My First Revolver!!

I have been reading that the 617 can be a lil heavy.It seems that the 617 is weighing in at 44.2 oz, and the Model 17 at 40.0 oz.



Oh, and although I hadn't mentioned it before, I prefer to shoot single action, but want the flexibility to also shoot double action.
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That weight for the 617 refers to the 6" version, but the 4" version comes in at a tad under 39 oz. Not only heavier, the extra heft of the 6" hangs out over the muzzle. The longer sight radius theoretically helps accuracy by helping the shooter align the sights more precisely, but in reality, it can hurt accuracy if the shooter struggles with a steady hold.

My 4" 10-shot 617 is very versatile, and is my most-shot gun because of it. And it gives up nothing to my 6" K-22 in the accuracy department, so I usually shoot it for informal target shooting. I wouldn't hesitate to press it into duty if/when I formally target shoot.

Though I don't shoot 1" 25 yard groups routinely (I'm pretty consistent with 2"), my 617 is certainly up for it when I am. Here's one, shot double action, unsupported, with ammo bought at Dick's (though I held 6 o'clock, sights are set for CoM).

SW617B-16Freestyle.jpg




One other note: My 617 remains stock, but its action could use some smoothing. It's a very rare trigger, IMO, that can't be improved by a good gunsmith. IME, this seems particularly true for rimfire revolvers, so no matter what you decide on, you may find a good action job may help bring out the potential of you and the gun.


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I want to chime in too,,,

There are lots of good revolvers out there,,,
Most have already been mentioned in the posts.

I just want to add my 2-cents.

Possibly the best choice is the 6" K-frame S&W .22 revolver,,,
It is known by several names:
K-22 Masterpiece was it's first name,,,
You might hear it referred to as a "pre-model 17".
Model 17 is it's second name.
You might hear it called a "Pre-17".
150477_large.jpg

6" barrel with adjustable sights,,,
You would be hard pressed to find a better .22 target revolver.


The second choice would be the 4" K-frame S&W .22 revolver,,,
It too is known by several names:
K-22 Combat Masterpiece was it's first name,,,
You might hear it referred to as a "pre-model 18".
Model 18 is it's second name.
1_pistols_smith__wesson_sw_model_18_.22lr_40783.jpg

4" barrel with adjustable sights,,,
The shorter barrel makes for a shorter sight radius than the Model 17,,,
This does not make the gun inherently less accurate,,,
It does make it a bit more difficult to aim as well.

Both of these guns have an average used price of around $500.00,,,
Some go for more and some for less,,,
But not much less.

S&W does make new versions of these guns under their Classic line,,,
The Model 17 and Model 18 go for over a Grand this way.

The 6" S&W Model 617 is the new stainless steel version of the Model 17,,,

Notice the full lug barrel that turns a lot of people off,,,
Some say it makes the gun barrel heavy,,,
Personally, I agree with that.

Despite those opinions it is still one heck of a fine revolver.
If you want brand new and don't mind the full lug,,,
This is an option you'll probably be happy with.

In double-action/single-action revolvers (police style guns),,,
There are not a lot of modern options in target quality.

If you would be happy with a single-action revolver (cowboy style),,,
There is really only one brand to go to,,,
Ruger Single-Six.

You simply will not find a finer single-action .22 revolver anywhere,,,
Just pick the style and barrel length that makes you happy,,,
And start slaughtering tin cans from far far away.

Okay okay,,,
There's the Freedom Arms revolver,,,
But I don't think it's any better of a gun and it's twice the cost,,,
Now I hafta start ducking the rocks the Freedom Aficionado's will be hurling my way.

The is one more double-action/single-action revolver I will mention.

If you are not going for critical target accuracy,,,
The Charter Arms Target Pathfinder is reasonably priced.

If they all shoot as well as the one my lady friend has,,,
Accuracy is easily sufficient for tin cans at normal combat distances.

Just my thoughts on the readily available guns.

Aarond

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IMO the advantage of the full underlug with the 617 is that it almost exactly duplicates the feel of the 686, so it allows shooters to practice some things with the .22 and still for the most part have the feel of the 357 magnum revolver, although you don't get the same recoil.
 
+1 to the suggestions for a k 22 model 17, i'm enjoying the one my mom shot bullseye with back in the 60's, as well as the matching model 14 k 38 in 38..real hard to go wrong with those, 38 can be reloaded for .10 rd (or less) same frame near same weight.same sights, etc..


a k 38 model15/k 22 model18 pair would be on a K frame, adjustable sights, but 4" barrels..


the full lug models 617,686, while similar, the frame sizes are diffrent. K frame on the 617, L frame on the 686
 
And any notion of competitive target shooting in which I will need to hold a gun for 90 rounds with ONE hand, has me definitely concerned about weight
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Skullygal- If it's Bullseye shooting you're thinking about, you need not worry wuite so much. The most you'll shoot in a row in that league is 5 shots between rests.
 
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