I have one, a 3 incher with the hi-viz sights.
It's a good pistol, not a great one. I like it for plinking, but I hate the Hi-viz sights. But, I'm a bullseye shooter, and all I shoot are conventional sights, so the transition to the hi-viz is difficult.
As for getting a 317 or 617, it all depends on what you want to do with it. My 317 I bought as a plinker, and maybe for woods carry. For these roles, it's perfect. However, the 617 will shoot less than 3 inches at 50 yards, and is a totally different class of pistol. I'm thinking of getting one.
So for a featherweight .22, the 317 is great. For range or target work, the 617 is the one to get.
-John