Is My S&W 617 Mountain Gun Fixed?

Published on January 30, 2026
Duration: 14:59

This guide details the process of diagnosing and testing a Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun after factory repair, focusing on reliability issues, particularly in double-action shooting. It covers initial range testing, analysis of service work orders, and extended ammunition-specific performance evaluations, drawing on the expertise of firearm reviewer Hickok45. The assessment emphasizes the importance of quality ammunition and the firearm's sensitivity to primer ignition consistency.

Quick Summary

After factory repairs including a cut forcing cone and repaired yoke, Hickok45 tested his S&W 617 Mountain Gun. The revolver demonstrated significantly improved double-action reliability, with near-zero misfires when using quality .22 LR ammunition like CCI Mini-Mags, though it remained sensitive to primer consistency in other brands.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Repair Context
  2. 01:20Reliability & Ammo Selection
  3. 02:10Initial Range Testing
  4. 04:05Service Work Order Review
  5. 05:20Extended Ammo Testing
  6. 07:45Conclusion & Ammo Preference

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific repairs were performed on the S&W 617 Mountain Gun?

The S&W 617 Mountain Gun underwent factory repairs that included cutting the forcing cone and repairing the yoke. These actions were taken to address previous reliability issues, specifically misfires during double-action shooting.

How did the S&W 617 Mountain Gun perform after factory repairs?

After factory repairs, the S&W 617 Mountain Gun showed significant improvement. It successfully fired full cylinders without misfires during double-action testing, a marked improvement over its previous state where it averaged two to three failures per cylinder.

What role does ammunition play in the reliability of a .22 LR revolver like the S&W 617?

.22 LR ammunition's primer consistency is crucial for revolver reliability, especially in double-action. While CCI Mini-Mags performed flawlessly, other brands sometimes exhibited misfires, indicating that the firearm's performance can be sensitive to ammunition quality control.

Why might someone prefer the S&W 617 Mountain Gun over the standard 617?

The S&W 617 Mountain Gun variant is often preferred for its handling characteristics. It features a tapered barrel and is noted for its balance, which some shooters find more comfortable and conducive to accurate shooting compared to the standard S&W 617 model.

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