[KentuckyBlue]

I've pretty much narrowed my choices for a .22 revolver down to the Model 63 and 4" Model 617. I would appreciate any insight you can offer on either or both of these models. Thanks.

[DaleCooper51]

I guess it depends what you want to do with it.

If it were primarily walking around the woods, fishing, or practice for a snub, then I would go with the 63.

If this is mostly to be a range gun, then I would go with the k-frame all the way. I don't have a 617, but I do have a model 17. Used 17's can be had for around $400 if used is an option.

FWIW, my 17 has a much better action on it then the model 63 I had. The 63 is a handy and fun little gun. I guess it depends on what you want to do with it. You can always get both.

[BlindJustice]

I have a 617 6" Bbl. it weighs 45 oz. - I think the only way to
carry it would be in a vertical/muzzle down
shoulder rig I'm waiting for S&W to offer a 3" Bbl. model of
the 63 - Pair it up with my 3" Model 60 - use a belt
holster for the 27 some odd oz. weight.

FWIW - since the K-22 MOdel 17 was mentioned, there's also
the K-22 Model 18 with 4" Bbl. ramp front / adj. rear
sight model as well on the used market.

Depends on what you want it for.

[don95sml]

The previous posters did a great job in responding - be sure to read every word. I own an older model 17 and an older model 63. These older versions with a pinned barrel seem to have much better triggers than the current production, and the K frames seem to have better triggers than the J frames. But you might be happy with any of the S&Ws you are considering - they're all great guns.

[Mtwoodson]

You can't go wrong with any of them. I've had pre-17 K-22's, 18's and 63's. And as much as folks rave about the K-22 's, my 4-inch 18 was more accurate for me. But for all round fun, plinking and shooting the head off an occasional grouse or quail, the 63 is my all-time favorite. It's on my hip and shot more often than the others.

[Starter52]

I own both and shoot both - over 2K round from each during the summer.

If I could have only one I would choose the 617 with a 4" barrel.

[9mmepiphany]

i also own an older M-17 (blued, 6 shot, 6" bbl) and have owned the M-63 and M-34 (blued version of 63)

i prefer the trigger action of the leaf sprung K-frame over the coil sprung J-frame...it tunes up better

[zoom6zoom]

And of course the 617 is available in both 6 and 10 shot versions, depending on the dash.