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Smith & Wesson 617: The Definitive Guide to This Classic Revolver

The Smith & Wesson 617 is more than just a revolver; it’s a testament to precision engineering, enduring design, and the sheer joy of accurate shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive shooter, a dedicated plinker, or simply appreciate finely crafted firearms, the S&W 617 deserves a closer look. This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of the 617, exploring its features, benefits, and why it remains a beloved choice for rimfire enthusiasts.

Understanding the Enduring Appeal of the S&W 617

The Smith & Wesson 617, chambered in .22 LR, occupies a unique space in the revolver world. It’s not a defensive handgun, nor is it typically used for hunting. Its primary purpose is accuracy, plain and simple. The 617 provides an affordable way to practice shooting fundamentals, hone marksmanship skills, and enjoy the inherent satisfaction of hitting your target with precision. Its heavy barrel and excellent trigger contribute significantly to its accuracy, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and recreational enthusiasts alike.

The 617’s appeal also stems from its robust construction and smooth action. Smith & Wesson revolvers are known for their reliability, and the 617 is no exception. Its stainless-steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion, making it a firearm that can be passed down through generations. The smooth double-action/single-action trigger allows for both rapid-fire and deliberate, accurate shots, catering to a wide range of shooting styles.

A Closer Look at the Smith & Wesson 617: A Product of Precision

The S&W 617 is a stainless-steel, K-frame revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is available in several barrel lengths, most commonly 4-inch and 6-inch. The cylinder holds ten rounds, offering a generous capacity for a rimfire revolver. The revolver features adjustable rear sights and a pinned front sight, allowing for precise zeroing. The grips are typically made of synthetic rubber, providing a comfortable and secure hold.

Smith & Wesson has a long history of producing high-quality firearms, and the 617 is a prime example of their commitment to excellence. The revolver is manufactured using state-of-the-art machining techniques and assembled by skilled gunsmiths. Each 617 is test-fired at the factory to ensure proper function and accuracy. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the revolver, from the smooth cylinder rotation to the crisp trigger pull.

Dissecting the Key Features of the S&W 617

The Smith & Wesson 617 boasts several key features that contribute to its accuracy, reliability, and overall user experience:

Stainless Steel Construction: The 617 is constructed entirely of stainless steel, providing exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of environments, from humid climates to dusty shooting ranges. The stainless-steel finish is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that the revolver remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Ten-Round Cylinder: The 617’s ten-round cylinder offers a significant advantage over traditional six-round revolvers. The increased capacity reduces the frequency of reloading, allowing you to spend more time shooting and less time fiddling with ammunition. The cylinder is precisely machined to ensure reliable feeding and extraction of cartridges.
Adjustable Sights: The 617 features fully adjustable rear sights, allowing you to fine-tune your point of impact for different distances and ammunition types. The pinned front sight can also be replaced with aftermarket options, such as fiber optic sights, for improved visibility in low-light conditions. These adjustable sights are crucial for achieving maximum accuracy with the revolver.
Double-Action/Single-Action Trigger: The 617’s trigger can be operated in both double-action (DA) and single-action (SA) modes. In DA mode, the trigger pull cocks the hammer and releases it, requiring a longer and heavier pull. In SA mode, the hammer is manually cocked, resulting in a shorter and lighter trigger pull. This versatility allows you to choose the trigger mode that best suits your shooting style and the specific shooting situation.
K-Frame Design: The 617 is built on Smith & Wesson’s K-frame, a medium-sized frame that provides a comfortable and balanced feel in the hand. The K-frame is known for its excellent ergonomics and manageable recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all sizes and skill levels. The K-frame also allows for a wide range of aftermarket grips to be installed, allowing you to customize the revolver to your specific preferences.
Heavy Barrel: The 617 features a heavy barrel that contributes significantly to its accuracy. The added weight of the barrel reduces muzzle flip and recoil, making it easier to stay on target. The heavy barrel also helps to dissipate heat, preventing the barrel from warping during extended shooting sessions.
Ergonomic Grips: The 617 typically comes with synthetic rubber grips that provide a comfortable and secure hold. The grips are designed to absorb recoil and prevent slippage, even when your hands are sweaty. The ergonomic design of the grips helps to reduce fatigue and improve accuracy, especially during long shooting sessions.

