepersons type holster I'm wearing, homemade, but good for woods-loafing...El Paso Saddlery makes a good rendition of it as well...Rod
The longer barrel is marginally more useful for accuracy on a range...but not much...here on our farm range, a 6-1/2" Ruger is 1/4" better in group size than its shorter cousin the 4-5/8" one...at 25 yds too. There's a reason that all the cops for the last 100 years have toted 4" barreled revolvers and automatics...I've a Colt Diamondback with a 4" tube in .22 lr, and a Smith Kit gun with the same length...and a Ruger with a 5-1/2" barrel that's a mite too long for convenient carry.
A .22 lr revolver with a 4" barrel is one sweet shooting piece of gear....even the marginally longer Ruger Single Six, at 4-5/8" is no big trick to carry, or to make impressive hits with either...here's a pic of a sweet rig with one of Ruger's Bird's Head Single Sixes' mounted up...about as convenient and light as you'd like. That's a Tom Threepersons type holster I'm wearing, homemade, but good for woods-loafing...El Paso Saddlery makes a good rendition of it as well...Rod
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
4" if you're going to be packin it just in case. 6" if you intend to hunt critters with it.
Walklightly
Moderator
3 to one for the 4". If you feel you need any longer, get a rifle.
I have an old K22 with 8 and 38" barrel and it is one of 3 revolvers in my possession that are more accurate than I am. The other 2 are a 6" Python and a Ruger old model 7.5" 30 Carbine.
The K22 was my froglegs gun. Because it was so accurate I could hit bullfrogs in the head so they wouldn't jump and get away. It was rifle accurate. I once shot a swimming water moccassin from a clifftop 50 yards away in the head.
I carried it in a shoulder holster Harry Callahan style.
So you might want to consider the long barrel version as well.
The K22 was my froglegs gun. Because it was so accurate I could hit bullfrogs in the head so they wouldn't jump and get away. It was rifle accurate. I once shot a swimming water moccassin from a clifftop 50 yards away in the head.
I carried it in a shoulder holster Harry Callahan style.
So you might want to consider the long barrel version as well.
Try to handle them both before you buy. I had 17-6 (full lug blued) in both 4 and 6 in lengths. I sold the 6" because I thought it was too front heavy (I have 17, 48, 53 all in 6 inch and they are great guns), the 4" 17-6 has become a favorite shooter. It is somewhat personal preference. Is there a range close by that you could rent and shoot both, that would be best. Once you find .22lr ammo your gun likes, the 4" will be more accurate than you can shoot probably.
Another vote for the 4".
My 6" K-22 (pre-17) balances well, but doesn't have an underlug. The full underlug of the 6" 617 makes if feel muzzle heavy to me.
I also use my 617 as an "understudy" to my 4" 686, so 4" makes the most sense. I've also used my 4" 10-shot in local rimfire steel matches, where it does very well. A 6" version would feel too heavy for this.
As far as accuracy, as others mention, the 4" will be as accurate as you need to be, and I'd feel comfortable pressing mine into target duty if need be. Below is a 25 yard target shot with my stock 4" 617 - 5 shots unsupported, double action. I don't claim to routinely shoot sub-1" 25 yard groups, but with my 617, I'm generally good for right around 2".
My 6" K-22 (pre-17) balances well, but doesn't have an underlug. The full underlug of the 6" 617 makes if feel muzzle heavy to me.
I also use my 617 as an "understudy" to my 4" 686, so 4" makes the most sense. I've also used my 4" 10-shot in local rimfire steel matches, where it does very well. A 6" version would feel too heavy for this.
As far as accuracy, as others mention, the 4" will be as accurate as you need to be, and I'd feel comfortable pressing mine into target duty if need be. Below is a 25 yard target shot with my stock 4" 617 - 5 shots unsupported, double action. I don't claim to routinely shoot sub-1" 25 yard groups, but with my 617, I'm generally good for right around 2".
I like the 4" .....if I'm using it to practice my draw, tactical shots at the range...( then I move to a K or N ..or maybe an L frame ) in .357 mag...)
I like a 6" for its accuracy in plinking...especially out at much of anything beyond 15 yds.....
It would be hard for me not to have one of each .../ because I use them as very different tools...
