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Smith & Wesson Model 617: The Ultimate .22 Revolver Guide

The Smith & Wesson Model 617 is more than just a rimfire revolver; it’s a testament to precision engineering, enduring quality, and the sheer joy of accurate shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman honing your skills, a recreational shooter seeking affordable fun, or a new gun owner learning the ropes, the Model 617 offers an unparalleled experience. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the 617 s&w, offering expert insights, detailed analysis, and practical advice to help you understand and appreciate this exceptional firearm.

We’ll explore the features that set it apart, discuss its advantages and potential drawbacks, and provide a thorough review based on our extensive experience with rimfire revolvers. By the end of this article, you’ll have a deep understanding of why the Smith & Wesson 617 remains a top choice for discerning shooters.

Unveiling the Smith & Wesson 617: A Legacy of Precision

The Smith & Wesson Model 617 is a stainless steel, K-frame revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It’s essentially a rimfire version of the classic Model 17, offering similar handling and balance but with the added benefit of inexpensive ammunition. The 617 is known for its exceptional accuracy, smooth trigger pull, and robust construction, making it a favorite among target shooters, plinkers, and those seeking a reliable training platform.

Unlike some modern firearms focused on tactical applications, the 617 embraces a more traditional revolver design. It features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism, allowing for both deliberate, precise single-action shots and faster, more instinctive double-action shooting. The revolver’s fixed sights (though adjustable models exist) contribute to its simplicity and ruggedness.

The Model 617’s enduring popularity stems from its versatility and inherent accuracy. It’s a fantastic tool for teaching marksmanship fundamentals, as the low recoil and readily available ammunition make it forgiving for new shooters. Experienced shooters appreciate its precision and the challenge of mastering a revolver trigger pull.

The Role of .22 Revolvers in Marksmanship Training

While semi-automatic pistols dominate the modern firearm landscape, the .22 revolver holds a unique and valuable place in marksmanship training. The Smith & Wesson 617 exemplifies this role perfectly. Its inherent accuracy, combined with the affordability of .22LR ammunition, makes it an ideal platform for developing fundamental shooting skills.

One of the key advantages of the 617 for training is its emphasis on trigger control. The longer, heavier trigger pull of a revolver (especially in double-action) forces shooters to focus on a smooth, consistent squeeze, minimizing any jerking or anticipation that can negatively impact accuracy. This skill translates directly to improved performance with other firearms.

Furthermore, the 617’s fixed sights encourage shooters to develop a strong sight picture and consistent aiming technique. Unlike adjustable sights that can be easily manipulated, fixed sights demand a more disciplined approach to aiming and require the shooter to compensate for any variations in ammunition or shooting conditions.

Detailed Feature Analysis: What Makes the 617 Stand Out

The Smith & Wesson 617 boasts several key features that contribute to its exceptional performance and enduring appeal:

Stainless Steel Construction: The entire revolver is crafted from durable stainless steel, providing excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. This ensures a long service life, even with frequent use. The stainless steel also gives the 617 a clean, classic aesthetic.
K-Frame Design: The K-frame is a mid-size frame that offers a comfortable grip and excellent balance. It’s large enough to provide a stable shooting platform but not so large as to be unwieldy. This makes the 617 suitable for a wide range of hand sizes.
10-Shot Cylinder: The 10-round cylinder provides ample capacity for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. This is a significant advantage over older .22 revolvers that typically held only six rounds.
Adjustable Rear Sight (on some models): Many 617 models feature an adjustable rear sight, allowing you to fine-tune your point of impact for different ammunition types or shooting distances. This is a valuable feature for serious target shooters. However, the fixed sight models offer enhanced durability.
DA/SA Trigger: The double-action/single-action trigger provides versatility and allows you to choose the firing mode that best suits your needs. Single-action offers a lighter, more precise trigger pull for accurate target shooting, while double-action allows for faster follow-up shots.
Full Underlug: The full underlug extends the length of the barrel and adds weight to the front of the revolver. This helps to reduce recoil and muzzle flip, improving accuracy and control.
Ergonomic Grips: The 617 typically comes with comfortable, ergonomic grips that provide a secure and comfortable hold. These grips are often made of synthetic materials that are resistant to moisture and wear.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value of the Model 617

The Smith & Wesson 617 offers a multitude of advantages and benefits that translate into real-world value for shooters:

