Smith model 617

T

Tony Cam

Inactive
Anyone have any first hand experience with this model ?
I am looking for a .22 revolver and this one came to mind after seeing some pics of it. I would like to hear anyones comments on it if possible.
Thanks
 
I have the 4" 10 shot model and I really like it. It shoots like a dream, incredibly accurate. However it is really heavy for a .22. It is only a little lighter than the 4" 686.

If you want a nice heavy gun to target shoot or as an understudy to a .357 get it but if you want to pack it around all day (Like I used to before I got tired of it) it is a little heavy. Now I carry my Ruger Single-Six when I go hunting for the occasional coup-de-grace. It is in no way as accurate or have as nice of a trigger pull but it is significatly lighter.

Hope this helps.

Brian
 
Tony,

My 617 is a fine revolver. 10 shots, stainless steel cylinder (you probably want to make sure to avoid the aluminum cylinders if you buy used, I've heard about some problmes with them), 6". I've been warming up to shoot hunter's pistol open sight silhouette with it, and it is defnitely accurate enough to do the trick, if I can hold it still and pull straight through the very nice trigger. It is heavy, however. As Brian suggested, it makes a perfect companion to a .357 686, which is why I bought mine. It's no 'kit gun', though; if you were to plan on taking it out in the field, it would be for the specific end of shooting it, not just having it along. But when you shoot it, you'll love it.

What are you looking for a .22 for, I guess is the question?

Chris
 
I have had my 617 6" 10 shot for a bit over a year now and have sent it back to the S&W Custom Shop for all of the target options and an action/trigger tuneup. This is an absolute joy to shoot. I also carry it very often on my farm. It is a bit heavy, but in a good holster that problem is minimized considerably. I have the Bianchi #111 Cyclone cross-draw and it is superb. If you want the best 22LR revolver available this is it.
Regards,
Rich
 
I have a proper 6-shot model (no offense, I hope) and it is a death-ray. Never misses. I have chased empty shotgun hulls at 15 yards, double action, no problemo. For me, that's pretty darn good. Betcha love it when one finally comes to hand. Doesn't have the charisma of the blued 17's or 18's, but it's a workhorse.
 
I recently bought my 4" S&W 617 10-shot revolver and I think I made a good purchase. I've only had it out once, last week, and it is an accurate sucker. I wasn't able to give it a full test because I was shooting with a couple of other people and I couldn't spend all of my time on it, but I plan to do so next week when I go to the range again, alone. The only complaint I have is that the action is stiff and the trigger is heavy.
DAL
 
617 was my first gun - 8 years ago.
i still have it and use it if time allows - no more training, it´s just for fun and sometimes competitions.

and yes, it is very heavy compared to other .22-guns. but it´s a fine gun and i won´t give it away ...

you really need to know what to do with it - carry or "only" shooting on the range.
 
I want to thank all you guys for the responses. Youve pretty much made my mind up for me that im going to get one. I have 2 686,s and love em both. Some people made remarks about the weight , well that doesnt bother me in the least. Since i started with my 686,s i love heavier models as they eat up recoil way better.
Chris W asked why a .22.
Well, i go out to my range which is outdoors twice a week and its summer time here in vegas and reloading in the garage when its 110 out isnt my idea of an enjoyable afternoon. Wayyyyyyyy too hot to be playing with brass and whatnot. lol
So i figured to get a nice .22 so i could still go out and punch holes and shoot steel and whanot and not have to worry about reloading 38,s and 357,s.
I have a ruger mark2 and its a great gun and all but i am a die hard revolver fan so i figured why not a .22 also.

Anyway, once again , thanks for all of your honesty and your opinions.
I will put up a range report after i get it.
 
Weight

Actually, if one can believe the S&W catalog there isn't that much difference in weight. The 4" 10 shot 617 is listed at 41 oz. and the 686 plus 4" 7 shot at 38.5 oz and the 6 shot one at 40 oz. As I recall, the old 4" Model 18 weighs 36 oz. or so.
 
Hey, "Squid", good to see you over here! Welcome! As far as the 617, don't currently own one...HAD one of the six-shot 617's a while ago...shootin' buddy HAD to have it, and was willing to pay MORE than I had in it, so...still have a coupla' 17's...the 617's blued brothers...and they're both KEEPERS...the newer, full-lugged version will outshoot all but ONE of my MKII's...yeah, I own some autopistols...even some Rugers!!!....mikey357
 
Tony--

The reason you give for wanting a .22 is perfect! This gun will make you very happy. You can stroke away in double action, strenthening your trigger finger and grip and practicing form, without wincing at every shot over either recoil OR the heat of your reloading bench! (or in my case, the "Cha-ching" of the cash register--ouch!). You'll take delight in it, I'm sure.

CW
 
I bought a Smith & Wesson model 617 ten-shooter with an 8.375-inch barrel several years ago, and sent it to Magnaport for refinishing, jewelling the hammer, and crowning the barrel. The barrel is a bit heavy for my arthritic wrist, so I had a local gunsmith put on a six-inch barrel. He tried, but failed to match the finish, and somehow ruined the gun's accuracy, which was pretty good. I'm planning to send it to Cylinder & Slide to have the original barrel put back on, shortened to about five inches, and recrowned--and I'll be surprised if it doesn't revert to being a pretty good shooter. It's not a match pistol, but is definitely a fine plinker.
 
Mickey,
Thanks, both of our 617's are 6" models, but I am partial to the 10 shot after getting it back from the custom shop. I wanted the K-frame for it's size and weight. I have two Ruger Single Sixes and am happy with them, but they do not get shot much anymore. I've also got a couple of snubbies -- S&W 63 & Taurus 94. The only other rimfire I have that will give the 617 a run in the accuracy department is my Ruger MKII Competition Target model.

I am a big fan of rimfire guns. If I were to have to give up all of my guns, but one I would have to keep this 10 shot 617. It is really a keeper.
Regards,
Rich
 
Had a 10 shot 6" 617.
It sucked pretty bad. Light hammer strikes caused misfires and a rough bore caused keyholes. Traded it on a new Smith Model 66 that sucked just as bad. Same rough bore. Come to think of it, my Smith model 22s and all three barrels suffer from a rough bore that causes keyholes. Must be the new improved Smith way of making things.
Oh well, 617 is gone and I only lost $90.00 on it.
I have 2 Model 17's now and they are 10 times the gun my 617 was.

Glad others were more fortunate than I was.
 
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