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- All Reviews -
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver Review
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Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver
If you can afford a
Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver
get
one. Its
solid, high quality, stainless steel, shoots 10 rounds of
22LR ammunition
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver Is A Beast
For a 22LR caliber handgun, the Model 617 is a heavy chunk of iron. It has a weight of 44.2 ounces and is made of stainless steel.
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| - See All Pictures of the Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver - | |||
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver For Self Defense
The bad thing about using a Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver for self defense is that it shoots 22LR ammunition which is touted a being too small and too weak to be used in defensive situations. The good about this gun is that it holds ten rounds that will shoot quickly and accurately and is heavy enough to steady shaky hands in a self defense situation.
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver & Little Old Ladies
One day I was shooting at the range when a guy shooting next to me comes over to my booth and asks me what I was shooting. I showed him my Smith & Wesson Model 617 10 shot revolver. From the looks of it he said he thought it was a .357 magnum and was surprised the it held 10 rounds. He called his mother over to look at it. His mother appeared to be a frail women in her sixties or seventies. She was looking to buy and gun and came to the range to try different guns to see which was best for her. I let her try both of my Walther P22 semi-automatic pistol and my Smith & Wesson Model 617 revolver. She liked the Smith & Wesson Model 617 revolver best and asked me how much it cost and where I bought it. I was a little surprised that she chose the revolver because it was so heavy and had a heavy trigger pull but I guess she liked it anyway. I told her it was fairly expensive and I purchased it online. I got the impression that she would have loved to take it home with her.
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver Is Not A Carry Gun
The Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver is not designed to be used a concealed carry gun. It is too big and too heavy and shoots only .22 caliber ammunition (not suitable for self defense). You would get tired real quickly carrying this big hunk of steel around all day long.
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver - Personal Experience
I have had my Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver for a little over two years and have put over 17,000 round thought it with no real problems (except once as noted below). This gun will shoot practically any brand of 22lr ammunition and will shoot it all day long without problems. The revolver is extremely accurate and the grip feels good in your hand.
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver Problems
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Occasionally after shooting about 500 rounds through it the trigger may start to feel gritty and need to be sprayed with a cleaner/lubricant.
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Only once in the over 17,000 rounds that I shot through it did I have a FTF (fail to fire) problem. Simple tightening of the screw on the bottom of the grip solved the problem.
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After several hundred rounds the cylinder chambers may become dirty and the spent casings may become hard to eject.
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The sights on my gun are black and hard to see with my poor eyesight. Since I am mostly a point shooter this is not a problem for me, but if I used my sights I would probably replace them with sights most suitable to my vision.
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The trigger action when used in single action shooting requires only a light touch. When shooting double action the trigger is not as smooth as other guns that I have shot.
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The Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver is not the quickest gun to clean. Because it has 10 cylinders and one barrel the gun takes a while to clean. That's just a fact of life with all ten shot revolvers.
Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver Specifications
The medium frame Smith & Wesson Model 617, chambered for .22 LR, is perfect for target competition and combines a stainless steel frame with a full lug barrel to deliver the best featured revolver in history.
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Type:
Action Single / Double Caliber: 22 LR Barrel Length: 6 " Capacity: 10 rd Safety: No Manual |
Grips:
Synthetic Sights: Partridge (Front); Adj. (Rear) Weight: 44.2 oz Finish: Satin Stainless |
Other Smith & Wesson Model 617 Revolver Reviews
Some of the reviewers at Budsgunshop said:
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"Cheap way to get a lot of shooting in!"
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"Without a doubt it is quality. Extremely accurate. Very smooth. Love the grip, very comfortable, I would recommend this .22 revolver to anyone looking for some shooting fun."
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"With out a doubt the best 22lr revolver you can buy. It doesn't matter what ammo you put through this thing, it will eat it all."
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"It is not cheap - you can get a good semi-automatic for about half the price, but if you enjoy wheelguns, this firearm is worth every penny. And since the frame is built to handle .357 magnums, it will last forever."
