S&W 617 vs SP101 vs Single Ten

[TennJed]

I am wanting a higher end 22lr revolver for plinking. I am looking for accuracy above all else. I think I have narrowed it down to a S&W 617, Ruger SP101, or a Ruger Single Ten. Does anyone have any good or bad experiences with these? Other suggestions?

 

[dgroff85]

I have a S&W 617 no dash with a burris red dot. LOVE IT! I might buy a 4" next.

 

[7mmb]

I voted other. The Super Single Six would be another good option. You lose four rounds to the Single Ten but you gain an extra 22 Magnum cylinder. I wouldn't mind an SP101 but it is no target gun. The S&W would likely make the best target gun but the SS6 is no slouch either.

 

[Dnaltrop]

My eldest got the Single Ten for her Tenth birthday, and it's been a solid shooter for her and a very accurate one for me at 50' About 1000 rounds on it with not one misfire.

The Fiber optic sights are ugly as hell, but they certainly are accurate once I dialed them in properly.

I wouldn't have minded a convertible Six with a Magnum cylinder to swap, but it's not My gun, and she's happy as a clam with 10 Stingers, or CB's. Runs great.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Colt Trooper MK III ....

 

[TreeDoc]

617 no contest, have never owned one but have shot a few. Most accurate of the ones listed, very nice trigger. I prefer autos and have a MarkII preference.

 

[weblance]

Well... since I own all three, I feel I should comment. Since you said accuracy above all else, Im going to say, in my experience, the Single Ten and the 617 are equal. I would have never believed that, but the Single Ten has better accuracy than I expected, and my 617 has less accuracy than I expected. My 617 is a 4" model, and will group 2" rested at 25 yards. The Single Ten will also group that well. The SP101 is very close to that performance. As far as plinkers, the SP101 and 617 have the advantage because they are Double Action, and load/unload is easier. The Single Ten is fun, and doesnt run out of ammo near as fast as my Single Sixes do, but as a plinker, a Single Action just loses a point when grading it against a Double Action. I know there will be lots of guys screaming about that comment, but its how I feel. If I could only keep one of those three, it would be the SP101. First of all, its 9 oz. lighter than the 617. The balance, design, and performance is perfect for an all around great 22 revolver. Its accurate, beautiful, and built to heirloom quality. The trigger has smoothed out nicely, and although the pull is long, it stages perfectly every time. I took out the factory trigger return spring and replaced it with a Wolff 8#, but left the factory mainspring in to keep reliability. I have eight .22 revolvers, and the SP101 would be the last to go.

 

[savit260]

I've shot the single 10. Liked it, but not enough to buy it, and I really dig single actions. THe sights are a little ugly, but work fantastic. Great sight picture.

SP101 Haven't shot the .22 version, but it looks nice enough.

I once owned a 617 10 shot with a 6" barrel. HATED the factory Houge grips. HATED the dumb ugly lock. Not crazy about how muzzle heavy it was. Trigger not as smooth as my older model 19's.... BUT the most accurate gun I ever owned. Was an absolute tack driver. Sold it off and replaced it with a pre war 6" Colt Officers Model Target that is nearly as accurate with a much nicer trigger and none of the other S&W's shorcomings either.

That said... If I could find a 4" pre lock 10 shot 617, I'd be all over it.

 

[Olympus]

617 or Colt Diamondback.

 

[stevehenry1]

I have a pre 17 S&W and a Ruger Single 6. I hate to say it, but the Ruger is more accurate. I also have a Colt Huntsman, and both beat it.

 

[mdauben]

I've got a Single-Ten and its a great fun gun, but I'm still planning on buying a S&W 617.

 

[TennJed]

Thanks guys

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I have a 617. Mid '90s vintage, 6" barrel. Never was impressed with its accuracy. The Ruger Single Six and either of my Mark IIs easily out shoot it.

It's balance seems odd too; probably due to the 6" small caliber barrel. If you go with a 617, look for a 4" barrel.

 

[aliveisalive]

I'll vote single ten... Only because I just bought that a S&w mp15-22 for 930 OTD NIB at a local shop =D

 

[bergmen]

I've had a Super Single-Six since 1976 but wanted a hi-cap DA .22. When Ruger came out with the 8-shot SP101 I was all over it but NOBODY had one or could get one. I looked for six months and when I strolled into one of the LGS and saw a 4" 617 under the glass, that's all she wrote.

This is an exceptional revolver. Spendy, but exceptional. The only downside is it is a bit heavy, especialy for young shooters and women. My wife likes shooting it, and can shoot it well, but it is too heavy for her.

As far as accuracy, the SS6 and 617 are about equal. I find the convenience of 10 rounds plus easy swing-out ejection and loading to have something of an edge, especially if you are actively plinking with a few friends. The Single-Six shines with the better trigger (being SA only helps here) and the .22 Magnum option.

Dan

 

[22-rimfire]

My choice would be a 4" S&W M617 or one of the old M17's or M18's. I love Colts, but they can be expensive and I don't see the payoff for a shooter.

I do want to get a Single Ten, but I already have all the 22 revolvers I need (for now ).

 

[BYJO4]

The S&W model 17 and 617 have had a long history of being an excellent 22. I currently have both a 4" and 6" model 617. Prior to stainless, I had the model 17. Great shooter, excellent action, and maintain value.