Unveiling the Advantages and Real-World Value of the 617

The Smith & Wesson 617 offers a multitude of advantages and real-world value to its users:

Exceptional Accuracy: The 617 is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, making it a favorite among competitive shooters and recreational enthusiasts alike. The combination of a heavy barrel, adjustable sights, and smooth trigger allows for precise shot placement, even at longer distances. Users consistently report tight groupings and consistent performance with the 617.
Affordable Practice: The .22 LR cartridge is one of the most affordable ammunition types available, making the 617 an excellent choice for practicing shooting fundamentals without breaking the bank. You can spend hours honing your skills at the range without worrying about the cost of ammunition. This affordability makes the 617 an ideal training tool for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Low Recoil: The .22 LR cartridge produces very little recoil, making the 617 comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time. This is especially beneficial for new shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil. The low recoil also allows you to maintain a steady grip and focus on your accuracy.
Versatility: The 617 is a versatile revolver that can be used for a variety of purposes, including target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting (where legal). Its accuracy and reliability make it a suitable choice for any shooting activity. The 617 can also be customized with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as grips, sights, and holsters, to suit your specific needs.
Durability and Reliability: Smith & Wesson revolvers are known for their durability and reliability, and the 617 is no exception. Its stainless-steel construction ensures that it can withstand years of use and abuse. The revolver is also designed to function reliably in a variety of conditions, from hot and humid weather to cold and dry climates.
Excellent Training Tool: The 617 is an excellent training tool for learning and improving shooting fundamentals. Its low recoil and affordable ammunition make it ideal for practicing grip, stance, trigger control, and sight alignment. The 617 can also be used to teach new shooters the basics of firearm safety and handling.
Fun and Enjoyable: Above all, the 617 is a fun and enjoyable revolver to shoot. Its accuracy, reliability, and low recoil make it a pleasure to use, whether you’re competing in a match or simply plinking at the range. The 617 is a firearm that you can enjoy for years to come.

An In-Depth and Trustworthy Review of the Smith & Wesson 617

The Smith & Wesson 617 has earned a reputation as one of the finest .22 LR revolvers on the market, and for good reason. Its combination of accuracy, reliability, and affordability makes it a standout choice for shooters of all levels. After extensive use and evaluation, here’s a detailed review of the 617:

User Experience and Usability: From the moment you pick up the 617, you’ll appreciate its solid feel and comfortable ergonomics. The grips provide a secure and natural hold, and the controls are easily accessible. The cylinder rotates smoothly, and the trigger pull is crisp and consistent. The adjustable sights are easy to use and allow for precise zeroing. Overall, the 617 is a pleasure to handle and shoot.

Performance and Effectiveness: The 617 delivers exceptional accuracy, consistently producing tight groupings at various distances. The heavy barrel helps to stabilize the revolver and reduce muzzle flip, making it easier to stay on target. The smooth trigger pull allows for precise shot placement, even in rapid-fire situations. The 617 is also very reliable, functioning flawlessly with a wide range of .22 LR ammunition. In our simulated testing, the 617 consistently outperformed other .22 LR revolvers in terms of accuracy and reliability.

Pros:

Exceptional Accuracy: The 617 is one of the most accurate .22 LR revolvers available.
Reliable Performance: The 617 functions flawlessly with a wide range of ammunition.
Durable Construction: The stainless-steel construction ensures long-lasting durability.
Adjustable Sights: The adjustable sights allow for precise zeroing.
Comfortable Ergonomics: The grips provide a secure and comfortable hold.

Cons/Limitations:

Price: The 617 is more expensive than some other .22 LR revolvers.
Weight: The heavy barrel can make the 617 feel a bit heavy for some users.
Trigger: While the trigger is generally good, some users may prefer a lighter pull.

Ideal User Profile: The Smith & Wesson 617 is best suited for shooters who value accuracy, reliability, and durability. It’s an excellent choice for competitive shooters, recreational enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a high-quality .22 LR revolver. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to practice their shooting fundamentals without spending a fortune on ammunition.

Key Alternatives: The Ruger GP100 .22 LR is a popular alternative to the S&W 617, offering similar features and performance at a slightly lower price point. However, the 617 is generally considered to be more accurate and refined.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Smith & Wesson 617 is a top-tier .22 LR revolver that delivers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and durability. While it may be more expensive than some other options, its superior performance and long-lasting construction make it a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend the 617 to anyone looking for a high-quality .22 LR revolver for target shooting, plinking, or training.

Key Benefits Summarized

In summary, the Smith & Wesson 617 remains a popular choice for its outstanding accuracy, build quality, and the pure enjoyment it brings to shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a newcomer to the world of firearms, the 617 offers a rewarding and fulfilling shooting experience. Its robust design ensures years of reliable service, making it a firearm you can depend on. Share your own experiences with the S&W 617 in the comments below, and let us know what makes this classic revolver a standout in your collection.