Feedback Messages
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Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver Accuracy
Message - April 8, 2012
I enjoyed your review & have some questions. Firstly, I am in my late
50's & have been shooting all of my life and also have a 686 amongst
other items. I have an opportunity to purchase a brand NIB 617 6",
although no longer produced, 6 shot. How accurate (with your favorite
load) have you found your 10 shot to be shooting paper at 10 yards and
25 yards using a rest? Also, what have you found to be your favorite
loads? I have owned 5 model 41' s, having to sell 3 in 1996 because I
was seriously ill & had to move to New York City where is I was too sick
to go through the process of ownership. They were great & later I was
able to move back out of state. I purchased 1 41 which I had serious
problems with even though brand new & sold it as S&W couldn't fix it
after 2 tries! The same thing happened a second time & I swore I would
never buy another as they didn't compare to my first 3. Although I don't
expect the same accuracy how accurate is the 6" 617 ( I also prefer the
6 shot version which is not made any longer). Thanks in advance for your
advice. Sincerely, John
Response - John
I can't tell you how accurate the gun is using a rest because I never
use a rest and the limit of the indoor range that I go to is 50 feet.
I'm also not a good one to give advice about accuracy because I don't
have the steadiest of hands and my vision isn't the greatest. That's why
I mostly point shoot.
When I loan my gun to better "aimers" they all tell me it is very
accurate.
As far as favorite loads go, I usually go for the cheapest (especially
in a revolver). For 22LR, I mostly buy bulk Federal ammo and I try to
stay away from Winchester brand (for 22's only).
Sorry I couldn't give you better answers to your questions.
Best regards,
Tanner
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Buying A Used S&W Model 617 10 Shot Revolver
Message - November 23, 2011
Looking to get a used 617 revolver for target practice. I found 2- 6
inch for $525. each stainless steel pre-lock. Would these be a good buy?
Is there a big difference in the 4 inch verses the 6 inch regarding
accuracy. I am leaning towards the 6 inch because I have a 6 inch
stainless steel Security six and would be less expensive to shoot. I
love the 6 inch Ruger for accuracy and the looks of it. Looking forward
to hearing back. Where is the best place to locate a used one. I also
have read lots of negative about the new 10 shot being fussy with the
shells the shoot and getting stuck. Thanks Don
Response - Don,
I couldn't tell you if they would be a good buy. That would depend on
their age and condition. You would have to comparison shop to see if
that's a good price. I have never bought or researched used 617s before
so I can't tell you where a good place to buy them is.
Longer barrels tend to be more accurate. I doubt that there would be a
big difference though. I own a 4" and it's very accurate. I am perfectly
happy with it although I wouldn't mind a 6 inch.
If you don't want stuck shells in you chamber you will have to keep it
clean no matter which model you get. My 617 is about three years old and
has the stuck shell problem only when it gets dirty. No problem when
it's clean. Good luck, Tanner
Follow-up Message
Is your 617 a 6 shot? May I ask why did you do a 4 inch instead of a 6
inch. Stupid question perhaps but curious only. Happy thanksgiving.
Don
Response - Don,
My 617 is a 10 shot. I don’t remember why I chose the 4 inch instead of
the 6 inch barrel. Maybe I just liked the looks a little bit better or
it may have been a little cheaper. A good thing about the 617s is that
they seem to hold their value. I just saw one that sold at Buds Online
Gun Shop that sold for $589 (6 inch). Tanner
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Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver Problem?
Message - November 7, 2011
Always thought S&W was the BEST in handguns. BUT, I
couldn't be more DISSAPOINTED in my 10-shot model 617!! Bought at gun
show--appeared to be in "like new" condition and confirmed with my
gunsmith. First time at range began "flinging" bullets, resulting in
keyholing on target. Returned to S&W with note that barrel appeard to
have rough area inside--i.e. a "bad casting". Got back from Smith with
note that Forcing Cone was polished.
After 5o or 60 rounds at the range--same story--began to keyhole. Again
sent to S&W, repeating suspicion that barrel was bad. Actually had a
service technician say there was a period of time/sequence of serial
number production guns that DID have "bad barrels". Also it was
suggested to avoid Rem Thunderbolts because they were "too soft".
Received gun from Smith--this time with note that BOTH the barrel and
cylinder were replaced. Thinking this was the best possible news,
recently went back to the range--this time with Winchester 22's. After
about 60 rounds--same damn thing!! Has anyone else experienced this
problem? Does anyone have an idea about what's causing this falure??
