Optics for a 617

qualfang · June 28, 2010, 09:04 PM

Has anyone put optics on a S&W 617? Seems like a nice revolver to do so.

I'm replacing a Ruger MkII with a 10" Bull barrel, but would like to try a revolver, and the 617 seems like a pretty good starting point. My eyes are not as good as they once were, and i like to fire out to 50 yards, so i'm thinking of a 2-3x power long eye relief.

Any suggestions, cautions? Thanks!

kle · June 29, 2010, 09:23 AM

I like red-dot sights on my 617:

It's a 1" 4MOA UltraDot, mounted with a Jack Weigand mount. No magnification, unlimited eye relief, not as "wobbly" as a magnifying scope. I use it for Bullseye competitions--one handed, standing, unsupported, 50 and 25 yards.

rauke · June 29, 2010, 09:59 AM

I was starting to have the same problem with my eyes, so I replaced the rear sight on my Smith with a custom drop-in scope mount, and came up with this:

Also experimented with a 4X scope, but discovered that the reduced field of view and very wobbly sight picture (while shooting standing, offhand) weren't worth the price of the magnification.

So 9 times out of 10, this revolver wears the red dot, as shown.

Hope you have heaps of fun with your 617!

June 28, 2010, 09:04 PM	#1
qualfang Member Join Date: June 28, 2010 Location: Chicago-ish Posts: 57	Optics for a 617 Has anyone put optics on a S&W 617? Seems like a nice revolver to do so. I'm replacing a Ruger MkII with a 10" Bull barrel, but would like to try a revolver, and the 617 seems like a pretty good starting point. My eyes are not as good as they once were, and i like to fire out to 50 yards, so i'm thinking of a 2-3x power long eye relief. Any suggestions, cautions? Thanks!

June 29, 2010, 09:59 AM	#3
rauke Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2009 Location: Australasia Posts: 200	It's a Model 17-8, a close relation... I was starting to have the same problem with my eyes, so I replaced the rear sight on my Smith with a custom drop-in scope mount, and came up with this: Also experimented with a 4X scope, but discovered that the reduced field of view and very wobbly sight picture (while shooting standing, offhand) weren't worth the price of the magnification. So 9 times out of 10, this revolver wears the red dot, as shown. Hope you have heaps of fun with your 617!

June 29, 2010, 09:23 AM	#2
kle Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2007 Location: NoVA, USA Posts: 419	I like red-dot sights on my 617: It's a 1" 4MOA UltraDot, mounted with a Jack Weigand mount. No magnification, unlimited eye relief, not as "wobbly" as a magnifying scope. I use it for Bullseye competitions--one handed, standing, unsupported, 50 and 25 yards.