You will probably not find a 617 anywhere near as accurate as a 41. Don't count on it, at any rate.

How accurate does "reasonably accurate" have to be to satisfy you? The answer to that question will tell you which you want to buy.

 

Think about it, the 617 10 shot has 10 different chambers that rotate and have to line up, and a semi auto only 1 chamber that is fixed.

My 617 is very accurate but my Ruger MKII is more accurate.

That said the 617 is a great gun.

 

... the 617 10 shot has 10 different chambers that rotate and have to line up, and a semi auto only 1 chamber that is fixed....

That is the primary reason why semi-autos tend to be more accurate. I've owned revolvers which consistently shot two or three distinct groups with each loading because the chamber diameters varied. But, I've never owned a Smith with that problem. Even their hand-fit, pre-CNC revolvers are excellent.

If you shoot offhand, the 41 will feel comfortable and have a very natural hold. The 617 [any revolver] will take longer to get used to because of the ergonomic compromises necessary between grip and hammer. Revolvers also have a slower lock time, so your hold requires more attention.

If you shoot from a rest, the 41 will likely produce tighter groups. If offhand, well, few shooters practice enough to see a difference in group size between a semi-auto and revolver. If you don't strive to be a competitive shooter, then choose the firearm design that flips your switch. There is a special tactile feedback you can only get with the loading and firing of a revolver. Autos can become rather boring after the newness wears off.

 

Like most things, it's all about it's intended purpose. For yours, both would suffice nicely. But try to expand on your intended usage...
For example, if you:

- Intend it to be a 'range-only' gun, are easy on your equipment and love to shoot teeny-weeny groups on paper: 41.
- Have, or plan to get a 1911 and want a similar feel: 41.

- Want to occasionally toss it in a holster, and take it afield for some hunting or plinking fun and not stress about scratches and holster wear: 617
- Have, or plan to get a centerfire revolver (e.g. 686) and want a similar feel: 617.

Consider the maintenance and durability of both. SS is much easier to maintain than blued steel. Yes, SS will eventually rust, but it's far more
resistant than blued steel. Scratches? Buff them out with SS. Blued steel? Don't scratch it, or learn to get over it. If you're the type that's hard
on your equipment, yet lose sleep about keeping it in pristine condition (like me), go SS.

Example: I like to shoot small groups too. I happen to prefer the look of a blued steel revolver, so I searched for and found a mint, Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece.
I have fun shooting it at the range, but I can also get bored pretty quick there, depending on the crowd, or when the guy next to me is shooting a .44 magnum,
or when the range officer is incessantly barking out orders over the loudspeaker. I shoot for relaxation, as well as fun, and I've learned I much prefer the solitude
of backwoods hiking & plinking. Problem was, I stressed about 'holster wear' on my beloved blued steel (even though I know there's no shame in honest wear...).
So I picked up a 617 and it meets all my needs with aplomb. I still want a 41, but when I get serious, I'll search for a used one that already has some wear on it...
That way I can have my fun and still sleep like a baby all night long!

Good Luck! :bthumb:

 

Good advice here, zoned. :bthumb:

 

Whether you shoot paper, plink, or hunt the 41 will be more satisfying in accuracy.
The auto action and trigger allow you a more precise first, second, third shot without moving your shooting hand to either cock the trigger or DA fire.
Sure the 41 is a target handgun but it is also very fabulous in the field as well. It is also VERY EASY to disassemble and clean in seconds.
Not so the revolver.
Up to around 25 yards the SA action in the 17 or 617 is very comparable to the accuracy of a 41. Beyond 30 or so yards the 41 will edge out the revolver.

 

"... Up to around 25 yards the SA action in the 17 or 617 is very comparable to the accuracy of a 41. Beyond 30 or so yards the 41 will edge out the revolver...".

White house not only owns both, but as I recall, he has posted targets from both. Don't recall how 'scientific' his methods were,
but when someone posts actual targets, I tend to give their opinion more weight.

