If I am reading the standard catalog right the S/N should put it right at 1921. The timing is good, the lockup is decent, and the stocks are surprisingly nice. I don't see any number on the back of them, or any traces of pencil that I can distinguish. The finish is interesting, between that and the state of the stocks I tend to think this gun sat, probably holstered, for a very long time.

I saw this and decided that I needed to jump on a $600 commercial 1917. I'm certainly not displeased with it, even if the finish isn't everything I assume it was when it left the factory.

Anyway, I just figure you guys like pictures, and there's always the potential someone around here knows some interesting bit of information about a gun.

That's one fine lookin' old timer. You did just fine.

A friend of mine asked for some comparison shots. One thing I noticed was this:



Seems like maybe my military gun was either modified after it left the factory for some reason, or the rear sight was cut with a little less care then with my commercial. I will say the commercial trigger is definitely nicer then the military gun. The Military gun has a heavier trigger, both DA and SA.

Any comments? Anyone see a factory gun with a rear groove like that?


Either way, here are the rest of the pictures:

"Seems like maybe my military gun was either modified after it left the factory for some reason, or the rear sight was cut with a little less care then with my commercial."

Somebody armed with a file has worked on the rear sight notch.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

WOW !
To my untrained eye the screws has never had a screwdriver in the slots.
Awesome weapon.
Jimmy

Not uncommon to slightly file the rear notch to move POI. I've seen several Colt SAAs so modified.

Can someone enlighten me as to what appears to be an S34 mark means on the bottom of the barrel? Thanks

That's a government inspection mark.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

What pictures?

Man...........................the forum is very slllllllllllllllllllllllllloooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww tonight!

It appears that the barrel in question is the OPs Commercial model.

Why would the government place its stamp on the barrel?

I am just starting to explore the non military 1917s

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I am also trying to understand the commercial designation. With the inspection marks and the lack of the Address line does this still qualify as commercial? If so is it the serial number which qualifies it as such?

Hi
to answer your questions Commercial models have the S&W roll mark military do not.
As to the proof mark, the barrel was left over from the Military models and was proofed and not used. Your grips could be correct if the gun was shipped in 1920/ 1921
.
both nice examples of 1917's
Jim

Not trying to be a smart one, but would it not be more accurate to say "inspector's mark" rather than "proof mark"?

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You're shy a few manners.

Well Sixgun...................I hold you responsible...........Thanks

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Good man.

I was tempted by that gun, even though I already had one. No reason for me to be, but, you know, the lure of pre-war N frames. The siren call of those delightful large frames of gloriousness. Gloriousness?

Whatever, you know what I mean. Just awesome guns, they are so danged *right*.

I'm somewhat amused by the resurrection of this thread. It's funny, I usually try to obey my personal rule of only having one example of a particular kind of gun at a time. When I bought this commercial, and shortly after it my modified 1917 target, I thought; "Well, dang, I have to sell this commercial." After all, that's my rule.

I couldn't do it. I'm not going to do it. You can't make me do it.

This gun is in my collection forever. Unless maybe someone offers me some sort of trade that involves King or Roper or something. Then it could go. But, I mean, that's like someone coming by and saying: "Hey, you have a pretty nice looking wife, would you trade me for this 22 year old Raquel Welch model I have?".

What I am saying is: good buy I expect you will love it. A lot.