Limited 617 Production Run?

[Animal Mother]

I've been looking at a new 4" S&W 617 and was told by a gun shop employee that they are not always available and that S&W only does limited runs for this gun. I've just spent all my gun money for this month, but is there any truth to this? If the distributors run out of the available supplies, how long is the wait before S&W resumes production?

 

[22-rimfire]

Don't really know about limited production. But I know the 4" models are more scarce than the 6" Model 617. Whether that is because they sell quicker or fewer are made, don't know.

 

[InkEd]

They aren't too common but not rare either.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I've heard this same info from my distributors in the past.
They (S&W) only do special runs of certain barrels only so many times a year.
Such as 4 inch 617's, 3 inch 686's, 3 inch 629's and so forth.
If it's true, I can't confirm that, but the distriburors don't always have them so I'm assuming this is correct info.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Stainz]

My local pusher, where I got my 4"-er new 9/08 when they were also supposedly in short supply, has had no trouble keeping one 'on the shelf' all of the time. If your dealer can't get one via his wholesaler, perhaps another dealer will have access to more wholesalers/distributors.

My one piece of advice re a 4" 617 is this: If you think you will buy one next year... when you have the money... stop! Find a way to buy one now. Believe me, it is the most fun - make that frugal fun - revolver you can own. And - once you have a CC & HD firearm, it should be considered. I didn't listen to folks who shared this with me - I turned sixty before I bought mine - don't fllow my lead!

Stainz