Author Topic: Single Six Hunter vs. S&W 617 (Read 2599 times)

44 Phanatic · « **on:** April 04, 2005, 02:56:54 AM »

Please give me some advice for squirrel hunting. I like the Single Six but have heard so many good things about the 617. What do you guys think?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2005, 04:37:20 AM »

They're really different guns. The 617 is larger and heavier than the standard single six; I don't know how the single six hunter compares for weight. I had a single six and sold it because the grip was too small for my hands. I never could get good and consistent shooting it. The 617 helped a lot. I don't think I'll ever sell the 617. It's such an excellent gun.

But you really ought to at least handle both before buying. Some guys definitely prefer the single actions and others, like me, definitely prefer the double actions. If your dealer doesn't have a Single Six handy, don't handle a Blackhawk or other centerfire Ruger expecting it to feel the same as the Single Six-- they don't.

For squirrel hunting, unless you're lucky to live in an area where the shots are close, you will almost certainly want to mount a scope. Mine has iron sights, but it's nice to be able to put a Weaver mount and scope on it occasionally. That single-six Hunter package with the scope mount looks pretty attractive.

TScottO · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2005, 04:25:59 PM »

I personally do not see where the hunter has an advantage over the 617. You might save a few bucks by buying the Ruger since scope rings come with the gun but that doesnt offset the difference in quality. A weaver base for the 617 isnt very expensive nor is a set of rings to hold a 22 scope.

If you use a dot scope or something to that nature the rings usually come with the scope or the attachment to the weaver base is built into the scope. I do think you can mail the factory rings back to Ruger and they will exchange them for 30mm rings but then you will be limited to a 30mm dot scope. If you buy a weaver adapter for a Ruger so you can mount a variety of scopes you have gained nothing.

I suggest buy the Smith, spend 10 or 15 bucks on a weaver adapter and not be limited to what kind of scope you can use. The 617 is just a darn nice gun, very accurate, a joy to shoot, easier to load and good looking not to mention the option of being fitted with most any type grip one could want.

Be Safe,
Scott

Duane · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2005, 09:00:45 AM »

Get the single six been hunting with one for the lasty couple of years plus the .22 mag cylinder makes it a little more versatile while the Smith aint a bad gun the ruger can be dialed in to shoot both .22 and .22 mag quiet accurately.If you dont like the grips you can get a set of hogue are pachmayer to fit it comfortably .Plus the ruger is built like a tank just my two cents

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2005, 08:20:04 AM »

Phanatic...A couple of questions for you:

Do you prefer single or double action?
Would you rather have six shots or ten shots?
Do you want a gun that can shoot both the 22lr and the 22wmr rounds?
How much do you want to spend?

poncaguy · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2005, 07:59:33 AM »

I would prefer the Single Six Hunter in 17 HMR and 17 H2 for hunting,,,,,,,,,

S.B. · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2005, 02:59:11 AM »

Quote from: 44 Phanatic

Please give me some advice for squirrel hunting. I like the Single Six but have heard so many good things about the 617. What do you guys think?

If you can reliable hit and kill squirrels cleanly with either, they both would serve you well? Personal tastes accounts for a lot of advise on the internet? And if it comes from experienced people, is all good advice.

TC Shooter · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:59:52 AM »

All the Ruger SA revolvers I have ever owned or fired had long , creepy trigger pulls. All the Smiths I have owned or fired had very crisp single action trigger pulls right out of the box. A spring kit does not take the creep out of the Ruger. Work has to be performed on the trigger /hammer engagement. A nice trigger makes hitting the target that much easier.

I had a 617 after years of putting off buying one. It had the nice trigger , but unfortunately the gun was a dog. Sent back to Smith - got it back and it still did not shoot worth a hoot. Although the cylinder no longer binded. Got rid of it. Ended up with a Single Six. After some work on the hammer it has a very nice , crisp trigger pull.

I'm not saying avoid the Smith. I like Smiths , still own Smiths. With the new ones optics are easily added to allow you to be even more precise in your shooting. I am sure my 617 was one of the rare lemons - just wish I was not the one to buy it!

Either one will work for squirrel hunting. The Smith makes it far easier to mount optics (unless you get the Single Six Hunter) and should have a much better trigger. The Single Six will cost less and has the 22 mag option. Look them both over and handle them before deciding. If you know any friends that owns one or the other , arrange a shooting session with them.

S.B. · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2005, 10:18:04 AM »

TC Shooter, the older Rugers, three screws, had a super trigger right from the factory. And Long Rifles and Magnums use a different twist in the barrels. Accuracy can be hit and miss with a combination gun? I swore off the .22 magnums in my youth, the only advantage I saw was a lot more noise. .22 LongRifle pistols have killed every thing I've hunted with. Magnum cost a lot more than the LR's too. For being the oldest self contained cartridge around today, the .22 LR isn't doing to bad. Don't fix it if it ain't broke?

Old Griz · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2005, 07:19:40 PM »

:cb2: I've got both of them and like them both, however, if I had to choose between them, the 617 would win every time. I love SA guns, and it was my Bisley Single Six that got me into shooting SA. It's a great plinker, but it's no where near as accurate as my 617. Plus, the 617 feels like a real gun being a K-frame. I do suggest getting the 6" with the 6 round cylinder. I remember reading somewhere here on this forum that many folks who bought the 10 round 617s weren't as happy with them as those with the 6 holers. Can't remember why, but I'm sure someone here will. Scoped mine, and it's my #1 squirrel gun. Wish I had an excuse for getting another one, but I swapped a Mk II for a .22 SP101. Kinda have more .22s than I know what to do with. Gee . . . what a terrible problem!