S&W alloy cylinder pros and cons
I am looking for a 617, 10 shot. I see some advertised with an alloy cylinder. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to this cylinder vs. a regular cylinder?
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I have 2 617's, a 10 shot with the alloy cylinder and a 6 shot with stainless cylinder. The alloy cylinder makes the gun lighter obviously, it also makes the cylinder rotate faster in double action. I have not seen any loosening of the lock-up after several hundred rounds. The gun is super accurate, I can hit empty 12ga shells thrown in the air with it. 
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quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
I have 2 617's, a 10 shot with the alloy cylinder and a 6 shot with stainless cylinder. The alloy cylinder makes the gun lighter obviously, it also makes the cylinder rotate faster in double action. I have not seen any loosening of the lock-up after several hundred rounds. The gun is super accurate, I can hit empty 12ga shells thrown in the air with it.
Dayum, that is good shootin. Would the alloy command a higher price?0 -
It might just because the alloy cylinder version was only made for about 1 year. It was discontinued due to poor sales in favor of the SS cylinder version. 0 -
Gotcha. Thank you for the info. 0 -
I just looked at a SS version a few days ago and felt it was much heavier than my old 1950's vintage Model 17. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by JOELBLACK
I just looked at a SS version a few days ago and felt it was much heavier than my old 1950's vintage Model 17.
It is heavier.
Unlike the old K-22/model 17, the 617 is actually built on the slightly beefier "L" frame (not the "K"). If you take a look at the picture above, the 617 has a full barrel underlug.
Whether that's good or bad depends on your point of view. Heavier gun = steadier gun = more accuracy. Heavier gun also equals more weight to lug around with you all day, slower to point (not a big deal in a .22, I don't think), and increased shooter fatigue when shooting a lot of rounds.
FWIW, given the choice here, I'd prefer the steel cylinder version. IMO, I'd rather have the extra durability of the steel over a relatively small weight difference.
If you're talking an ENTIRE alloy version of this gun (ie frame AND cylinder), that's a different story, but I don't think Smith ever made something like that.
wouldn't buy the alloy cylinder version of this. I'm sure its OK, but0
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