Smith & Wesson Model 617

About the Smith & Wesson Model 617

The Smith & Wesson Model 617 is a ten-shot double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle, built on Smith & Wesson's medium-size K-frame with a satin stainless steel finish. Introduced in 1990 as the stainless steel successor to the legendary Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece, the Model 617 distinguished itself by expanding cylinder capacity from 6 to 10 rounds -- a significant advantage for target shooting and training applications. Weighing 1,253 grams (44.2 ounces) unloaded with the 152mm (6-inch) full-lug barrel and 283mm (11.13-inch) overall length, the 617 is heavier than its blued predecessor due to the full underlug barrel profile and stainless steel construction, which helps absorb the already minimal .22 LR recoil. The revolver features a Patridge-style front sight and fully adjustable rear sight, a smooth combat-style target trigger, target hammer, and a full-lug barrel that adds weight forward for improved stability during precision shooting. The barrel features 6-groove right-hand rifling with a 1:18.75-inch (476mm) twist rate. Standard features include a polymer grip with square butt, exposed hammer, swing-out cylinder, and S&W's internal lock mechanism. The frame is drilled and tapped for scope mounting, making the 617 versatile for both iron-sight competition and optics-equipped target shooting.

The Model 617 took the legendary K-22 Masterpiece formula and improved it in two critical ways: corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction and a 10-shot cylinder that gives it 67% more capacity than its predecessor. While purists debate whether the full-lug barrel and internal lock detract from the original K-22's elegance, the 617 has earned its own devoted following among competitive shooters and trainers who value its 10-round capacity and maintenance-free stainless finish.

Smith & Wesson Model 617 specifications

The Model 617 was originally introduced with a 6-shot cylinder, matching the Model 17, but was upgraded to a 10-shot cylinder in 1996 -- a remarkable engineering achievement within the confines of the K-frame envelope. The 10-shot cylinder makes the 617 particularly popular for steel challenge and other competition formats where round count between reloads matters. The full-lug barrel, absent on the original Model 17, adds forward weight that many target shooters prefer for steadier hold. Smith & Wesson also produces a 4-inch barrel variant (model 160584) weighing 38.9 ounces (1,103 grams) with a 9.13-inch overall length, which is popular for field use and informal target shooting. The 617 includes S&W's controversial internal lock mechanism (the 'Hillary Hole' as detractors call it), introduced across the product line in 2001. The revolver is frequently recommended as the premier .22 LR training revolver for developing double-action trigger control and marksmanship fundamentals. Unlike the discontinued Model 17 which uses traditional pinned barrel and recessed chambers, the 617 uses crush-fit barrel installation.