Hmm, Single Six or S&W 617 4" stainless 10-shooter?

[MacTech]

First off, I like both guns, I've always wanted a Single Six, now I own one, a 1975 vintage 6" barreled New Model stainless gun in 96% of new condition, both the Magnum and LR cylinders are fluted, great gun

Tonight at the toy store, I spied a S&W 617 stainless 10-shooter, 4" barrel, rubber S&W grips, approx 94% of new, sort of a brushed stainless finish, not polished, sharp rifling, shiny chamfered holes on the cylinder, lockup is tight, no end shake, minimal side-shake (within spec even when compared against a new model), comes with the case and accesories, they're asking about $550, it's on 7 day hold for me to think about my options

the SA trigger pull on the S&W is gorgeous, light, crisp, breaks like a glass rod, DA is smooth but a tad heavy, probably around 6 LB, points naturally, and I like the swing-out cylinder for easy unload/reloading, the only things I'm slightly hesitant on is that first off, it's a safety-lock model, and I don't like the lock, and second, I've sort of heard in passing that S&W revolvers aren't as "overbuilt" and rugged as a Ruger single-action, I'm sure this isn't an issue with the .22 LR though, thirdly, how much accuracy does the 4" model lose when compared to a 6" S&W 617?

In order for me to get the S&W, a model I have always loved since one of the guys at the range let me shoot his, I'd have to trade in my Ruger to get the price below my self-induced spending cap

Things I like about the Ruger;
Single action design is incredibly simple, robust, and reliable
points naturally
long barrel
shoots S, L, LR, and WMR with the WMR cylinder
cheap practice that translates over perfectly to my Ruger NMBH .45 Convertible, same sighting, same action, same trigger pull, same load/unload
Pre-Warning barrel is only stamped with Ruger's Conneticut address, no stupid warning crap on it anywhere

Things I don't like about the Ruger;
slower to reload than a DA revolver (minor annoyance, really)
only six shots
barrel is bored for the WMR bullet so there is a slight theoretical accuracy drop

Aside from playing around, I don't see myself using the WMR cylinder much, if at all, so the LR cylinder is going to stay fitted 98% of the time anyway....

Things I like about the S&W
SA/DA
Great trigger feel in both SA and DA
10 shots
easy loading/unloading
if it's anything like the 617 I shot at the range, it should be incredibly accurate, that gun allowed me to shoot a 10 shot one-holer with the first cylinder I shot through it

Things I don't like about the S&W
locking system (I hate nannyware and other lawyer-proofing crap)
more expensive, and I'd have to trade at least one, maybe even two guns to get the price down as much as possible

So, basically, does the Ruger have any advantage (other than the WMR cylinder, and the fact I already own it right now) over the S&W, how reliable are the S&W 617 series anyway?

 

[mdauben]

I've sort of heard in passing that S&W revolvers aren't as "overbuilt" and rugged as a Ruger single-action

I think the only gun this is an actual issue with is the S&W 629 (44mag) revolver, which can handle most factory .44mag ammo just fine, but can't handle a stead diet of heavy handloads or some of the heavy loads from specialty ammo makers like Buffalo Bore. In any other caliber, S&W can handle anything you are likely to throw at it for as long as any gun.

more expensive, and I'd have to trade at least one, maybe even two guns to get the price down as much as possible

If you had the cash to buy it straight up, I would say go for it. Both the 617 and Single-Six are great guns and I myself have a 617 already and plan on getting a Single-Ten soon. On the other hand, if the new gun is a bit of a financial streatch, I don't really see any need to have both guns unless you really just feel you have to have them.

 

[Kernel]

I’ve owned both, but traded the 617 (and regret it to this day). Both are great guns. I'd say, for you, get the Single-Six. You already have a centerfire Blackhawk. Same manual-of-arms, and similar action .22's make great practice guns. Plus, don't undersell the usefulness of the .22 mag cylinder. You probably will only use it 2% of the time, but if, some day, you need (or have a use for) some extra power, but the .45 is too much, it can be real nice to have.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Normally I would council against trading anything for a lock-model S&W. But let me say, of the firearms I've traded away, the ones I don't miss are Rugers. So...

As far as durability, the S&W 617 is a K-frame, it's the same size they built .38s and .357s on. So that's a non-issue in my mind. The K will hold up to all of the .22LR you care to buy and feed it.

Accuracy? There is no mechanical accuracy difference between a 6" and a 4" barrel. It's all a matter of the shooter's ability; longer barrels are easier to use. Again, I prefer the 4" because it's shorter, marginally lighter and I like the way it handles better.

Let me end with this: I had a Ruger Single-Six and then picked up a S&W M-18 (4" .22LR K-frame, blued). After a few months I realized I didn't care if the Ruger ever went to the range anymore. Now I don't have a Single-Six anymore and can't be talked out of the M-18.

