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Model 617
Model 41
If you could have only one, which one would you choose and why?
Model 41
If you could have only one, which one would you choose and why?
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"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." - Thomas Jefferson
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" - Ben Franklin -
617
For fun, plinking, target shooting, hunting, and teaching others, get the 617.
It is tough (stainless), 100% reliable, easy to change grips or mount an optic, and shoots any ammo you can get your hands on (important nowadays, 22LR is hard to find). It is also great for double action shooting or single action, whichever you fancy, and is plenty accurate for just about anything. Specialized guns like the 41 are better for competition target shooting, but a lot less flexible than a 617. Also, beginners (especially ladies) seem to love 22LR revolvers. I have taught several friends with my 617 with a red dot mounted on top.
The S&W 17 range (incl 617) are the best 22LR revolvers made. I have several, and would not part with any of them.
On the other hand, having shot both a S&W 41 and my Ruger Mk II (8 inch barrel with trigger job) side by side, I'd have to say I prefer the Ruger, which costs about 1/3 of what the 41 costs. No disrespect to the Model 41, it is great, but not worth the price difference over a good Ruger IMO.
Instead of buying a 41, buy a used 617 and a nice used Ruger lMK II or MK III long barrel with a VQ trigger kit, and you have the best of both worlds.Last edited by wellfedirishman; 08-07-2009, 7:28 PM. -
I have noticed that the CA "Safe Gun" list specifies 617-4, 617-5 and 617-6 models only. This means that I have to be careful not to bid on other variants. Are the dash number actually on the revolver? Would a seller know what dash number he had?"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." - Thomas Jefferson
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" - Ben FranklinComment
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Yes, but it is a Southern California gun.Originally posted by HAZE GRAY
Does your revolver have a dash number on it?"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." - Thomas Jefferson
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" - Ben FranklinComment
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I prefer a 617 over the 41, however I'm not a competition bullseye shooter. If I was, perhaps I would feel differently. I find the 617 plenty accurate for range and plinking. At the 25 yard mark, I found both comparable in accuracy. At the 50 yard mark, the 41 would win out. However, I prefer iron sights on my handguns and find that for targets over 25 yards, I prefer a scoped rifle. Also, SS is much more durable than blued still. If you scratch SS, you can buff it out.... not so with blued steel.
On the 617, I prefer a 4" barrel because it balances better and is just as accurate, also 10-shots over 6-shot models.
You'll find the Dash # stamped here (just lke on my 17):
Last edited by huntndog; 08-08-2009, 11:14 AM.Comment
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To illustrate my point... If your going to use it, especially afield (which I find most rewarding), it's inevitable you're going to scratch it.
If you're like me and are going to stress about it, put another check in the 617 column.
The first scratch hurts the most... and I lived with this one WAY too long. Finally, I pulled out my dremel, an old t-shirt, and some Mother's mag polish
and buffed this one and several others out. The gun looked Brand Spanking New again.
Believe me... that didn't hurt when it came time to sell it.
Last edited by huntndog; 08-08-2009, 11:11 AM.Comment
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Well, since I'm not trying to sell you my 617 and have TWO S&W 41s and use all three (plus a S&W 17 6") maybe I can help...
I shoot rim fire class Bianchi as does my spousal unit. If a light crisp trigger pull, very fast follow up shots and superb workmanship are a factor the S&W 41 is the winner. Plus with the ease of barrel changes you can go from a standard field barrel for casual plinking to a Clark Custom barrel with red dot sights in about a minute.
My 617 is also great but for different reasons, the reliability of a Revolver, shoots anything, stainless finish, and full size heft and pointibility since it's a K/L frame match. It's a great trainer for those who have a 686 (like I do) in the same barrel and grip configuration (Hogue Kingwood Checkered target stocks).
My scores with the 617 just aren't as good as the 41s due to competition time constraints and the DA tending to pull shoots slightly under pressure.
The big question is really what do YOU want it for? Is cost a factor? Do you intend to just casually plink? Handgun hunt small game? Target shoot? Compete with it? Etc, etc.
Answer those questions and you will know which one is for you...TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
William Butler Yeats 1865-1939Comment
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I have a number of criteria. One is pure lust. It is like having to choose between the blond supermodel and the brunette supermodel."A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." - Thomas Jefferson
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" - Ben FranklinComment
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Okay...that doesn't quite narrow it down, but I like the imagery!
S&W 41s are basically hand assembled and are a reminder of old style quality when quality was a selling point not cost. They are semi collectible and hold their value very well. They are considered the Cadillacs of target pistols.
617s while nice, have different values based on the series number, pre-lock models vs post lock, 6 shot and 10 shot models.
The real collectibles on those are actually the Model 17 with full lug in the longer barrel lengths and even more so the K22 series that predated them...
To put it simply if you want a plinker get a Ruger MKIII, just don't try to disassemble it!
If you want a match grade high value and high cost collectible get the 41.
If you want a very good all around revolver get the 617.
They don't match up for the same purpose quite right, that's why I have both!
TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
William Butler Yeats 1865-1939Comment
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617 for surePrevious iTrader rating, over 150 Positive ratingsComment
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I have both.
For pure shooting enjoyment, the 41 wins every time.Randall Rausch
AR work: www.ar15barrels.com
Handguns: www.handgunbarrels.com
Bolt actions: www.700barrels.com
Foreign Semi Autos: www.akbarrels.com
Most work done while you wait on a scheduled shop visit.Comment
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If you can afford either, you will never regret buying the Model 41.Comment
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What's your preference when SHIF? 1911 or 686?Comment
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neither! 12 guage...but what does this have to do with OP?TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
William Butler Yeats 1865-1939Comment
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