Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun Review: A Premium Rimfire Experience?

Overview

The Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun is a 10-shot, medium-frame revolver chambered in .22LR, recently revived in partnership with Lipsey’s. This attractive revolver aims to deliver a premium shooting experience without the hefty operating costs of centerfire cartridges, appealing to both recreational shooters and those needing a lightweight outdoor companion. As your trusted gun store and FFL dealer, BT Gun Company is here to provide an in-depth look at whether this revolver lives up to the hype.

Specs at a Glance

• Caliber: .22LR
• Action: Double/Single Action Revolver
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Capacity: 10 rounds
• Weight: Not yet published
• MSRP: Not yet published

Features and What Sets It Apart

The Mountain Gun concept originated in 1988 as a collaboration between competition shooters Tommy Campbell and Ross Seyfried, seeking a powerful yet packable outdoors revolver. While initially offered in .44 Magnum, the K-Frame 617 .22LR variant became popular. The current revival, brought back by Lipsey’s in 2025, replicates the original configuration – notably without an internal lock. This version boasts a lightweight design, a tapered 4-inch barrel, and a round-butt grip, all contributing to its balanced feel. The included Tyler Gun Works Bear Hug grips are beautifully figured and well-contoured, adding to the revolver’s aesthetic appeal. The adjustable rear sight allows for customization, and the high-polish stainless finish provides a sleek, durable exterior. As a leading firearms dealer, we appreciate the attention to detail in the external finish and cylinder mechanics.

Range Performance

After running 500 rounds of various .22LR ammunition through the 617 Mountain Gun, the experience was…mixed. Initial shots revealed a consistent tendency to shoot low and left, requiring significant sight adjustment. While the adjustable rear sight corrected this, it needed more movement than ideal. Accuracy testing at 7 yards in single-action yielded five 10-shot groups per ammo type. Unfortunately, the results were less impressive than expected, with fliers appearing in nearly every group, even when shooting from a rest. The reviewer noted this 617 was less accurate than other Smith & Wesson revolvers, including J-Frame models. Recoil, as expected, was minimal, making it a pleasurable gun to shoot. However, a concerning issue arose: approximately 12 rounds failed to ignite across the tested ammunition, with Winchester and Browning exhibiting the most failures and Federal Punch being completely reliable. This suggests a potential issue with the hammer’s striking power. Trigger pull averaged 10.7 pounds in double-action and 4.8 pounds in single-action, with a smooth double-action pull and a clean, though slightly heavier than desired, single-action pull. Chamber tightness also presented a minor issue, requiring extra force to seat rounds and a firm tap on the ejector rod for complete removal.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
• Excellent ergonomics and balance
• Beautiful fit and finish
• Smooth trigger pull
• Relatively inexpensive to shoot (.22LR)
• No internal lock

• Cons:
• Inconsistent accuracy
• Primer ignition failures
• Tight chambers requiring extra force to load/unload
• Sights require significant adjustment out of the box

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

The Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun presents a compelling package with its classic aesthetics, comfortable ergonomics, and the appeal of affordable .22LR shooting. However, the observed accuracy issues and primer ignition failures are significant concerns, especially given the revolver’s price point. While a tweak to the hammer spring or mass might resolve the ignition problem, and individual results may vary (as demonstrated by another reviewer achieving 1-inch groups at 25 yards), potential buyers should be aware of these potential drawbacks. This revolver is best suited for recreational shooters prioritizing feel and aesthetics over pinpoint accuracy, or for those seeking a lightweight, high-capacity .22LR revolver for pest control. If you demand consistent, tight groupings, you might be better served by other .22LR revolvers. If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate rimfire revolver, we at BT Gun Company can help you explore other options.

Ready to order? Check current availability at BT Gun Company and speak with our knowledgeable staff about finding the perfect firearm for your needs. We are a full-service FFL dealer and can assist with all your firearms-related requirements.