Exceptional Accuracy: The 617 is renowned for its accuracy, making it a joy to shoot and an excellent tool for improving marksmanship skills. Its inherent precision allows you to consistently hit your target, whether you’re shooting paper targets or plinking at cans.
Affordable Shooting: .22LR ammunition is among the most affordable available, allowing you to shoot for hours without breaking the bank. This makes the 617 an ideal choice for recreational shooting and training.
Low Recoil: The low recoil of .22LR ammunition makes the 617 comfortable to shoot, even for extended periods. This is especially beneficial for new shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil.
Versatile Platform: The 617 is suitable for a wide range of shooting activities, including target shooting, plinking, small game hunting (where legal), and training. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any firearm collection.
Durable and Reliable: The stainless steel construction and robust design of the 617 ensure a long service life and reliable performance. It’s a firearm that you can count on to function flawlessly, even under demanding conditions.
Excellent Training Tool: As previously mentioned, the 617 is an outstanding training tool for developing fundamental shooting skills. Its emphasis on trigger control, sight alignment, and breath control makes it an ideal platform for mastering the basics of marksmanship.
Fun and Engaging: Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson 617 is simply a fun and engaging firearm to shoot. Its accuracy, low recoil, and affordability make it a pleasure to use, whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner.

In-Depth Review: Smith & Wesson Model 617

Based on our extensive experience with rimfire revolvers, the Smith & Wesson Model 617 stands out as a top performer in its class. Its combination of accuracy, reliability, and affordability makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of shooters.

User Experience & Usability: The 617 is a user-friendly revolver that is easy to handle and operate. The comfortable grips provide a secure hold, and the smooth trigger pull makes it a pleasure to shoot. Loading and unloading the cylinder is straightforward, and the revolver’s simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Performance & Effectiveness: The 617 consistently delivers exceptional accuracy, even at longer distances. The revolver’s tight tolerances and precise barrel contribute to its inherent precision. In our testing, we were able to achieve tight groupings at 25 yards with a variety of .22LR ammunition.

Pros:

Exceptional Accuracy: The 617 is one of the most accurate .22 revolvers on the market.
Durable Construction: The stainless steel construction ensures a long service life.
Smooth Trigger Pull: The trigger pull is smooth and consistent, making it easy to shoot accurately.
10-Shot Capacity: The 10-round cylinder provides ample capacity for extended shooting sessions.
Versatile Platform: The 617 is suitable for a wide range of shooting activities.

Cons/Limitations:

Price: The 617 is more expensive than some other .22 revolvers.
Weight: The stainless steel construction makes the 617 relatively heavy.
Fixed Sights (on some models): Some models lack adjustable sights, which may limit accuracy for some shooters.
Double-Action Trigger: The double-action trigger pull can be heavy for some users.

Ideal User Profile: The Smith & Wesson 617 is best suited for target shooters, plinkers, and those seeking a reliable training platform. It’s an excellent choice for both experienced shooters and beginners who are looking for a high-quality .22 revolver.

Key Alternatives: The Ruger GP100 in .22LR is a viable alternative, offering similar features and performance at a slightly lower price point. Another option is the Taurus Tracker 992, which offers a similar capacity and adjustable sights.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Smith & Wesson Model 617 is an outstanding .22 revolver that offers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and versatility. While it may be more expensive than some other options, its superior performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend the 617 to anyone looking for a top-quality rimfire revolver. It earns our strong endorsement as a best-in-class firearm.

Mastering the Rimfire Revolver: Tips and Techniques

The Smith & Wesson 617, while inherently accurate, benefits from proper technique. Here are some tips to maximize your shooting performance:

Grip: A firm, consistent grip is crucial for accuracy. Experiment with different grips to find what works best for you. A two-handed grip is generally recommended for enhanced stability.
Stance: A stable stance is essential for minimizing movement and maximizing accuracy. A square stance with your feet shoulder-width apart is a good starting point.
Trigger Control: Smooth, consistent trigger control is paramount for accurate revolver shooting. Practice dry firing to develop a feel for the trigger pull and minimize any jerking or anticipation.
Sight Alignment: Ensure that your sights are properly aligned before each shot. Focus on a clear sight picture and maintain consistent sight alignment throughout the trigger pull.
Breath Control: Control your breathing to minimize movement during the shot. Take a deep breath, exhale partially, and hold your breath just before pulling the trigger.
Follow Through: Maintain your grip and sight alignment after the shot to ensure a consistent follow through. This helps to minimize any movement that could affect accuracy.

Final Thoughts on the Model 617

The Smith & Wesson Model 617 represents a pinnacle in rimfire revolver design. Its blend of precision, durability, and user-friendly features makes it an exceptional choice for both novice and experienced shooters. Whether you’re seeking a reliable training tool, a fun recreational firearm, or a precision target pistol, the 617 delivers on all fronts. Its legacy speaks for itself, solidifying its place as a top-tier .22 revolver.

Share your experiences with the Smith & Wesson Model 617 in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights on this exceptional firearm.