Is This What a “Good” New S&W Looks Like? (617 Mountain Gun)

Published on January 29, 2026
Duration: 7:46

This review of the Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun, a Lipsey's exclusive variant, highlights its features and performance. The firearm boasts a 4-inch half-lug tapered barrel, a 10-round capacity in .22 LR, and exceptional accuracy, achieving 1-inch groups at 25 yards. The reviewer, Chris Baker, provides an expert assessment, noting improvements like the yoke lockup and cleaner engraving, while also offering minor critiques on grip ergonomics and sight notch depth. He emphasizes the importance of quality control checks on new S&W revolvers.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun is a Lipsey's exclusive variant featuring a 4-inch half-lug barrel, 10-round .22 LR capacity, and weighing 36 oz. It boasts exceptional accuracy, achieving 1-inch groups at 25 yards, and utilizes an improved yoke lockup mechanism. Quality control should still be checked by the buyer.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Project Rimfire & S&W 617
  2. 00:52Model History & Exclusive Features
  3. 02:10Design Improvements: Lockup & Engraving
  4. 03:18Trigger Pull & Accuracy Performance
  5. 04:59Accessories & Quality Control Check
  6. 05:49Final Assessment & Minor Critiques

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun a 'Lipsey's exclusive variant'?

The Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun is a Lipsey's exclusive variant, meaning it's a specific configuration of the 617 model produced by Smith & Wesson in collaboration with and for Lipsey's, a firearms distributor. This often results in unique features not found on standard models.

What are the key physical specifications of the S&W 617 Mountain Gun?

The S&W 617 Mountain Gun features a 4-inch half-lug tapered barrel, a .22 LR caliber, a 10-round capacity, and weighs approximately 36 oz. It also includes a flash chrome finish on the trigger and hammer, a brass bead front sight, and walnut grips.

How does the lockup mechanism on the new S&W 617 Mountain Gun differ from older models?

Newer iterations of the S&W 617, including this Mountain Gun variant, have moved the cylinder lockup point from the traditional location on the ejector rod to the yoke. This change is intended to provide a more robust and stable lockup during firing.

What kind of accuracy can be expected from the S&W 617 Mountain Gun?

The S&W 617 Mountain Gun demonstrates exceptional accuracy, capable of producing 1-inch groups at 25 yards with various .22 LR ammunition. The review specifically noted Eley Club ammunition performed best, averaging 0.8-inch groups.

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