Since you have more experience with rifles.... I still have 20/20 vision. I don't shoot Bullseye. My game is metallic silhouette, smallbore rifle.
Personal preference: Beyond 25-30 yards, I want a scope when accuracy is critical. In fact, at 50 yards and beyond,
give me my rifle, which has been 'accurized' and has a 32x scope.

Will you see a difference in accuracy between the 41 and 617? Are you going to be shooting beyond 25-30 yards?
Will you be shooting off bags or offhand? Do you plan on scoping it? Any plans to shoot competitively?

 

It all depends on what you want to use them for. For all around shooting get the 617. For target work get the 41.

 

Consider double action too

Another thing to consider is shooting a revolver in double action. Shooting it in single action is very similar to shooting an auto (once cocked).

Shooting in double action is a whole different game. I prefer to shoot my revolvers in DA because its more of a challenge, and to me, more fun.

I don't have a 41 (another member here recently edged me out on one at our local store ) but will some day. I have a 617 and an original 17, and both are superb guns.

 

I'll second Zoned's remark re semi-auto's and the newness wearing off. I owned an accurate/decent triggered Ruger KMK-678GC Govt Comp MKII for ten years. My interest peaked when it was new, when I put a scope on it, when I replaced the scope with HiViz sights, etc. Most of the time, it stayed home when I went to the range. Everone liked it at the range, however. Great 'on paper' - horrid plinker - too much trouble. My last evil-bottom-feeder.

I am a revolver guy... and loved shooting the 'old' 17's that friends had - K-22's, too. Fun six shooters. I love SS - blued guns get scratched from my stare... and they start out corroded. A 617 was just too much money - for 'just' a .22. Heck, my new 6" 629 from a couple of summers previous was a lot cheaper than the 4" 617 I bought new last autumn. It sealed the fate of my MKII - it was sold and gone in days. The 4" 617 is the rimfire handgun for me. A plinker... a plinker that shoots anything and everything - and, if you do your part, both in holding/shooting and springing for decent ammo, it will group well enough for me. I have already shot my 617 more than I did that MKII in it's last nine years - soon to pass it's lifetime here!

A ten shot 4" 617 is perfection in a hand held rimfire - to me.

Stainz

 

Thanks

I appreciate all your good comments on the 41 VS the 617. Comes down to how you intend to use it. So I'm pretty much decided on the 41. Now the big question is ... looking for a 41, am I better buying a new with guarantees (and no wear) or shopping for a used gun. There doesn't seem to be much price differential. But where can you get "the best gun"?
Thanks from a future 41 ower.

 

I own 2 mod 41's and 6 S&W .22lr K-frames and the mod 41's out shoot them all.

 

model 41

I found a LNIB model 41 shot very little manufactured in 1997. Shot it for the first time a few weeks ago and what a difference it is over any other gun I have shot. Oh and the price $640. This has been my lucky month as I also found a Ruger MKII slab side gov't competition target LNIB for $400. I love shooting .22's.

 

617 vs. 41

Ditto on what Microgunner said. I've got a bunch of S&W .22 revolvers including a 617 but in my opinion the Colt revolvers are smoother and more accurate. However, I have 3 Model 41 S&W. Nuff said. For a good price look at www.ktp.com. I got two of mine from him.

Wayne38

 

I'd go for the NIB today anywhere it is sold. Right now this production of 41s is tops. They will eventually become sparse to buy and then you'll have to wait for the next production--which really couldn't get any better than what's being sold right now from SW.
I've been through as many 41s used and new as 9422Ms--my favorite rifle as well as my favorite handgun. That amounts to over 12 in each. Most of the time my problem was selling the handgun (or the 9422M) for something else--but I always came back to NEEDING one of each.
In the used market place you may save a bundle and end up with a gem but you never know until you make the plunge. Whatever you get used may need further work in replacing parts (like springs, extractors, etc.) either by age or use. Added is the fact someone sold it for a reason between needing the money or dumping a lemon in function.
If you go NIB now you evade all the possible problems that could follow you home. It is unlikely the NIB 41 will have a problem--but if it does it's NIB and under SW warranty.
I believe whether you get NIB or used SW could fix whatever needs fixing at a minimal charge because they stand behind their product.
But why increase the chances you'd have to send the handgun to them for repair by buying used?
Lastly, revolvers like the 617 are unquestionably excellent purchases for all around use. The revolver is less complicated and that is a plus.
But the accuracy of the 41 is leagues ahead of a revolver no matter who makes it. The trigger is the best on the 41. Some say the revolver is the ticket for plinking and hunting over a "target" gun like the 41. But think about the many Colt Woodsmans out there that go into the forest and fields over revolvers!
To me the 41 is a must have for any gun enthusiast. It is well known by any person of any gun knowledge. I have yet to run into a person at the range or in the field who did not recognize at first glance the Model 41--even when they've never owned or handled one. Pictures of the 41 did that. Everyone knows about the 41.

