The full underlug works on the 6in 617 because it's more of a range gun. I wish they'd come out with a 4in with a lighter barrel for woods use.
Look for a M18. I wouldn't be without mine.
Antero,
The above-mentioned M18, is S&W's Model 18. It is their K-Frame, the same frame size as their Model 17 and Model 617. Just has a 4-inch blue barrel, instead of the 6 or 8 3/8th's inch barrels of the Model 17, and does not have the underlug that the Model 617 barrels have. I feel it's a solid recommendation for a woods gun.
Jerry
A 4" 18 gets my vote. There's absolutely nothing it won't do (besides be next to quiet) for a woods gun.
A 17 or Officer's Model Match are decent, but a bit big. Same for 4 and 6" Colt Match Target autos.
I've never owned a 22 Diamondback, but something tells me an 18 probably shoots better, certainly in DA.
I'd rather an ancient Police Positive Target than a J-frame, if looking at wee guns.
