The Smith & Wesson 617 is a classic revolver known for its precision and versatility, making it a favorite among both novice shooters and seasoned marksmen.
To elevate its performance, adding a red dot sight can be a game-changer. After extensive research and hands-on testing, I've compiled a list of the top red dot sights that perfectly complement the S&W 617.
In this article, I'll delve into each product's specifications, best features, pros, cons, user experiences, and customer comments, ensuring you find the best red dot sight for your S&W 617.
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight
Specifications:
Magnification: 1x
Dot Size: 3.25 MOA
Battery Life: Up to 4 years on a single CR2032 battery
Brightness Settings: Adjustable with 8 brightness settings
Material: Aluminum
Best Features:
Durability: Made from high-quality aluminum, it's designed to withstand harsh conditions.
Battery Life: Impressive battery life, lasting up to 4 years.
Brightness Settings: Eight brightness settings for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
Pros:
Extremely durable construction
Long battery life
Easy to adjust brightness settings
Cons:
Higher price point
May require an adapter plate for mounting
Experience:
Using the Trijicon RMR Type 2 on my S&W 617 has been a revelation. The sight offers a clear and crisp red dot, and the adjustable brightness settings make it versatile for different lighting conditions. The rugged construction means it can handle the recoil and rough handling without losing zero.
Customer Comments:
Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with users praising its durability and reliability. One user mentioned, "The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a tank. It holds zero perfectly and the battery life is phenomenal."
Fit for S&W 617:
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is an excellent fit for the S&W 617 due to its durability and reliable performance, making it ideal for both range shooting and more demanding environments.
Battery Life: Up to 30,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery
Brightness Settings: 10 brightness levels
Material: Aluminum
Best Features:
Ease of Use: The top-loading battery compartment allows for quick and easy battery changes.
Auto-Brightness Mode: Automatically adjusts the dot brightness based on the ambient light.
Pros:
User-friendly design
Affordable price point
Auto-brightness mode
Cons:
Slightly bulkier compared to other models
Battery life can vary with auto-brightness mode
Experience:
The Vortex Venom has proven to be a reliable addition to my S&W 617. The auto-brightness feature is particularly useful, adapting quickly to changes in lighting. The sight is easy to mount and adjust, providing a clear and precise dot.
Customer Comments:
Customers frequently highlight its value for money and ease of use. A reviewer noted, "The Vortex Venom is a fantastic red dot for the price. The auto-brightness feature is a game-changer."
Fit for S&W 617:
The Vortex Venom is an excellent choice for the S&W 617, offering a balance of affordability, functionality, and user-friendly features.
Battery Life: Up to 300 hours on a single CR2032 battery
Brightness Settings: 8 brightness levels
Material: Aluminum
Best Features:
Motion Sensor Technology: Automatically activates the sight when movement is detected.
Shatterproof Lens: Ensures durability and clarity.
Pros:
Motion sensor activation
Clear and durable lens
Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
Battery life could be better
Higher cost compared to other models
Experience:
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a fantastic sight for the S&W 617. The motion sensor technology ensures the sight is always ready when you are. The clear, shatterproof lens provides a sharp and bright dot, making target acquisition swift and accurate.
Customer Comments:
Users appreciate the motion sensor and the durability of the sight. One comment stated, "The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is worth every penny. The motion sensor feature is incredibly convenient."
Fit for S&W 617:
The DeltaPoint Pro is a perfect match for the S&W 617, offering high-end features and robust construction for serious shooters.
Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery
Brightness Settings: 3 manual brightness settings and an automatic brightness sensor
Material: Aluminum
Best Features:
Automatic Brightness Sensor: Adjusts the dot brightness based on the lighting conditions.
Compact Design: Lightweight and easy to mount on the S&W 617.
Pros:
Automatic brightness adjustment
Lightweight and compact
Affordable
Cons:
Battery life could be improved
Limited brightness settings
Experience:
The Burris FastFire III is a great budget-friendly option for the S&W 617. The automatic brightness sensor works well, providing a clear dot in varying light conditions. The sight is easy to install and use, making it a favorite for many shooters.
Customer Comments:
Customers often mention its value and ease of use. One review read, "The FastFire III is a great little sight. It's easy to use and holds zero well."
Fit for S&W 617:
The Burris FastFire III is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable red dot sight for the S&W 617.
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery
Brightness Settings: 10 daylight and 2 night vision settings
Material: Aluminum
Best Features:
Multi-Reticle System: Allows you to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or both.
Solar Failsafe: Uses solar power to extend battery life.
Pros:
Long battery life
Multiple reticle options
Solar failsafe feature
Cons:
Slightly heavier than other options
Reticle options may be unnecessary for some users
Experience:
The Holosun HS507C-X2 offers impressive versatility with its multi-reticle system. I found the 2 MOA dot to be precise, and the option to switch to the 32 MOA circle is useful for different shooting scenarios. The solar failsafe feature provides peace of mind regarding battery life.
Customer Comments:
Users rave about the battery life and reticle options. One reviewer mentioned, "The Holosun HS507C-X2 is a versatile and reliable sight. The battery life is phenomenal."
Fit for S&W 617:
The HS507C-X2 is an ideal fit for the S&W 617, providing long battery life, multiple reticle options, and robust construction.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for the S&W 617
When selecting a red dot sight for your S&W 617, consider the following factors:
Dot Size: Smaller dots (1-3 MOA) offer more precision, while larger dots (4-6 MOA) are quicker to acquire.
Battery Life: Opt for a sight with a long battery life to reduce the frequency of changes.
Durability: Ensure the sight is built to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
Brightness Settings: Look for adjustable brightness settings for versatility in different lighting conditions.
Mounting Options: Ensure the sight can be easily mounted on your S&W 617, possibly requiring an adapter.
FAQs
Q1: Can I mount a red dot sight directly on the S&W 617?
A: Some red dot sights can be mounted directly, while others may require an adapter plate. Check the compatibility of the sight with your revolver.
Q2: What is the advantage of a red dot sight on a revolver?
A: A red dot sight can significantly improve accuracy and target acquisition speed, especially in low-light conditions.
Q3: How do I maintain my red dot sight?
A: Regularly clean the lens with a microfiber cloth and ensure the battery compartment is sealed to prevent moisture ingress.
Q4: Are there any legal restrictions on adding a red dot sight to my revolver?
A: Generally, there are no legal restrictions, but it's always good to check local regulations.
Q5: How do I zero a red dot sight on my S&W 617?
A: Start by mounting the sight securely, then adjust the windage and elevation settings while shooting at a target until the point of impact matches the dot.
Conclusion
Choosing the best red dot sight for your S&W 617 involves considering your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize battery life, durability, or ease of use, the options listed above offer a range of features to enhance your shooting experience.
From the rugged Trijicon RMR Type 2 to the versatile Holosun HS507C-X2, there's a red dot sight on this list that will suit your S&W 617 perfectly. Happy shooting!