S&W .22 Revolver, 63 or 617

[sigbear]

I want to buy a "new" S&W .22 revolver and am leaning towards the model 617 with 4" barrel.

I have never fired either one, and it looks like the 63 is less money, however, I want to buy the best of the two, accuracy and reliability is most important.

Your opinions please

Sigbear

 

[oldfool]

both excellent choices, both very (equally) accurate
I own both (in the older vintage style), the 4" 63 and the 6" model 17
one is not 'better" than the other

The k-frame 17 has a much better DA trigger
(that is generally well known and acknowledged, K vs. J attributes, not an isolated opinion)
neither is more accurate than the other, the larger frame size in equal length barrel may be easier to shoot more accurately
a k-frame with 6" barrel likely easier to shoot more accurately also, longer sight radius being more user friendly
the smaller J frame handier to tote around, if you carry in the woods or whatever

as a "serious" target gun, I would favor the 6" k-17, likewise for rapid fire DA practice
but the 4" 63 as a remarkably accurate fun gun, that can "shoot better than you can"

PS
I do believe the 617s are actually L frames not K frames, most 617s are full underlug barrels, to clone the 38/357 L/N frames
the 17 is a true k-frame, of course
(might as well say that now, before somebody 'corrects' me, you know)
I like the traditional K better, half underlug, but it doesn't really matter to most folks



but it really depends on what best fits and feels "just right" in your hand

 

[savit260]

Best for what?

If you are looking for a "kit gun", i.e. something to throw in a tackle box. Something handy and compact go bang around in the woods with then I would suggest the 63.

If you are looking for a target gun. Something to go to the range with that is bigger and is considered by most to be a "modern classic", the the 617 may be your gun.

 

[snooperman]

Yes, agree with savit 260

Best for plinking or kit gun would be the model 63, preferably, the older 4" gun. For Target work the 617 is fine, however I have a Dan Wesson that will outshoot anything S&W has ever made in a 22 for sure as a target gun. My 2 cents.

 

[Stainz]

Below are my current production/availability 5" 63 and 4" 617. If I could have but one, it'd probably be the 617... but just barely. It is quite accurate - and easier on my tired eyes with the HiViz sight. Now, if this year's new 63 offering - a 3" 63 with a HiViz front sight - were available, I might consider it. The K-frame 617 is a bit bigger - and heavier - than the 5" 63 - - but the 3" 63 will open that gap further, perhaps winning as a true 'kit gun'. For general plinking, my 4" 617 is quite an act to follow, much less best.



The price gap isn't that great, either, making the 617 more of a deal. Of course, picking one up and fondling it - perhaps with 'upgrade' grips - will tell the tale. The slightly larger Hogue square conversion monogrips were just right in fitting the 63 to my medium plus hands - as were the Ahrends retro targets on the 617. Both also had some basic lockwork enhancements, too. The nod here goes to the 617 - a K frame 'cleans up' better than the J-frame. Still, that 63 is a 'keeper', lockwork-wise.

Stainz

 

[bflobill_69]

Sigbear, you should consider a 6" model 617... why are you leaning towards a 4"?

 

[warnerwh]

My inclination is toward the Dan Wesson .22 but they are hard to come by. However the 617 I had is a very close second. With target trigger and hammer the 617 was a joy to use.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

I bought a 4" Model 617 last summer and just LOVE it!! Great shooting revolver!!

 

[Starter52]

+1 on the 4" 617. Buy it. If ever a gun was on par with the classic Model 18, this is it.

I have a J-frame Model 63 and it's a great gun for what it is, but my 4" 617 is my favorite. The 6" version is a great gun also, but IMO just a bit too heavy.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I really like the performance of my 6" 617 10 shot.

Even if I have the rear sight turned almost all the way to the right.

I bought the 617 because it is very close to my S&W model 586 6" .38/.357 in size, weight and balance making it the perfect warm up revolver on range visits.

I also love shooting .22lr because of the low cost ammo.

 

[Kernel]

Regardless of caliber, I wonder if S&W has ever made a 4" revolver heavier than the 4" 617?

 

[bhp9mm]

i have a 617 10 shot its very accuracy and reliability i like it alot they are coming out with a 3 inch barrel model 63 that i like

 

[PAPACHUCK]

This thread is really making me miss my M18-3, still can't believe I sold it.

 

[22-rimfire]

My choice would depend on how I intend to use the revolver. If it was for general use, I would choose the 4" 617. If you want the "best", that would likey be the 617. If I wanted something a bit lighter, but still with a steel frame, I would choose the M63. This gun may be a tad handier for general carry out in the woods than the 617. The difference is not significant to me however. If I wanted something that was concealable, I'd choose the M317 with full knowledge of its capabilities/shootability at the range for general shooting. Personally, I would like one of each. But I have none of the above. I do have a M17 and M18 however at least for now.