FWIW, I have a distinct memory of Bill discussing going into different gun shops and working the triggers on 617s to find “good ones”.
That was over 10 years ago; he was quite complimentary of the .22 M&P autos, and used those too.
At one point as he commuted back and forth from north Georgia to JAX, he wore a.22 Magnum revolver in a shoulder holster, if memory serves.
I'm dragging this thread up just for the sake of completeness. I registered for the class that hand been scheduled for this week, but the class was unfortunately canceled because it failed to make the minimum enrollment. I need to look at the schedule and figure out whether or not try for a later class or just get a refund and take some local classes from good traveling trainers that are coming up.