 

[MacTech]

ATM, the pendulum is swinging back towards "don't trade the SS, save up for a 617 instead", here's my rationale so far;

the 617 is a safety-lock model and I hate the lock, I'd much rather prefer the pre-lock model
since it's a lock model, it's fairly common, expensive, but easy to find, relatively speaking

This SS is a pre-warning model, they are a bit harder to find in my area, most SS's have the stupid "Danger Will Robinson" stamped on the barrel
This SS has the rare and desirable factory fluted .22WMR cylinder
This SS has nice wood grips on it, the 617 has those boring rubber grips
This SS has a 6" barrel, I prefer longer barrels on my range-toys
The SS has the ability to fire S, L, LR and WMR
The SS has the same manual-of-arms as my NMBH .45 Convertible

and finally, let's be honest here, either one of them will be nothing more than a range toy, punchin' paper, popping steel cans, kinetic targets, spinners and the like, either revolver would be fine for this purpose, and the WMR cylinder would be more fun for popping cans of whipped cream, shaving cream, or other pressurized non-flammable targets

the RSS would be harder to replace than the 617, so I'll hold on to the RSS, save up for a pre-lock 6" 617, which is the 617 I *REALLY* want

 

[Stainz]

I once owned nothing but Rugers... then I 'discovered' S&W. I had .22 LR - .454... I have fewer now - but they are all S&W. One thing that SS will never do is go bang in DA... I like DA! I couldn't wait to say goodbye to my SS - including it's .22 WMR cylinder. I miss one Ruger trade - a #1H in .458 Lott... it was neat having an elephant gun! I've sold two blued 24's and a 3" 65 - I still miss the 65; not so much the blued 24's. I've never bought a 'bad' S&W - and most of mine have the IL, including my 24/7 pocketed 642. I have regretted many Ruger purchases.

Buy the 617 - sell the SS. You'll thank those of us who suggested the 617!

Stainz

 

[jhudock]

Things I don't like about the Ruger;
slower to reload than a DA revolver (minor annoyance, really)
only six shots
barrel is bored for the WMR bullet so there is a slight theoretical accuracy drop

You can get a single-ten instead of single-six, which is basically the same gun with ten rounds.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/77287

 

[Loosedhorse]

I had my Single Six .17 at the range Sunday. What a horrid trigger. Got good groups but it took a lot of effort. Need to fix that.

My Smith 17 (10-shot) is a dream.

 

[woad_yurt]

So, basically, does the Ruger have any advantage (other than the WMR cylinder, and the fact I already own it right now) over the S&W....?

I think it has a distinct disadvantage in that it's single action. Aint nothin' like double-action shooting a nice S&W.

Ever thought of a good, ol' Model 18? 617s are kinda heavy for my tastes. You can shoot the 18 all day for pennies and, as a bonus, you'll find yourself right at home on just about any other 4" K-frame you come across.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Ever thought of a good, ol' Model 18? 617s are kinda heavy for my tastes. You can shoot the 18 all day for pennies and, as a bonus, you'll find yourself right at home on just about any other 4" K-frame you come across.

MacTech might like this:



Paired with this:



Still need a 4" M-15 and a pencil-barrel Model 10 for the collection. Oh, and a 4" N-frame .357, because I learned to shoot revolvers on grampy's Highway Patrolman. And a 4" M-29. And a...

 

[MacTech]

I went back to the toy store tonight with my RSS, to get a trade-in value, they would have given me back what I paid minus a $20 restocking fee ($350 total back), but when I compared the RSS side-by-side against the 617, somehow, I was simply drawn to the RSS, I hefted both of them, and the Ruger just felt....better in my hand

also, it looked like the previous owner of the 617 had gone a little crazy with a Scotchbrite scrubby pad, aside from the cylinder, everything else had a scuffed up look to it, under the better light of the trades counter, the 617 just didn't look as good as my RSS, which although it wasn't spotless, overall looked cleaner than the 617

it also turned out the 617 was a current model 617-6, nothing special, common, and still in production, not rare, and certainly not a pre-lock model (which is what I'd prefer anyway)

the 617 I want is a pre-lock 6" with full underlug, this was a lock-equipped 4" full underlug....

heck, even the trades counter people said that I should keep the RSS and not trade it, partially due to the pre-warning barrel, and partially due to the fluted WMR cylinder

I'll eventually end up with a 617 at some point, but I'm not trading the RSS to get it, decision made

 

[BYJO4]

You obviously like the Ruger so you are wise to keep it. The 617 is a fantistic 22 and very accurate. I also prefer the looks of prelock Smiths and only own those models. Prelock 617s continue to go up in price so save up your money as quickly as you can. While I have both the 4" and 6", my favorite is the 6". However, the 4" is more costly. Follow Gunbroker for one to come along at a reasonable price.

 

[BCRider]

Given what you said about the RSS I'd say that you'd need to be nutz to sell it back.

I've got both an older SS 3 screw that I got for super cheap (lucky me ) and a S&W 17 that I got for going rate but in pristine condition. Neither is going anywhere. And each is different enough in their own way that they do not overlap at all when shot alternately at range sessions.

So be patient instead of like that little boy on Christmas morning that is going crazy waiting for his parents to wake up and get moving.... Keep the RSS you have as it's a keeper from the sounds of it. Save up and begin the hunt for a prelock 617. Or if you come across a blued 17 in nice shape a guy really could do a lot worse..... Above all be patient in this search and the right gun will find you. Often when you least expect it if my own experience is any guide.

 

[robctwo]

I have both. I'm shooting the 4" 617 most of the time. I put a red dot on it. I almost never shoot the Ruger. Takes too long to load and unload. Got some of the speed loaders with the loading blocks. Perfect.

Hold the 4" and the 6" before you buy. The 6" is pretty nose heavy for the increase in sight picture, both have the partridge sight. The Burris FastFire is awesome.





Ahrends retro combat grips are very nice as well.

 

[Stainz]

Enjoy your SS.

When you get a hankering for a DA revolver, consider the current production 4" 617 tenshooter - and a DS-10 Speedloader and baseplate - they will permit pretty rapid disposal of those .22 LR rounds...



Stainz