S&W 617 4 or 6

[gracenrich]

Undecided need advice.
Want to buy a S&W 617 inn 22 caliber strictly for use on the range.
Which barrel length would be preferred 4 or 6 inch?

[sota]

I've found 4" balance just a bit better.

[imashooter2]

I've found 4" balance just a bit better.

Agreed. I bought the 6, wish I had the 4.

[Dave_n]

Personally I would disagree. I have a Model 17-1 in 6" and a full lug 617 in 6" (six rounds, steel cylinder). Very good sight line in both and never a problem of balance. Dave_n

[sota]

I didn't say a 6" is bad, just that when compared back-to-back with the 4", the 4" is balanced a little bit better.

[imashooter2]

Personally I would disagree. I have a Model 17-1 in 6" and a full lug 617 in 6" (six rounds, steel cylinder). Very good sight line in both and never a problem of balance. Dave_n

This is why ice cream comes in both chocolate and vanilla. I bought the 6 inch for the increased sight radius. After using it for a while, I would gladly trade that extra 2 inches of sight radius to make it a little less barrel heavy.

[smoke-wagon]

Wow, I thought for sure everyone would recommend the 6". I don't own a 617 but I've always wanted one and always wanted the 6" but I guess the small .22 caliber hole makes for a pretty heavy barrel. I have a heritage rough rider In 6.5" and even though the sights are awful I have made hits on steel at 50 yards, I think the sight radius helps with longer range.

[bripro]

I tend to base purchases on what I already have. If you already have a revolver in 4 inch I'd get the six and vice versa. If I was asked what my favorite revolver barrel length is I personally would say four inch but that's just me.

[slickracer]

A six inch 617 is my favorite revolver, but I like six inch revo's. Shortest I own is a five inch.

[arjohnson]

6" would be my choice.