S&W 617, K-22, 10-round revolver
Was looking at one of these in the shop. 10 rounds is appealing for plinking and casual target shooting. Truth is, I have Python (action) envy, but don't need a large caliber. BUT, the double action on this revolver was very stiff. Salesman agreed, attributing it, possibly to California requirements. I contacted S&W about their custom gunsmiting, and was told they don't do action jobs on Model 617.
Questions: Is this a Calif. thing? Is it related to design changes over time, with older ones perhaps softer and smoother? Would this be a candidate for 3rd party custom gunsmithing? Anyone had one done?
Questions: Is this a Calif. thing? Is it related to design changes over time, with older ones perhaps softer and smoother? Would this be a candidate for 3rd party custom gunsmithing? Anyone had one done?
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It's not a California thing. S&W refuses to make state-specific models; that's why you can't buy a new S&W in Maryland (no "sealed fired shell casing" or internal key lock).
It's a CYA thing. They figure if the trigger pull is too light, they increase the chance that some fool who accidentally kills someone else will sue them for making a defective product.
Not to worry, though. A little custom action work by a gunsmith, a set of Woolf springs, & you'll be very happy. Plus, it shouldn't cost a lot.
If you do have to ship it to a gunsmith, try to get the salesman where you buy it to agree to mail it both ways. If you have to ship it yourself, shipping cost can be as high as $40 each way (UPS or FEDEX Next Day Air.)
Neal0 -
All new S&Ws are fairly heavy in terms of pull--unless they are Performance Center models. Frankly this is not a bad thing. You do want a deliberate pull on a DA gun and you also want a gun that goes bang--two things that might not happen if someone over does a trigger job.
If the action itself is smooth enough, you usually only have to swap out the springs, something a good gunsmith can do for you easily.
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0 -
If you have ANY mechanical ability at all, you can EASILY swap out the springs yourself. Very easy to do, and the springs cost about $8. Go for it.
Merc
Insignia?
Nos nullus habitum rancidum insignia!
"Tolerating things you may not necessarily like is part of being free" - Larry Flynt0 -
Teddy Jacobson did a great action job on my 617.
A lighter spring will reduce the trigger pull, but you may have a few more misfires. If you don't mind this, it is less expensive.
Although the action job greatly improved the DA pull on my 617, I never considered the factory pull "very stiff." You may want to check some other 617's.0 -
I appreciate the replies. I do have mechanical skills. I see that, in addition to the high-tech springs for S&W, Wolff also has spring sets for most every other revolver (except Python, for which there must be no market). Would springs be similarly easy to install in GP-100, and large-frame Taurus?
Cawdor, how much was the action job?0 -
About $175. Teddy charges $150 for an action job, plus parts. Check Teddy's brochure.
Photos of Teddy's work. It looks like more than just an action job was done on this gun.0 -
n9,
VERY easy to install new springs in a GP-100! GO FOR IT! You can't really "hurt it" unless you lose parts! If you have light primer strikes, go up a couple pounds to a different spring.
Merc
Insignia?
Nos nullus habitum rancidum insignia!
"Tolerating things you may not necessarily like is part of being free" - Larry Flynt0 -
I have a 617 and 2 model 317 Airlites.
I inquired about the heavier trigger pulls with a Smith rep who is a friend of mine. He said that during testing the factory found that these new models would missfire once in a while with certain brands of ammo. Their solution was to put in heavier springs which did away with "all" the misfires.
You can install weaker springs yourself, its easy, then test it and find ammo that will go off every time and stick with that ammo.
My friend gave me some lighter springs. Now my wife can shoot one of the 317's.
Keep in mind, when you change the springs you will be voiding the warranty.
"Never let school interfere with your education"0
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