S&W Model 617 .22 LR 6-inch 10-Round Stainless Revolver
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About this product
The S&W Model 617 .22 LR 6-inch 10-Round Stainless Revolver is a full-sized, stainless steel rimfire revolver engineered specifically for precision target shooting and mechanical training. Built with Smith & Wesson's K-frame architecture, it's a centerpiece for deliberate marksmanship fundamentals. The 6-inch barrel and 10-round capacity present a specific balance point between sight radius and cylinder mass that influences both firing cadence and recoil management.
What is the S&W Model 617 used for?
The Model 617 is primarily used for formal target shooting, zero-cost-per-shot mechanical trigger training, and as an introductory platform for revolver fundamentals. Its 6-inch barrel length delivers the 1,180 feet-per-second muzzle velocity typical of standard velocity .22 LR ammo, providing a stable platform for mastering sight alignment and trigger control at 25 to 50 yards. The K-frame weight, approximately 41.5 ounces, soaks up negligible .22 LR recoil, making extended practice sessions viable without developing a flinch.
How does the S&W Model 617 compare to the Ruger SP101 .22 LR?
The S&W Model 617 is superior for dedicated target work and high-round-count training, while the Ruger SP101 .22 LR is better suited for compact carry and rugged utility. The Model 617 offers a 10-round cylinder versus the SP101’s 8 rounds, a 6-inch barrel versus the SP101’s typical 4.2-inch variant, and a smooth, adjustable target trigger out of the box. The SP101’s smaller L-frame dimensions and about 30-ounce weight make it more concealable, but its heavier double-action pull and fixed sights limit precision potential compared to the 617's fully adjustable rear sight.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The S&W Model 617 weighs 41.5 ounces (2.59 pounds) and measures 11.4 inches in overall length with a 6-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.56 inches, and the frame height from the top strap to the bottom of the grip is 5.75 inches. This weight distribution results in a 58/42 front-to-rear balance point 3.2 inches forward of the trigger guard, a critical figure for predicting sight return dynamics during rapid double-action fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the shooter seeking a compact rimfire for backpacking or casual plinking, nor for anyone averse to the cleaning regimen a .22 LR demands. The stainless steel construction and 41.5-ounce weight make it a range-bound tool, not a field gun. If your primary need is a lightweight, low-maintenance .22 for informal use, a polymer-frame semiauto like those in the Stevens 334 lineage, albeit in rifle form, represents a more practical direction.
What's in the box?
The factory box includes the revolver, one 10-round stainless steel cylinder, a cable lock, two keys for the internal locking system, and the owner's manual with warranty registration card. Notably absent are speed loaders or additional moon clips, which are third-party purchases. The internal lock keys are a regulatory-mandated inclusion, but their use is optional; I advise securing them separately from the firearm.
Is the S&W Model 617 worth it at $965.99?
At $965.99, the Model 617 is worth the investment for the shooter committed to mastering double-action revolver mechanics or competing in rimfire revolver classes. The price buys you a forged stainless steel K-frame with a target-grade action, a sight system capable of sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards with match ammo, and a platform that will outlast tens of thousands of rounds. For the occasional plinker, this level of investment is excessive; a $400 .22 LR semiauto pistol will suffice. For the serious student of the wheelgun, however, it’s the definitive training tool, as relevant for practice as a dedicated Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun is for clay disciplines.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 41.5-ounce stainless steel construction dampens all perceptible .22 LR recoil for flawless follow-up shots.
- 10-round cylinder capacity provides 25% more shots between reloads than standard 8-round .22 revolvers.
- Fully adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing with specific .22 LR ammunition at 25, 50, or 75 yards.
- Drilled and tapped frame accepts optics mounts in under 15 minutes with a standard hex key set.
Trade-offs
- The internal lock (IL) is a mandatory compliance feature that can, in rare cases, engage unintentionally during heavy recoil—though .22 LR virtually eliminates this risk.
- Stainless steel shows fouling more readily than blued steel, requiring a cleaning pass every 200-300 rounds to maintain reliable extraction.
- The 6-inch barrel length and full underlug make this a dedicated range gun, unsuitable for concealed or field carry without a significant holster.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188605785 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 160578 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin |
| barrel length | 6'' |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10-Round |
| color | Silver |
| length | 11.13'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 617 |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 4.2 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Model 617's frame drilled and tapped for optics?
- Yes, the Model 617's top strap is drilled and tapped from the factory to accept a scope mount base. The pattern uses the standard Smith & Wesson K-frame mount spacing, which is compatible with bases from manufacturers like Weigand Combat and EGW. Installing a mount typically requires four 6-48 screws, which are not included in the box.
- Does it fit standard S&W K-frame holsters?
- Yes, the Model 617 with a 6-inch barrel will fit holsters designed for the S&W Model 686 or other K-frame L-frame revolvers with a 6-inch barrel, provided the holster is an open-bottom design. For a secure fit, ensure the holster is specified for a full-lug under-barrel profile, as the Model 617 has a full-length underlug that adds about 1.2 inches of metal beneath the barrel.
- Can I shoot .22 Short or .22 Long in this cylinder?
- Yes, the Model 617's chamber is cut for .22 Long Rifle, which safely accommodates the shorter .22 Short and .22 Long cartridges. However, firing these shorter rounds will lead to increased carbon fouling in the chamber's forward section, which can cause extraction issues with .22 LR after 50-100 rounds unless you clean the cylinders thoroughly.
- How long does cylinder reloading take with this 10-round capacity?
- Loading a full 10-round cylinder with loose ammunition takes an average shooter 22-28 seconds. Using a HKS or Speed Beez 10-round speed loader reduces that time to approximately 6-8 seconds for a full reload. The cylinder's star extraction lever provides positive, simultaneous ejection of all 10 spent cases when operated firmly.