FLHX 1 Posted January 25, 2012 I just put a S&W model 617 on layaway. I am really looking forward to getting this gun! I have been going over everything about this gun and as soon as I had all the paper work done I was questioning my decision. My only concern is the barrel length. I got the 4" barrel but now I am thinking i should of went for the 6' barrel. I have heard a lot of people say the 6" was a bit heavy out front and had a tendency to let the barrel drop. The weight of the 6" is 44.2ozs and the 4" is 38.9ozs so there is a few ozs difference. I plan to use this gun for Steel and range use only. So my question does anyone have any experience with either 4" or the 6" S&W 617? and if so, which do you like better? What length barrel do you think is the best for steel (on any style gun)? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted January 25, 2012 It's what you like best - not the aggregate opinion of the board. There are people on here that would kill for the 4" version. Two things to note: 1) What is wrong with a gun being muzzle heavy? A muzzle heavy gun generally "hangs" better and helps steady things down. Not an issue with a .22, but it also helps mitigate recoil. 2) If you intend to shoot steel, the 4" version will transition better/faster from target to target. Pick what you like. Adios, Pizza Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
this_is_nascar 162 Posted January 25, 2012 It's a personal preference, but I prefer the look and feel of the 4". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpacemanFry 51 Posted January 25, 2012 Isn't there also a barrel length limit for some of the revolver gun games? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted January 25, 2012 I too prefer the 4", especially if the gun has a full underlug. 6" barrel is a target or hunting gun to me. Other than that, the longer barreled guns feel nose heavy to me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted January 25, 2012 I have a 6" 617 because I got a smoking good deal on it used. The extra weight doesn't bother me. If I was buying new I'd get a 4" (got a slew of 4" k frame holsters). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted January 25, 2012 Isn't there also a barrel length limit for some of the revolver gun games? Yes but that is IDPA, which is centerfire. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bry@n 195 Posted January 26, 2012 I like both 4 and 6" models. Its up to you. You really can't go wrong imo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites