Smith & Wesson Model 617 Reviews

by **beltbuckle** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:30 am

I bought one of these last night, the 4" barrel version. Something intrigued me about a 10 shot revolver so I ponied up the $600 for it. I have got to quit going to gun shops!

I haven't fired it yet, but I'll be sure to post when I do....

by **Kirby_haley1@yahoo.com** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 4:14 pm

Bought one of these years ago. It was "calling to me" and I'm sure you folks understand such a thing. Hung a Leupold 4X scope on it and it worked wonderfully. Love that single action trigger. Accurate even with me behind the trigger. The price had me flumoxed for a time but, in retrospect, it was a good move. I see what they're going for now. I eventually removed the scope and went back to iron sights. A little more handy that way. Anyhow, I like this gun. It worls good, does its job (when I do my part) and I'm very pleased overall. I have a Ruger P-11/45 and the trigger, while useable, is nowhere near as good as the one on this piece. Good luch to all.

klh

Post Falls, Id.

by **Stingrayg4** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 2:26 pm

I just picked up one of these guns used. Went out and put about 50 rounds through it as soon as I got home. I'm a huge fan of Smith & Wesson revolvers and this gun only made a bigger fan of me. There really is nothing I don't like about it. I highly recommended it to anyone who is looking for a quality .22 wheelgun.

by **gunnutz** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 3:15 pm

I've had my 617 several years and shot 2500 rounds with it so far, I love the gun. Traded in a kimber .45 that I couldn't get to run. Best trade I've ever made!

by **electricman4759** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 7:31 pm

When ever I go to the range my 13 year old daughter wants to go with me, this is the weapon she works with. Over the past 6 months she has gotten very good with it. We went to the range today and she was calling out were the bullet was going to be. I am very proud of her and her shooting. For the record she loves this gun.

by **neverenough** » Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:22 pm

Hey electricman4759....Good for her! I don't think you could have picked a better revolver for her than the 617.

I have been watching for one (4") several months now and so far no luck. My girlfriend gives me the "why do you want another gun?" pop quiz. I just mumble something like "ahh jeeeese." Do I say anything when she gets some more kitchen stuff?....

neverenough

by **electricman4759** » Thu Jul 08, 2010 8:34 pm

neverenough:

I agree with you, my wife can always find something to buy. But, when it comes to my guns that is all different. I might be able to buy a 617 because it will be for my daughter not for me. Sound good?

My daughter loves this gun and can really handle it. "That's my girl."

by **BudWoods** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 11:14 am

I have an older model w/ 6", all steel. It is a very accurate .22 [more accurate than about any .22 handgun out there - under $1000]. It actually prefers Federal Champion ammo. - It's always good when your .22 likes cheap ammo! CCI min-mags are a close second as are a number of others lincluding Eley, Nobel and Federal 'championship' stuff. I had an action job done on it and it ended up with the smoothest DA pul of any of my revolvers AND it never misfires - even using CCI ammo which tends to have slightly harder brass. It's a honey.

by **Tinmancr** » Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:52 pm

yeah my buddy has one fired about 100rds in it not bad.

from factory dbl action is mediocre single is usable.

the accuracy from his 6 is much lower than my 22/45 but what the hey. "from 5+ users"

and obviously nothing you can do with it without a gunsmith.

it is very heavy and bulky for a .22 but some like that, it has no magnum cylinder very disappointing esp with weight, also not easy to get speed loaders.

cylinder will goo up and jam after a few hundred rounds, so much for the old adage my 22/45 has NEVER jammed with several thousand rounds through it.

hey "weight is a sign of reliability if doesn't work you can always hit them with it".

if you love smiths and need a .22lr only go for it but you can get better guns for less money.

to recap they are not more accurate, powerful or reliable here endeth the lesson.

by **BILLYJAC** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 5:40 pm

I have a .22/45 and it is a good one,I still would like a wheel gun in .22. I had a Colt Diamondback in .22 once and loved it. In hard times had to sell it. This S&W is probably the closest to the Diamondback that I can get now.

Does any other maker have one close to the Diamondback?