Commercial m-1917?

triggerman770 · #1 07-26-2010, 03:20 PM

I have what appears to be commercial model m-1917. It just has " S&W DA45" on the barrel and a lanyard ring. no US or other gov't markings. S/N is:17739*
need to know approx mfg date and if it is 45 colt or acp.

DCWilson · #2 07-26-2010, 03:39 PM

Sounds like a commercial 1917. Does it have checkered stocks or smooth? The army guns had smooth stocks, and checkered wood went on the commercial guns. Also look for the S&W logo under the cylinder latch. Commercial revolvers had it, the army contract units not.

Should be .45 ACP unless it was modified. If you have snap caps or empty cases (or even live ammo) lying around, it's easy to check. The .45 LC won't go all the way in. The .45 ACP round will reach the ring in the chamber, and that's what holds it in proper position for firing if you don't use moon clips.

A serial number above 150000 or so ought to be in the post- military range, another indication of commercial status. The company had lots of left over parts, and there is some inconsistency about the order in which the numbered parts were used up. Some guns around 177000 were shipped in the mid-1920s.

Muley Gil · #3 07-26-2010, 10:26 PM

I have one in the 180xxx range that shipped in the mid 1930s.

linde · #4 07-26-2010, 10:32 PM

Commercial 1917 serial number 179014 shipped in August 1927.

Russ

Muley Gil · #5 07-26-2010, 10:39 PM

"I have one in the 180xxx range that shipped in the mid 1930s."

"Commercial 1917 serial number 179014 shipped in August 1927."

Either S&W didn't sell many 1917s or mine was stuck WAAAY in the back of the safe.

BUFF · #6 07-27-2010, 01:49 AM

I've got 1817XX, and it shipped in December, 1930.

DCWilson · #7 07-27-2010, 01:56 AM

173159 is a second-contract Brazilian, so it shipped in 1946. But this just goes to show that a bunch of numbered parts were left over from the early '20s and were used in different ways at different times.

triggerman770 · #8 07-27-2010, 11:23 AM

yes, the logo is below the cyl latch, and it has checkered stocks.
but what about caliber.? the recoils sheild has imprints that appear to be full rimmed cases. ACP of course fits but I no longer have any rimmed or 45 colt ammo around. I will try to get some pic's up. this is about a 10% finish and my customer is thinking refinish. Thanx for all the replies

DCWilson · #9 07-27-2010, 11:40 AM

Shooting .45 Auto Rim would leave large-diameter cartridge slap marks on the recoil shield.

Just slip a toothpick down the side of one chamber until it hits the interior lip. Mark the toothpick at the back of the cylinder. Measure the distance. About 1.2 inches means .45 Long Colt; about .75-.8 inches means .45 ACP/.45 AR.

I'm pretty sure you will find the shorter measurement.