I'm in the market and I'm looking for dead nuts accurate in either 4" or 6".

Alan

The model 17 replaced the K22. the differences are very minor. The 617 is the stainless version of the 17, and can have a six or ten shot cylinder and has a full underlug. they are K frames BTW, hence K22 and come in 4 or 6" barrel. the model 18 is the 22 cal version of the 38spl service revolver, it is only 4". My dad has a k22 and it is unbelievably accurate. I'd say you can't go wrong with any of them. they are all double action with adjustable sights also. hope that helps

Personally I'd get one of the blue K-22s. You'll probably have the best chance of getting a really accurate gun but there are good ones and better ones and even a few bad ones......I was reading the other day that some of the k-22s of the 70s were not up to snuff, the author seemed knowledgeable but I'm just repeating it without personal knowledge. I own several K-22s but don't currently have any of the stainless versions, a lack that I will have to correct one of these days.

I have a 6 shot 617-3 S&W at the moment. I had a 10 shot 617 S&W from the same period but I am not sure of the exact dash number. The 6 shot 617 runs under 1" for a full cylinder at 50 yards with both CCI SV and Winchester Powerpoint. The 10 shot ran just under 1.5" at 50 yards with CCI Green Tag based on the few zeroing targets I still have in my target log.

The 10 shot had a shorter come up with the ten shot cylinder that I didn't like at the time for double action shooting. If you are considering a 4" and a 6" I would recommend the 6" version. You get slightly more velocity, and with the revolver cylinder gap you want all you can get if you are planning on hunting with it. The 6" also has the longer sighting plain for shooting with open sights.

I think you are more likely to find an accurate new revolver than an older one at any reasonable price. The Bagnor Punta era S&W were definitely sub-par too. The older ones that shoot really well people tend to hold onto as the owners know what they have. The 617 starting in 1994 also has its top strap under the sight drilled and tapped for a scope mount. It makes it very straight forward to get a red dot or scope on one.

In general I don't think you would be unhappy with a S&W 617.

I own a smith 617 6", I get about 1" Group @ 50yrds using Fed Gold Medal. And about 1.5" group using the 550 Remy Golden Bullets. As WEBFEET said you will not go wrong with a 617.