I'm thinking about buying a used Smith and Wesson 617 revolver

K

KenLondregan

New member
I’ve been itching to buy a Smith and Wesson 617 22lr revolver for quite some time. I was presented with the opportunity today to pick up a used 4 inch ten round 617 for $475. They are going for around $720 new. This was an ex gun rental gun at a nearby range, and as such, it was likely heavily used and abused. The person selling the gun informed me that it was sent back for reconditioning at Smith and Wesson, where they replaced everything that was worn out.

I am intrigued by the price, but a little hesitant about buying a gun with such a potentially high round count. I have read a few articles about what to look for when purchasing a used revolver, but I am no expert.

What are your thoughts on this purchase? Is this a good price considering the amount of use it has had? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
 
I think it's a bad idea....

You should pass and let me know where this little item is for sale?

If I saw ANY 617 for that price I'd be on it yesterday.


If the range guy is right - it is good to go - as good as you would ever find used.

And even if it still needed work it would be a good deal.

You're not going to wear it out in your lifetime.

IMHO

P.S.
It really doesn't' matter, but I would have picked it up the day I saw it.
 
I can't imagine shooting a 617 enought to wear it out. I'm sure it can be done, but I can't imagine ME ever doing it anyway.

The only reason I wouldn't buy it is it's stainless steel, and I just don't care for stainless steel guns. But for that price, I could probably learn to like it.
 
I would certainly ask to shoot it first. My first S&W M617 4" couldn't hit a cow in the tit with a tin cup until it was sent back for a new cylinder. Tackdriver now !
And so it goes...
 
If you don't buy it,,,

If you don't buy it,,,
Someone else will in a heartbeat.

Buy the gun!

I would buy it sight unseen,,,
If I didn't already have a Model 18.

Aarond

.
 
I like the model 617's a lot ( and I favor the 6 shot / over the 10 shot variety )....because I think the timing is too critical on the 10 shot...

Some of the 617's had an alloy cyclinder....and I'd especially avoid any with an alloy cyclinder. Alloy cyclinder was introduced in the 617-2 series in 1996 ....but it even shows up in one of the performance center versions....

I'd pass on any gun - that went thru a range rental case....I've seen the way some of those guns are treated ( and dropped, etc )....regardless of whether it was allegedly sent back for reconditioning or not.../ did they produce the work order or completion tag on what work was done - how it was checked - and by whom ??
 
I have purchased a range rental gun once, not a good comparison as the one I snagged was a Browning Buck Mark, but the experience has been perfectly fine.

The one you are looking at has been sent back to Smith & Wesson for reconditioning? In your position, I would be all over that like stink on, well, you know. If anything, try to be a little apprehensive at the idea of a rental gun, see if they can lop off a bit, like, say, the tax... save you a couple bucks.

But bottom line...
YES, buy that revolver.

Report back!
 
One caveat to consider when buying any used gun (and I have bought many) as opposed to a new gun is that you will probably lose the benefit of the factory warranty-however important that might be to you.
 
Buy it if it checks out. At that price you can sell it and make money right away, but you won't want to sell it.
 
dgludwig: One caveat to consider when buying any used gun (and I have bought many) as opposed to a new gun is that you will probably lose the benefit of the factory warranty-however important that might be to you.
Click to expand...

While that's technically true, Smith and Wesson warranty only lasts a year. However, they also have a lifetime service policy. Even though that policy is extended to the original owner for any firearm manufactured after February 1, 1989. S&W (as well as other manufacturers) has been known—by me, for one—to provide service and repair without charge for anything including shipping.

SW_BodyGuard_38_Revolver_Manual_07_22_10_Page_24.jpg


In any case, a good 617 is a gem, especially the four-inch 10-shooter, as far as I'm concerned.
 
I hope that sound I'm hearing isn't Ken kicking himself in the behind for not buying that 617 when he had the chance. Those fine revolvers are very hard to come by, at least in my neck of the woods. I all the shops I've been in and the several gun shows I have been in in the past year, I can recall only seeing 2. One was a used 6" bbl 6 shot at a show for $899 and the other one was a new 6" bbl 10 shot for $779. The latter is now sitting in my gun safe.
 
The 17 was bought new about 24 years ago and a pretty good guess is that it has had at least 50,000 rds thru it. The shooter still locks up tight and recently shot 1 3/8" six shot 25yd group, pretty good for geezer eyesight. Wish the 617s action was as smooth.






BTW, the 617 is pretty accurate too.
 
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