 

To me the 41 is a must have for any gun enthusiast. It is well known by any person of any gun knowledge. I have yet to run into a person at the range or in the field who did not recognize at first glance the Model 41--even when they've never owned or handled one. Pictures of the 41 did that. Everyone knows about the 41.

A "must have for any gun enthusiast"? In 35+ years of shooting, I've seen maybe three of them on firing lines or in the field (outside of gun shows). I've seen 50 High Standards for every Smith 41 I've seen, and I've seen ten Ruger autos for every High Standard I've seen.

I'm not saying that the 41's not a great gun. I finally got to shoot one last year. The grip, sights, trigger pull, and accuracy were all outstanding. I'd love to own one, but not at its price point. It really won't do anything that my Ruger MK II won't (in my hands, anyway). If you want one, and can afford one, good for you--go for it! But I don't think there's all that many shooters who consider it a "must-have."

 

preference on bbl?

Thanks for the nib steer. That being the case, I can order either length bbl. Which do you prefer? Any magic site to get a best price or should I just have my FFL order one through his wholesale supplier sources?
Getting real close. Thanks!

 

Thanks for the nib steer. That being the case, I can order either length bbl. Which do you prefer? Any magic site to get a best price or should I just have my FFL order one through his wholesale supplier sources?
Getting real close. Thanks!

I like the sights the 41 comes with. They are very precise with sharp image to align.

 

Hahahahahahahaahaha!

 

Hey Snake45!
I figure you like 1911s which are similar in dimension and balance to the 41:

Left is Kimber Raptor II. Right is Colt WWI. Both shoot the same.

 

.

Careful Bayview.... Whitehouse will have soon have you sleeping with it!

"I can't imagine ever being without it. Especially at night in bed." "this Raptor is another hand held wonder "

CLASSIC Whitehouse! http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239527 :bthumb:

 

m41

Most don't consider it a must because of price. For investment purposes alone its worth it. Check the price 5 years ago and look at the price today.What is a MKII worth used or NIB? % wise not near as much as a M41 I have seen the prices jump to $1288 retail. I found my LNIB for $640. Shoots like a champ and very smooth. I could sell it for over $800 instantly. So if you don't want one of the best production 22 pistols on the market for what it does look at it as an investment.

 

Most don't consider it a must because of price. For investment purposes alone its worth it. Check the price 5 years ago and look at the price today.What is a MKII worth used or NIB? % wise not near as much as a M41 I have seen the prices jump to $1288 retail. I found my LNIB for $640. Shoots like a champ and very smooth. I could sell it for over $800 instantly. So if you don't want one of the best production 22 pistols on the market for what it does look at it as an investment.

Agree... at $640 you got a 'screaming deal' on your LNIB 41. You bought a nice used gun, in excellent condition, and paid below market value. :bthumb:
That strategy makes far more sense to me than paying 2X for a "NIB today anywhere it is sold". Unless, of course, you have money to burn,
and MUST have a brand new one.

But to recommend that one should purchase a 41 for "Investment purposes alone" ??? Uh... I don't think that's going to fly very far.
There are far better choices for someone "investing" in firearms for profit. And, of course, whoever originally purchased yours new (because they felt like
they MUST have a new one) lost a lot of money selling it to you for $640. I highly doubt they would agree that it was a good investment.

