S&W 617 8" pre-lock value and thoughts

Seems like the full underlug would make it muzzle-heavy. Some say the 6" 617 is too muzzle-heavy.

Some say the 6" 617 is too muzzle-heavy.

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I can see where that might be said about the 8" version but to me the 6" S&W 617 balances perfect. Got a buddy who has one that shot with my S&W 41 in my hands so pretty accurate revolvers. His is the 6 shot version so I guess it is a little heavier than those that hold 10 rounds.

In answer to the OP's question I would say that the price is about average. Local gunstore has a like new 6" version S&W 617 for sale for $647.00 or did but it had the lock & was 10 shot. I actually prefer the action on 6 shot version but know of no issues with the S&W 617 they are a fine revolver!

I'm not a fan of the lock after my fathers 617 had the flag get stuck half way between up and down.
Additionally I don't like the balance of the six inch and certainly wouldn't want to shoot an 8 inch version off hand.
Is it the ten shot with alloy cylinder or all steel variant?

I bought this used one back in 2002/2003 and paid less than $300.00 OTD (no box, no papers):



This one will (if you pardon the cliché) shoot like a rifle and is every bit as accurate at any distance as any of my stock ruger 10/22's.



With regards to your question as to what it's worth, I'll submit that I have seen them go here in my area for the amount you quoted in the OP (750-800 with the finger groove stocks) depending on condition of course.

I know it would take near that amount and a great deal of convincing to get me to sell mine.

They discontinued the alloy cylinder for a reason. It may have been aesthetics (the bluing didn't match on the ten round Model 17-8, IIRC) or it may have been for mechanical reasons. I'd do a little Googling before purchasing an alloy cylinder gun, just to be sure.

Quote: ...I should add, another LGS has the same revolver, brand new, with the lock, for the same price?

I'd get the new one. Though it comes with the now infamous "lock" (which, aesthetics aside, I think has generated a lot of undeserved negative hoopla-though I concede that I'd rather not have the lock, everything else being equal), it also comes with a lifetime warranty. For the same price, I'd get the brand new one and never look back.

Alloy 17-8 was only made for 2-3 years. the internet will tell you that timing issues could develop but I have never heard this first hand. I have a black 6" 17-8 that is an excellent shooter. I also just picked up a very good condition 4" 617 all stainless 10 shot for $650. It has the lock but came with a speedloader and loading block.