I like a 6" for its accuracy in plinking...especially out at much of anything beyond 15 yds.....
It would be hard for me not to have one of each .../ because I use them as very different tools...
Kreyzhorse
New member
4" for carrying around and 6" for the range or hunting with. Really though, it comes down to what you like more. I prefer 6" but a 4" would carry a bit easier.
What do you want it for? Have you held it?
If both were available off the shelf today I'd probably buy the 6", but I have a 4" .22lr revolver already [Ruger SP101 8shot].
If I didn't have a .22lr revolver, I'd probably lean toward a 6", as it wouldn't be a 'carry' gun for me. If I am going to carry in my state, it will be a larger caliber than .22lr.
HOWEVER, I would hold them at the LGS and hold them in the sight-acquisition/firing position for as long as they would let me to mimic what my arms will feel like after 5 cylinders are pushed through it. I like the idea of the 6", but if my hands shake with the weight too much, the 4" would be more accurate in my hands.
It all depends: on your health and what your purpose is.
Just FWIW, I am selling my 6" GP100 and keeping the 4" version. Of course, if I want more power, I have a 7.5" Ruger SuperRedHawk in .44mag, so I didn't need the extra power the 2" more on the .357mag will give me.
If both were available off the shelf today I'd probably buy the 6", but I have a 4" .22lr revolver already [Ruger SP101 8shot].
If I didn't have a .22lr revolver, I'd probably lean toward a 6", as it wouldn't be a 'carry' gun for me. If I am going to carry in my state, it will be a larger caliber than .22lr.
HOWEVER, I would hold them at the LGS and hold them in the sight-acquisition/firing position for as long as they would let me to mimic what my arms will feel like after 5 cylinders are pushed through it. I like the idea of the 6", but if my hands shake with the weight too much, the 4" would be more accurate in my hands.
It all depends: on your health and what your purpose is.
Just FWIW, I am selling my 6" GP100 and keeping the 4" version. Of course, if I want more power, I have a 7.5" Ruger SuperRedHawk in .44mag, so I didn't need the extra power the 2" more on the .357mag will give me.
bamaranger
New member
I have a modest collection of 4" (mid length) handguns and have always preferred same due to the aforementioned ease of carry. But........
I find now with 50+ age eyes that I do not see my front sight as crisp as I used to w/ a mid length, and the revolver I now shoot best is my Dad's Single 6 w/ its 6.5" tube. My carry solution was to go to cross draw on my off side and that has worked very well in and out of veh, afoot, or on ATV.
So...if you have young eyes, I'd say 4" or similar.
I find now with 50+ age eyes that I do not see my front sight as crisp as I used to w/ a mid length, and the revolver I now shoot best is my Dad's Single 6 w/ its 6.5" tube. My carry solution was to go to cross draw on my off side and that has worked very well in and out of veh, afoot, or on ATV.
So...if you have young eyes, I'd say 4" or similar.
FairWarning
New member
4" is fine up to .38 Spec, but .357 and up really benefits from the longer barrel.
Crazy Carl
New member
Never handled a 4"er, but LOVED the 6"er I had the privilege of trying out.
I dunno, maybe I'm just strong or something, but I prefer 6" - 6.5" barrels on my wheelguns. Never notice the extra weight up front.
I dunno, maybe I'm just strong or something, but I prefer 6" - 6.5" barrels on my wheelguns. Never notice the extra weight up front.
Great posts everyone... I'm thinking a 4". I've got a GP100 that is a 6" and I always wished I had gotten a 4", so I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. Although, I REALLY love my GP100, and I shoot it pretty well now that I've had some practice with it, and I have come to appreciate the length of it.
Anyone have any problems with their 617's? I've read that some people have had chamber issues causing the gun to lock up and other problems.
I'm not too worried, I still think I'd get one, and if it had problems I'd expect S&W to take care of it, but I was just currious if any of you have had problems with your 617's ?
Anyone have any problems with their 617's? I've read that some people have had chamber issues causing the gun to lock up and other problems.
I'm not too worried, I still think I'd get one, and if it had problems I'd expect S&W to take care of it, but I was just currious if any of you have had problems with your 617's ?
Buzzard Bait
New member
6" for shootin 4" FOR CARRYING