SMITH & WESSON 617-6
Posted May 19, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 617-6 is an absolute joy to shoot. It's built to last and offers one of the best shooting experiences out there. The 617-6 is an incredibly reliable and well-made revolver chambered in .22LR caliber, making it a great choice for a recreational shooting as well as hunting small game.
The first thing that stands out about the Smith & Wesson 617-6 is the quality of the construction. Weighing in at a light 2.2 pounds, it feels solid and well-balanced when held in the hand. The overall look of the gun is sleek and the finish is smooth. The 617-6 features a matte black finish with even a small hint of stainless near the frame. It fits very comfortably in the hand, and the rubber grips gives the shooting experience even more of a slide.
When breaking open the cylinder, it feels very smooth and tight, and the ratchet clicks in place with ease. The 617-6 also features a full-length steel ejector rod for easy shell case removal. The 617-6 also comes with full adjustable sights, allowing the shooter to accurately and finely adjust the point of aim.
As the 617-6 is chambered in .22LR, the recoil is light and the gun also has a relatively low muzzle velocity when compared to other revolvers and handguns. This makes it much easier to control and shoot accurately compared to more powerful handguns. Overall, the 617-6 offers one of the smoothest and most accurate shooting experiences out there.
The 617-6 is extremely reliable as well. Smith & Wesson makes the 617-6 in-house and it is very well-maintained and tested thoroughly before it hits the market. As a result, the 617-6 almost never has any mechanical problems, which is a huge plus. It can also take a wide variety of ammunition without any major issues, which makes it even more desirable.
The 617-6 is also incredibly accurate, even at longer distances. It can accurately land shots even at 25 yards with ease, which is very impressive for a pistol-caliber revolver. I have shot multiple targets with the 617-6 far away and have had no issues at all landing very tight groupings.
The only real downside to the 617-6 is that its capacity is a bit limited. With only six rounds in the cylinder, it is not ideal for self-defense. But if you are just looking for something for recreational shooting or hunting small game, the 617-6 is the perfect choice.
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson 617-6 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and well-made pistol-caliber revolver. The construction is solid and the accuracy is top-notch, and the low recoil makes it easy to use for pretty much anyone. The only issue is the limited capacity, but if you are just looking for something to shoot at the range or hunt small game with, the 617-6 is a great option.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It is a durable, accurate, and reliable revolver.
- It is chambered in .22lr, allowing for a relatively inexpensive round to practice with.
- It has a 6-round capacity, allowing for plenty of ammunition.
- It is constructed with a stainless steel frame and a synthetic grip, making it suitable for various climates.
- It is suitable for smaller shooters as it is a smaller framed gun.
Cons:
- The small frame may be too small for larger hands.
- The heavy double action trigger pull may be difficult for some shooters.
- It is a bit bulky and heavy for concealed carry.
- The 6-round capacity makes it less ideal for self-defense use.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 617-6 is a .22LR revolver, designed for shooting sports and recreational use. It is an excellent choice for target shooting and small game hunting, perfect for someone who is looking for a more reliable and accurate rimfire revolver. This firearm is particularly well-suited for those with handgun shooting experience, as the double action trigger system requires some skill and practice to use correctly.
Those who are inexperienced in handling firearms, or those who are under the legal age for owning or using a handgun should not purchase the Smith & Wesson 617-6. This firearm should only be purchased and used by experienced individuals who are comfortable with the operation and usage of a handgun.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH & WESSON 617-6 | .22LR | 6 inches | 10 | 41.2 ounces |
| Ruger SP101 | .22LR | 4.2 inches | 8 | 27.5 ounces |
| Ruger GP-100 | .22LR | 4 inches | 6 | 30 ounces |
| Taurus Tracker | .22 LR | 6.5 inches | 9 | 44 ounces |
| Chiappa Double Badger | .22LR/ .410 | 18.5 inches | 2/.410 or 5/.22LR | 6.25 pounds |
Features / Specs
• 10-round cylinder
• Double-action revolver (DA/SA)
• 177 ounces
• 6-inch barrel
• 4.2-inch grip
• Adjustable rear sights
• Fixed front sight
• Satin stainless steel finish
• 10-round capacity
• Chambered in .22 LR
Popular Accessories
revolver?
- Hogue Monogrip Supersoft Grip with Finger Grooves
- Crimson Trace Lasergrip for Smith & Wesson 617/617L/622 Revolvers
- ProMag S&W 617 22LR Revolver Magazine
- XS Sight Systems 24/7 Tritium Express Sight Set for Smith & Wesson J, K, L, N Frame Revolvers
- Safariland Model 6377 ALS Concealment Holster for Smith & Wesson 617 Revolvers
- Volquartsen Exact Edge Extractor for Smith & Wesson Revolvers
- Trijicon Bright & Tough Suppressor Night Sight Set for Smith & Wesson Revolvers
- Talon Grips for Smith & Wesson J-Frame 617 Grips
- Cor-Bon DPX 9mm +P 125 Grain Ammunition
- Nite Ize S&W 617 Flashlight/Laser Mount
Accuracy
The SMITH & WESSON 617-6 is a very reliable and accurate revolver. It is equipped with a 6-inch pinned barrel and full-shrouded ejector rod, which improve accuracy when shooting. This revolver is capable of extremely tight groups and general accuracy at longer ranges, making it an ideal choice for target shooting. The lightweight alloy frame also helps improve accuracy by reducing felt recoil and allowing the shooter to maintain a steady hold on the gun. Additionally, the adjustable rear sight helps contribute to the 617-6's accuracy, allowing the shooter to fine-tune the target acquisition process. All in all, the SMITH & WESSON 617-6 is an incredibly accurate and reliable revolver – perfect for target shooting or recreational shooting.
