Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-08-2015, 06:10 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default Model 1917 back from the gunsmith

Last September I traded a 4" DAO Model 64-5 for this 1917. It was in pretty rough shape, so I decided it would provide a good opportunity to try the new gunsmith in town. All proof marks had been files off of the gun. There was so much wear that one side of the barrel was flat. The muzzle was no longer square to the bore.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the work. He took a few liberties without consulting me first. I really wish he hadn't. He said that he was going to replace the original stocks. He ended up "reconditioning" them instead. You can see the results below. The lanyard ring was added, which we also didn't discuss. I think it is a nice touch.

Other work done included re-cutting and crowning the muzzle as well as refinishing the gun.

No trigger work was done. The pull is a bit stiff, but very smooth. I can't wait to get it to the range. I also think that it makes a great companion to my Winchester Model of 1917 rifle.

I have to do something about the stocks. I'm considering reproduction stocks and maybe a Tyler T. Suggestions are more than welcome.

Here's the important part

Before:




After:


Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:09 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

Numrich has some reproduction wood 1917 grips, and not too expensive: Grips, Square Butt, Diamond Checkered Walnut Gun Parts | 979450 | Numrich Gun Parts

I would also be uncomfortable with the ones you have.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:15 PM
Modified's Avatar
Modified Modified is offline
SWCA Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Flathead Valley, Montana
Posts: 2,814
Likes: 2,554
Liked 12,611 Times in 1,809 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt View Post
Numrich has some reproduction wood 1917 grips, and not too expensive: Grips, Square Butt, Diamond Checkered Walnut Gun Parts | 979450 | Numrich Gun Parts

I would also be uncomfortable with the ones you have.
Repros won't work, notice how the frame has been modified? The shape is closer to a colt then a s&w.

Going to have to probably take up stock making and make your own set for it.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:19 PM
crsides crsides is offline
US Veteran
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: upstate SC / Mtns SW Va
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 3,064
Liked 9,873 Times in 1,986 Posts
Default

Ouch on the grips. The rest looks fine


Charlie
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:20 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

On second look, the grip strap does appear to have been altered. Did you get it that way, or was that another gunsmith enhancement? Or is it an optical illusion?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:26 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt View Post
Numrich has some reproduction wood 1917 grips, and not too expensive: Grips, Square Butt, Diamond Checkered Walnut Gun Parts | 979450 | Numrich Gun Parts

I would also be uncomfortable with the ones you have.
Thank you. Those are the ones that I've been looking at.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:34 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

SixgunStrumpet and DWalt -
Will you explain to me what you're seeing? It looks different than a standard square butt N, but my understanding was that these old guns had a bit different frame. I only have a few pics of the gun before sending it to the gunsmith. If you can help me see what is off Imay be able to tell from the old images.

Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:47 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,776 Times in 8,481 Posts
Default

The finish looks good, but the lanyard loop is incorrect. It is way too big.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-08-2015, 08:52 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
The finish looks good, but the lanyard loop is incorrect. It is way too big.
I agree. I looked at the lanyard loops at Numrich. I'm hoping to be able to swap it out.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-08-2015, 09:09 PM
Jack Flash's Avatar
Jack Flash Jack Flash is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 33,744
Liked 10,944 Times in 3,944 Posts
Default

He did that to the stocks without asking? I would consider demanding that he replace them.

That lanyard loop looks like a sling swivel for a rifle. He seems to just throw odds and ends together and call it good. I wouldn't let him touch anything of mine.
__________________
They lack our altruism.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-08-2015, 09:15 PM
05CarbonDRZ 05CarbonDRZ is offline
Banned
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Cottage Grove,WI
Posts: 4,124
Likes: 1,540
Liked 5,516 Times in 1,649 Posts
Default

The refinish is pretty nice,Everything else....Not my Cup of Tea.It looks like the front grip strap has been heated up and bowed in.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-08-2015, 09:26 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

The grip frame shape is the same as when I got the gun. I can't pass that part off on the 'smith. he didn't charge me for the lanyard ring. As long as he didn't alter the dimensions of the opening I can replace it. The grips burn me.