Like most things, it's easier to buy than sell. If you are patient, you can find a good deal on a used one in excellent condition. If you are impatient, go new,
and when you lose money selling it, tell anyone who will listen that it was a good investment.

Most of us can claim that we sold a gun for more than we paid for it, particularly if purchased used and in excellent condition. Of course...
it's very convenient to neglect to factor in the TRUE cost we paid (fees, taxes, etc.). Good Investment ??? Hardly.

"...If you want one, and can afford one, good for you--go for it! "

:yeahthat:

 

For pure investment, it's hard to beat Remington Golden Bullets. Just over a year ago they were $10 a box, now over $17--that's 70% in less than two years. Let's see ANY gun do that!

 

41

The gun came from an estate. The gentleman passed on and had over 70 hand guns and most were LNIB condition. Retail in 1997 was $768 So I got lucky but I was persistent in my quest for one. I would not have paid retail at $1288/actual sale of $1040 where I shoot. My point was that if you want a Model 41 they are limited production guns and increase in value and have a very high demand because they are hard to find. If you bought REM GB's you would have shot them all up by now. LOL

 

If you bought REM GB's you would have shot them all up by now. LOL

I DID buy Rem GBs at $10 and should be shooting them for years to come. Every box of them I shoot, I'm saving $7 at today's prices, which I can put into something else. By next year I'll prolly be saving $10 per box.

 

Balance , please....

Hey guys, money doesn't grow on trees (or at last up where I live) so lets put gun purchases (expense, investment etc.) into prospective. What does a lawn mower now cost ... or a night at the movies .... or whatever we find necessary? Let's not talk cars that go from $30,000 to zero in about ten years. So I can buy a .22 at $300 or one at $1,000 ( not to mention the competitive crazies that go big at $5,000). So I say a little balance is in order. My wife of many years and I don't do expensive vacations, expensive nights out, or current flashy cars. So to "invest $1,000 in a gun is not so extravagant. If I can get the same performance from a $300 gun, then I'm a dummy. But I'm pretty sure you get what you pay for and better things cost more.
So I guess there's a reason why S&W prices some guns higher than others.
Color me a little confused.
Bayview

 

You got my vote! :bthumb:

 

I have a lot of guns and have just fairly recently purchased a model 41. As soon as you handle this gun, you can feel the extra value. It has become my favorite gun in short order. I have to agree with Bayview. And even if there was a .22 that had the same performance as the 41, it would not give me the same satisfaction. Its like a pleather vs a real leather couch............both serve that same purpose, but man does the leather feel better. It is one of those guns you pull out to show every one that comes over. Everyone that has handled it loves it.

 

I have a Ruger MKI 6 7/8" bbl that I got for Christmas 1961. Still have it and it still out shoots me 48 years later.

I WANTED a 41 ever since reading Mel Tappan in 1976 or so. But, was getting other stuff and never had the $$$. Plus, I had never seen or handled one, much less shot one.

Then, somewhere in the middle '80's I got to handle one at a small show.

It went from wanting one to MUST HAVE in about 30 seconds.

A couple of years later, I traded a pre war ACE straight up for a NIB M41 5 1/2" and never looked back. Never regretted the trade either and would do it again.

It is, by far, my favorite pistol, even though it isn't the most expensive.

Just feels and shoots so ..... RIGHT!:1luvu: :1luvu:

Rob

 

I think everyone will agree that the 41 is a very high-quality .22LR target handgun,
and that S&W backs up their products with quality Customer Service. :t

I'd be interested in knowing if this will be your only handgun, or if you currently own one or more?

 

not my only hand gun

I have a very old S&W revolver in 38 short. Also a current S&W M&P in 9mm. But as I shoot rifles, the feel and the economy of a .22 pleases me. So I'm just trying to find a pleasing rimfire that I can shoot until the cows come home (or whatever). I get just as much fun from rimfire as centerfire and spend a lot less. You all know that but some still like big bore. So whatever turns your wheel is fine by me.
Thank you all for your thoughts-Bayview