S&W 617 22LR > 6" into a 5"...cutting down a barrel

[Norun6]

I've got a S&W 627 PC revolver that I love - it's my most frequent choice at the pistol range.

Either way, looking to cut down on the day-to-day cost of shooting - which means ammo. I've been doing some research on what's available in 22 LR and have decided that a S&W 617 fits the bill nicely. It's not really cheap...but it's a great brand, a nice firm/heavy frame, is similar to my 627, etc. so I'm going to start saving...

The only drawback is the available barrel lengths - S&W only produces them in 4" and 6" versions. I really am a fan of the 5" length on my 627, the 4" and 6" revolvers I've handled just don't do it for me.

So I've seen quite a few posts of guys having rifle barrels cut down - so could it be done effectively with a revolver? If so, any kind of ballpark prices anyone in the know would throw out there? Any recommendations for a good gunsmith in the greater Pittsburhg area (Monroeville/Greensburg/Norwin/etc) who would be capable of this kind of work?

[Steve_NEPhila]

I personally would not do such a thing to a 617. The barrel could be cut down, but attaching the front sight would be a bit dodgey. I would leave it the way it is and shoot the piss out of it.

A great alternative on the used market to the 617 is the blued steel and a bit older model 17-6. I bought one a few months ago and it is fantastic. There are a couple on gunbroker right now and they are a bit less expensive than the 617 and they do not have the dreaded lock.

[Norun6]

After some more research a few places that have been recommended:

http://www.sdmfabricating.com/4_conversion.html
http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/revolver.asp
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/workshop.html
http://www.clementscustomguns.com/sm...revolvers.html

Am also reaching out to S&W to see what they could internally...

[1blindref]

IMHO, cutting one inch off of a 617 would not be worth the cost.

Do like Steve suggested.

[Brick]

In a word DON'T. What ever you think you're going to gain by cutting off an inch isn't worth the expense.

I can make a guarantee though that you'll:

1) Lose accuracy potential by reducing sight radius.
2) Lose velocity and power potential.
3) Install a new front sight also that might or might not be correct.
4) Recrown the barrel too and that also might or might not be correct.
5) Probably void any warranty S&W provides with the revolver unless you have the work done by the Performance Center at S&W.

BTW Your 627 is a N-frame (large) the 617 is a K-Frame (Medium) so they aren't really the same size.

[Norun6]

Yeap, aware it's not the same frame, but it's the closest S&W revolver by size/design to my 627 that I could find in 22 LR.

Still have a bit of time to wait until I can afford the 617....but guess I'll get the 6" model and give it an extended period of time before I even think about doing anything to it...