would you choose a 4" or a 6" if you were buying?

The 6" tends to really muzzle heavy. And big. Go for the 4".
Bob

I've had both and unless you need the greater sight radius and muzzle weight, 4" is where it's at. They make great red-dot sight hosts.

Thanks for the replies that was the main thing I was wondering about thanks for the help!

4". The 6" is just heavy. If you are seeking the utmost in accuracy, I'd be looking at the SW41. The 617 is a good gun, and versatile being able to shoot shorts, longs, long rifles, and shot shells, but it's not nearly as accurate as the 41.

I've had both. My preference is the 4" for reasons stated above. My specimen is accurate enough. Couple of targets from my remaining 4".

10 shots 25 yds rested w/2x Leupold




20 shots 100 yds rested w/4s Leupold



Paul

4" no doubt.

Really can't go wrong with either but I really liked the 6" model that I put many, many thousands of rounds through on ground squirrels, grouse, rock chucks & indoor competition using a Leupold/Gilmore Red Dot. I never felt handicapped by the extra weight & many times came in first or second when we would have 35-40 shooters and I was the only one shooting a revolver & all the events were timed.

Dick

Some good shooting guys, consensus goes to the side of the 4" and is the way I'm going to go as this will be just a plinking gun and not much paper testing....thanks to all who chimed in!

If I were tempted to a 4" I would go with a Model 63. For every reason I would want a Model 617 I would go with a 6".

Had a 4" and wanted the TT, TH from a 6" so I bought a 6" at put the target parts in the 4"

BEST shooting revolver I ever owned.

For some stupid reason, I traded it off.

I'm STILL kicking myself in the arse for that one!

Virgil B.

For just plinking I'd go 6". Why not? Weight to carry isn't a consideration and steadiness, sight radius, off hand practical accuracy and the ability to hit what you're plinking at are important. For hunting I'd go 6". For a trail type packing pistol I'd get an older M63 or M18 with 4" barrel and no full under lug barrel.

I had a 6" and it was one of the most accurate pistols I've ever shot but it was too heavy to pack around and I traded it off for something else. Finally found a no lock 4" and thought it would be perfect. Wasn't nearly as accurate and weighed almost as much. It went down the road pretty quick.

Still looking for a model 18, the ones I find are either too high or I'm too broke.

You guys are starting to make me second guess...........

I've had 8 3/8", 6" and 4" 617's, of the three I found the 4" to be the least useful, with iron sights, because it weighed nearly as much as the 6" but lacked the balance and sight radius of the longer gun. I eventually sold it--it was a desirable 6-shot, no lock, gun--after I bought a Ruger SP101 4.2" 22lr, which I found to be a much nicer plinking revolver, fitting well between my 6" and 8 3/8" 617'--which I keep for paper punching and silhouettes--and my alloy J-frame 3" 22's which I have for packing around.

If you're set on a 617, realize that whatever barrel length you choose it is a heavy revolver; the 4" is the best of the lot for a packing pistol, but at that weight I'd be tempted to carry a 4" 686 loaded with 38spl wadcutters for plinking.

You guys make some good points, there is a 5 oz diff between the two so not huge!
And I know it is a hefty revolver just want a gun that shoots well and dependable probably won't be a gun I carry much as I have others that are more suited!

I bought a 6”. Sold it and bought a 4”.
Both nice Revolvers, but the 4” balances better for me.

I’ve got both. Bought the 6” first thought it was awesome, shot it a lot. Then bought a 4”. Haven’t shot the 6” much since the 4” came in the House.. both are not going anywhere!

Yep. Gotta go 6” for the sight radius. It’s a target gun IMO.

It's a target gun, there are better options for field carry. I've got a no dash 6 that is crazy accurate. I carried it some, but now go with other options that are better suited for that.