Can afford one.

[92gli]

My buddy recently got the ruger and I think the trigger is pretty heavy. It's a beauty otherwise

[pennlineman]

617, no comparison.

[Joe from Media]

I've had my S&W 617 for 2 years. I like the fact that it is very close in looks, feel, and weight (44 oz.) as my S&W 686 .357. I hated the black rubber grip, so I installed square butt, beautiful wood grips. Personally I wish it only held 6 rounds instead of 10. Our gun club has a 5-round loading limit, and it takes an extra effort to line-up the cylinder correctly (this is because there is very little space between chambers, 10 vs 6). Overall, it's very accurate with the adjustible sights and 6" barrel.
I can't comment on the Ruger except that I own a very nice Super BlackHawk Bisley .44 magnum.

[dannyb]

My wife has the 317. If I request to fire a couple of rounds with it, she looks at me like I've grown another head or something. I'd take the 617 as well.

[Dave_n]

I have a 17-2 and a 617-2 both 6 shooters. The only one that beats them in my M41 and those are way out of your price range. Go with the 617. Dave_n

[Joe from Media]

I did a Google search for "Ruger GP 100 .22 review". It was interesting to note that the American Rifleman review was totally glowing (be nice to your sponsor?), and the review from www.thetruthaboutguns.com had the good AND the bad.

[Hawk]

+1 617. Can't beat the trigger on the 617.

[JTOWN]

Tried both before I bought. 617 was easy choice

[sota]

617 is a great gun. just look it over CAREFULLY and make sure it doesn't have a canted barrel; seems to be a bigger problem with 6" guns than the shorter ones.

[Pizza Bob]

Full disclosure: I am a dyed-in-the-wool S&W fan, so no secret which I'd vote for. Remember, you never pay too much for a S&W, sometimes you just buy them too soon.

Adios,

Pizza Bob