What's the story with the current S&W 617s?

[P. Plainsman]

Thinking about a .22 DA revolver. Would like one that's accurate and has a decent DA trigger.

Even the 4" 617 seems pretty heavy for a K-frame .22. Are they comfortable in the hand? Is the trigger on the 6" six-shot model better than the one on the 10-shot models?

How about the little 317 trail gun?

 

[Catbird]

I just ordered a new S&W 617 thru my dealer. I specifically requested a 10-shot with a 4" barrel. For me, I thought the 6" barrel version would be just a tad heavy. I believe that the only way to substantially improve the DA trigger pull is with the replacement of the stock hammer spring and trigger rebound spring with reduced power springs from www.gunsprings.com. The 617's SA triggers are often very nice "as is".

While the light weight of the 317 versions is a "plus", I hear that their triggers are heavy/rough/gritty. I don't know this as fact, but I don't think their accuracy potential is nearly as good at the 617. Moreover, the 317 with the 3" barrel comes with a fiberoptic front sight. From my personal experience, I have found that (some) light pipes can be fairly fragile.

 

[Majic]

Even the 4" 617 seems pretty heavy for a K-frame .22. Are they comfortable in the hand?

Only way to know is to handle one yourself. Don't assume that a small caliber has to be in a small handgun.

 

[Shrinkmd]

I love mine

I'm very happy with mine, although cleaning 10 cylinders is a pain in the butt, especially since they're small ones packed together in the cylinder. I haven't played with a 6, so I can't compare. There was a post about this over on rimfire.com and someone who owns both took them out of the safe and said he couldn't tell the difference.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

The 4 inch 617 6 shooter is very comfortable with the right grips.
It's no lightweight.
If you're looking for a gun that is a great shooter and want the feel of a real gun, a 617 is perfect.
If you need a lightweight, look elsewhere.
Just my 2 pesos.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[juneau803]

I just got my wife a used 617 6", swapped the grips for some hogues and first time at the range she was driving tacks with it. (and not with the butt) DA was very smooth and SA was nice and light, good for target.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've got a ten-shooter with the 8.375-inch barrel. It's a great plinker. It's nowhere near the equal of my 1951 K-22.