US Army 1917 or Model 1950 ?

mtdv · #1 10-06-2011, 01:27 PM

Received a S&W revolver in 45 ACP from an elderly freind.

On the bottom of the butt it is stamped US Army Model 1917. However on the right side of the barrel it says 45 Cal. Model 1950

Can anyone tell me what I have?

deadin · #2 10-06-2011, 01:32 PM

Sounds like a re-barrel. Can you post some pictures?

opoefc · #3 10-06-2011, 01:57 PM

Welcome to the Forum. As Dean says, the barrel is a replacement of the original barrel, using a Model 1950 .45 caliber barrel. If the factory did it, there may be a date code stamped under the stocks on the left side of the grip frame, such as " 5.47" meaning May 1947 as the month the change was made. The change is an easy job and it could have been done by any gunsmith, or even the gun's owner, if they were handy with tools. You might ask your elderly friend if they recall having the barrel change done. Good Luck, Ed.

mtdv · #4 10-06-2011, 02:00 PM

That's my theory, it must have been rebarrelled.

Here are some pic's ...

The ejector rod is slightly bent and I need to replace it, but not certain what S&W model to choose for replacement?

BLACKHAWKNJ · #5 10-06-2011, 02:23 PM

Looks rather odd, a target barrel on a fixed sighted frame. A good candidate for restoration.

deadin · #6 10-06-2011, 02:52 PM

I think I would be more inclined to just get an adjustable rear sight mounted and have an excellent shooter......

peyton · #7 10-06-2011, 03:09 PM

Welcome to the forum, try to find out its history from your friend, we like stories!!

smokey04 · #8 10-06-2011, 04:10 PM

I'd love to find a "project gun" like that. I have a 1950 .45 Target barrel and a 1955 .45 target cylinder. It may be the only way I'll get a "Mountain Gun" in .45 ACP! Nick

Muley Gil · #9 10-06-2011, 08:30 PM

Boy O boy, look at how much that Patridge front sight was cutdown to match with the fixed rear.

Those must be the infamous '70s 2x4 Magnas as well.

tennexplorer · #10 10-06-2011, 10:42 PM

Is there a number on the rear of the cylinder? Does it match the serial number of the gun? If there is no number, the cylinder has been replaced also. We need to see the left side of the gun with a closeup of the current rod to be able to advise with good accuracy.

JSR III · #11 10-06-2011, 11:28 PM

Welcome to the forum. That is what we would call a mix master. Wrong stocks, possibly reblued and a changed out barrel. From a collectors standpoint, there is little to no value. What you have is a nice shooter in .45 caliber.

I know where there is a model of 1917 army barrel for $250 IIRC if you are interested. Finding a pair of stocks shouldn't be a real problem and lanyard rings can be found. You might even be able to sell the 1955 barrel and recoup some of the cost of making the gun right again.

It's really a personal decision as to which way you want to go.

What is the serial number or range? The photo is too blurry to read it.

Hondo44 · #12 10-07-2011, 01:45 AM

For those that like the barrel with shrouded ejector rod, want a longer barrel or both, that is a common barrel swap.

The ejector needed for that barrel and gun combo would be the straight type and pre 1960 meaning it still had the right hand thread. Even if the cylinder and ejector star were changed and are also pre 1960. I have a dozen or so of those. Let me know if interested.

Hondo44 · #13 10-07-2011, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSR III

Welcome to the forum. That is what we would call a mix master. Wrong stocks, possibly reblued and a changed out barrel. From a collectors standpoint, there is little to no value. What you have is a nice shooter in .45 caliber.

I know where there is a model of 1917 army barrel for $250 IIRC if you are interested. Finding a pair of stocks shouldn't be a real problem and lanyard rings can be found. You might even be able to sell the 1955 barrel and recoup some of the cost of making the gun right again.

It's really a personal decision as to which way you want to go.

What is the serial number or range? The photo is too blurry to read it.

Must be a pretty late gun. It's odd for a military 1917 to have a logo on the frame like the commercial models..

mtdv · #14 10-07-2011, 02:17 PM

The serial number on the cylender does match the gun.

Hondo44 · #15 10-07-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtdv

The serial number on the cylender does match the gun.

That's good. The fellow that started this thread probably wants your barrel if you get the original style that JSR III knows about:
mis-marked 1955 barrel too scarce to cut down?

old bear · #16 10-07-2011, 03:45 PM

mtvd, welcome to the forum. Once again I'm going to go against the rest of the guys. I think you have a wonderful gift from a friend, and what stories that old revolver may be able to tell. If it were my gun, other than fixing or replacing the ejector rod I would leave it as is, and enjoy shooting it.

P.s the lanyard ring attachment is a great plus.