The possibility that things might go wrong is why I took him something that I didn't have much invested in, monetarily or sentimentally.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-08-2015, 09:47 PM
-db-'s Avatar
-db- -db- is offline
US Veteran
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,569
Likes: 13,995
Liked 5,918 Times in 1,761 Posts
Default

Colt New Service/1917 grips may be large enough, and of the proper shape, to be fitted to the gun. It appears that may be what the original grips you have were from. These guns are larger than S&W N-frames with correspondingly larger grips, so there may be enough wood to play with.
__________________
SWHF #448

Last edited by -db-; 02-08-2015 at 09:54 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-08-2015, 09:53 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by -db- View Post
A Colt New Service/1917 grip may be large enough, and of the proper shape, to be fitted to the gun. It appears that may be what the original grip you have was. These guns are larger than S&W N-frames with correspondingly larger grips.
Thanks. I'll check it out.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-08-2015, 10:51 PM
Rick_A's Avatar
Rick_A Rick_A is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Northern GA
Posts: 2,841
Likes: 2,025
Liked 4,842 Times in 1,479 Posts
Default

Hate the grips. The rest is just fine.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 02-09-2015, 04:51 PM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,555
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

Here's a side by side comparison of a Colt and S&W 1917. Don't know if this will help much, but...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1917s_left.jpg (108.3 KB, 64 views)
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 02-09-2015, 05:00 PM
mc5aw's Avatar
mc5aw mc5aw is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The free state of PA
Posts: 5,224
Likes: 5,721
Liked 8,584 Times in 2,782 Posts
Default

I'd pull the grip panels and send them to a custom maker to see if a replacement set could be fabricated.

If I'm not mistaken, the period correct lanyard loop would be circular, similar to the Bowen model:

Lanyard Rings & Studs : + Bowen Classic Arms +, Parts Store
__________________
I'm with the banned ...
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 02-09-2015, 05:03 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy View Post
Here's a side by side comparison of a Colt and S&W 1917. Don't know if this will help much, but...
I see it. Thanks for the picture.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 02-09-2015, 05:14 PM
dangt dangt is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tucson
Posts: 130
Likes: 6
Liked 55 Times in 28 Posts
Default

The grips were not right to start with. Top of the grips are just non-original but the cut-out, or milling at the top of the grip on the frame is still correctly shaped. Isn't the bottom flat of the grip frame (heel??) altered so that it is no longer parallel to the bore. If so, the serial number is gone unless someone re-stamped it. I don't think it is just distortion caused by the photo itself as the angle of the grip bottom looks the same in all pics. Does it look like that to everyone else?
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 02-09-2015, 05:27 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

What posible purpose would anyone have in changing the shape of the gripstrap? In any case, about all that can be done is to attempt to shape some grip panels fit it. But the other question is more important. Is the original serial number on the butt OK?
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-09-2015, 05:54 PM
zipty6 zipty6 is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 594
Likes: 4,507
Liked 2,074 Times in 336 Posts
Default

I'll have to check if the heel is parallel to the bore this evening. I agree that the grips were not original, since they fit the frame. The serial on the butt is present, but faint.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 02-09-2015, 06:02 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,479
Likes: 236
Liked 28,938 Times in 14,012 Posts
Default

So long as the SN is legible, you are legal. Fortunately, you do have some grips which fit the frame, and that should make modification of standard shaped grips simpler as you have a pattern to go by.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 02-09-2015, 08:39 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith Model 1917 back from the gunsmith  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Correct butt markings and lanyard swivel:



Correct wood stocks unless the serial number is below ~ # 20,000. I'll send you a PM with sources for correct stocks:



Correct under barrel stamp:

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Back from the gunsmith Allen in MT S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 8 09-29-2012 01:16 PM
WTS - Lower prices - S&W 1917, Colt 1917, RHKP Model 10, Model 1917 holsters cubrock GUNS - For Sale or Trade 5 06-18-2012 04:57 PM
Gunsmith recommendation for a 1917 project..... LOBO S&W-Smithing 19 11-09-2011 06:54 PM
Need 1917 help- rescued from the gunsmith kokopelli S&W-Smithing 20 08-05-2011 11:43 AM
gunsmith for S&W model 39 38man Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 3 07-23-2009 11:03 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:44 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)