Smith and Wesson 617 .22lr discussion and good experience at BigBoys

[Waltercat]

I have a 651 from the early 80's. Never an issue with sticky extraction but...after 40 rounds the gunk underneath the extractor builds and cylinder binds up. And must be cleaned thoroughly. Tried different
ammo but still happens. Guess this normal for rimfire?

 

[Georgie 1]

Well I finally got it paid off and out of jail! Just put 200rnds through it without a hiccup. My son likes shooting it too!

I’m super excited to finally have a NICE .22lr double action revolver.

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[ARG]

So I’ve recently decided I want a full size double action .22 revolver. Preferably 10 shot. My research led me to the conclusion that the Smith 617 is probably my preferred choice over the GP100 .22lr or the colt offerings. Not interested in Taurus, RIA, etc…

So I began the hunt. There was a 617 that sold recently on here with the speedbees speedloader package and man I would’ve loved to purchase that one! But either way calling around they seem to be somewhat hard to find. They can be ordered, but rarely are they in stock somewhere.

I walked into Big Boys, even after the associate on the phone told me they didn’t have one. Well, as I looked through the cases, sure enough there was a used 4” 617 for $729… I was in a rush that day so I put in on layaway real quick and left. Today I went back while I had some time and I did a thorough inspection on it. I checked timing/screw head condition/lock up/cylinder for signs of dry fire/forcing cone and crown inspection with a jewelers loupe, etc… from reading online it sounds like these 10 shots can be finicky, and I was unsure if I wanted to buy used or just go ahead and spend $250 more and order a new one.. Well during my inspection the guy revealed to me that on used guns they allow you to test them on the range.

So I paid the $15 to spend to spend some time with it on the range. I shot 100rnds of cheap .22 ammo through it and it functioned perfectly! Super accurate, excellent trigger, great feel in my hand, wow! Hands down my favorite.22lr revolver I’ve ever shot. I left it on layaway and I feel great about it now.

I didn’t think to take a picture of it while I was at the range. But I will post pictures when I get it out of jail after a paycheck or two.

Anyone else in here own a 617? What’s y’all’s experience been with them?

I have a 6 inch 617 in 6 shot probably 25 years old. Has the target hammer and target trigger. A real tack driver.

 

[1mathom1]

I have a 651 from the early 80's. Never an issue with sticky extraction but...after 40 rounds the gunk underneath the extractor builds and cylinder binds up. And must be cleaned thoroughly. Tried different
ammo but still happens. Guess this normal for rimfire?

Had the same issue with all of my Smith rimfires (63, 17, 48, 648). Nearly all rimfire ammo is dirty. Pretty much solved it by pointing the muzzle straight up when ejecting. The crap all falls to the ground and not under the extractor star.