It's as if the barrel gradually becomes obstructed to a point of
deforming the bullet, causing it to tumble in flight. Is that possible?
Gary
Response - Gary
I have never had any problems with my Smith & Wesson 617 nor had I heard
of anyone else having similar problems.
From what you say it can't be the barrel of the gun since you now have a
new barrel and cylinder.
These are the suggestions that I can think of. Sorry, if some seem too
obvious.
1. Find another S&M 617 and do a one-to-one shooting comparison with it
or rent one at the range, if available.
2. Change your target type. Maybe the target that you use (paper, paper
plate, cardboard?) leaves an "undefined" hole that gives the appearance
of
keyholing. Try different target materials (possible a more dense
cardboard) to see if there is a difference.
3. Let someone else shoot it and see if they have the same results.
4. Let other experienced shooters shoot the gun and evaluate it for
themselves.
5. Clean and lubricate your gun with a different lubricant.
6. Try more and different ammunition types. Try some of the more
expensive stuff to see if they perform the same.
Also, at the end of your comment you say "gradually becomes obstructed".
Does this mean that with a clean gun it shoots OK? If that's the case
then I would look more towards the ammo and the cleaning methods used
instead of the mechanical soundness of the gun.
Good luck.
Tanner
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Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver Cylinder Jams When Dirty
Message - September 2, 2011
Just bought a S@W model 617 22lr 10 shot w/4inch
barrel for my wife. Shot about 500 rds through it and the spent shells
started to jam in the cylinder. Is it the type of ammo or is it just
dirty?
James
Response - James,
The same thing happens to me all the time. It's just dirty.
I start off shooting with a clean gun. All spent cases eject fine at
first with very little effort.
After a few hundred rounds, ejecting the cases gets progressively harder
to the point to where I have to use a cloth between my thumb and the
ejector to make pushing on the ejector easier. Sometimes it gets pretty
tough.
When it gets too hard I run a
bore snake through each of the cylinders. That helps me get through
the shooting session until I can do a good job and clean the gun at
home.
I have tried different types of ammo through the 617 and they all do the
same thing when it comes to "dirtying up" the chambers, but I buy the
cheapest ammo I can get in bulk. I don't know if the expensive stuff
will make any difference and keep the chambers cleaner, longer.
If you don't already have one I would recommend getting a bore snake.
They are not a cure, but they do help.
Best regards,
Tanner
Follow-Up - I do have a bore snake and I will try that.
What do you think about shooting CCI 22lr Stingers through the model
617? Do you think they would be better?
James
Response - James
I don't know if the Stingers will shoot any cleaner.
If I had to guess, I would say yes. They are sure more expensive than
the 22lr rounds that I normally buy (Federal, Remington and Winchester)
and may burn cleaner.
The few Stingers that I do have I save for my semi-automatic pistols
(better performance).
If you can afford to shoot lots of those each session, it may be worth a
try.
The last box of Remington that I shot through my 617 was so dirty that
often when I ejected the spent cases I would see the residue of unburned
gunpowder or crud come out with the cases. It was plainly visible on the
side and grip of the gun.
Another thought would be to do a quick run through with a bore brush
when it gets dirty. It might be faster and easier than the bore snake.
Tanner
Follow-Up - Went to the Range this
morning, shot 200rds of CCI 22lr Stingers with no ejection problem at
all. Yes they are more expensive, but they work great. Checked on
prices, WALMART has the best prices, but you have to buy them in bulk.
OH WELL, thanks for listening to me and for your advice.
James
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Smith & Wesson 617 Revolver Won't Shoot All Ammo
Message - July 27, 2011
I do agree that the 617 is a terrific gun, and have
personally put 10's of thousands of rounds through mine. With the
Speed Beez reloading blocks
"It doesn't matter what ammo you put through this thing, it will eat it
all."
This is just not true! It seems to really prefer plated ammo. For
example, after about 90-125 rounds of the Remington bulk gold painted
ammo, the gun just freezes up, the cylinder won't spin b/c it's just
soooo dirty (where as on my Ruger Mark 2's and 3's, that ammo is fine).
Note: I've also seen this complaint on lots of other forums as well.
Brad
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