My 1st M1917

Rurallife · #1 02-17-2020, 06:51 PM

So I got my first, but it’s not a pristine example like some of youse were lucky to get. But this is all I could afford.

Can you folks tell if this is reblued?

Here ‘tis,

Rurallife · #2 02-17-2020, 06:54 PM

Here’s the innards,

22hipower · #3 02-17-2020, 07:40 PM

Someone with a lot more knowledge than I have will weigh in. Couple of the pictures (underside of barrel) look like original finish to me. The side plate though appears poorly fitted and I think military 1917s did not have the S&W logo stamp; maybe a replacement? Is there an SN or assembly number on the inside of the side plate? Looks like the SNs on all the visible places match. Someone who knows more will be along soon.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

raljr1 · #4 02-17-2020, 07:50 PM

Here is my example with the original finish. The sideplate on yours does not match the rest of the gun, but the balance of the finish looks like it could be original, in my humble opinion. an original sideplate would be a nice addition, if you could get one that fits reasonably well.

S&W 1917 45 ACP (1).jpg

S&W 1917 45 ACP (2).jpg

Rurallife · #5 02-17-2020, 10:16 PM

I knew upfront that the sideplate had been replaced with a commercial part. A part of the reason it was so affordable. Sure would be nice to be able to replace it, no matter if it wasn’t number matching to the crane.

I’m no expert, but it sure looks original in the bluing department. 33rd Field Artillery regiment was disbanded after WWI. However the 38th is still going to this day, I believe.

Jack Flash · #6 02-17-2020, 10:20 PM

I get August, 1918 as the production date.

It doesn't look bad at all to me. The stocks look good, and they are not cheap. The lanyard could be worth $100 or so if original.

What kind of deal it was depends on how much you paid. I'll bet it shoots just fine.

Rurallife · #7 02-17-2020, 10:44 PM

In tiny stamping on the lanyard, “April 1917”

I have a question about lockup. At full cock there is still some wiggle, but super tight lockup occurs when trigger is pulled. Is this how these early Smiths operate? My Model 66 has full lockup at full cock.

Rurallife · #8 02-17-2020, 10:52 PM

The guy who sold it told me he purchased it 15 years ago at a LGS, it was part of an estate liquidation.

I’m thinking this pistol bounced from military storage location to location over the years. Somehow it got freed from the Army hoosegow. Wish I could know the story. Where did the original sideplate go? Some Army weapons guy stole it/needed it for repairing some officers gun? Crazy that it went missing somehow.

The grips are a perfect fit. I believe they are not matching to this gun either. I need a decent screwdriver that fits these before I go looking.

deyomatic · #9 02-18-2020, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rurallife

In tiny stamping on the lanyard, “April 1917”

I have a question about lockup. At full cock there is still some wiggle, but super tight lockup occurs when trigger is pulled. Is this how these early Smiths operate? My Model 66 has full lockup at full cock.

It's probably more a function of the fact that it's 102 years old than by design. Your description sounds a lot like how mine is. Mine might even have a bit of wiggle with the trigger pulled. I don't remember, now. I know I was concerned before I shot it but it was fine. If it's "super tight" with the trigger pulled you're probably in good shape.

chiefdave · #10 02-18-2020, 10:13 PM

The organizational stamps on the bottom of the stock is a nice touch. Although anything applied post factory shipment can rarely be verified it sure makes for a good story. Even with the mismatched side plate it's still a nice revolver.

KEN L · #11 02-19-2020, 12:49 AM

Hard to tell from your pics, but in my opinion it may have been re-finished at some point in its life, but appears to have been well done. Serial number indicates it most likely shipped in July of 1918.

Redcoat3340 · #12 02-19-2020, 02:23 AM

All you guys with S&W 1917s! I couldn't find one at a price I could afford when the passion for one was on me, so I had to buy a Colt instead, which was under $400.

I haven't done any research on it..just bought a bunch of moon clips and take it out to shoot every now and again. I keep thinking of selling or trading as it doesn't get shot enough, but then I realize it's history, and something I just don't want to part with.

Here's a few pics..

tenntex32 · #13 02-19-2020, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat3340

All you guys with S&W 1917s! I couldn't find one at a price I could afford when the passion for one was on me, so I had to buy a Colt instead, which was under $400.

I haven't done any research on it..just bought a bunch of moon clips and take it out to shoot every now and again. I keep thinking of selling or trading as it doesn't get shot enough, but then I realize it's history, and something I just don't want to part with.

Here's a few pics..

The additional numbers slightly visible on the barrel, and the gun's overall finish, indicate what is most likely an arsenal rework/refurb performed in the WWII'ish timeframe.

You should be able to locate those same added numbers that are on the barrel on other various parts. As Colt did not serialize many of the parts as S&W did they had to number the parts in some fashion as to indicate what gun they belong to due to entire disassembly for refurbishment. Many times you will also find the same number also stamped on internal action parts and ejector rod stem, etc......

No worries as I have two refurb'd Colt M1917 examples and paid about $100 more than you did for each of them! Many refurbishment numbers on them and similar finishes. They both shoot fine, as yours most likely does, and my examples aren't quite as nice looking as your example.

Thanks for sharing that Colt,
Dale

cmansguns · #14 02-19-2020, 09:18 AM

I do not have a 1917 (yet) but am always on the lookout for one in just about any condition.

My only question on the OP's gun is the quotation marks on the barrel surrounding US Property. I just cannot recall ever seeing quotation marks on any of the milsurps I've collected, sold, traded, or still own, ranging from Colts, to Smith's to 1911's and 1911A1's, etc.

For you other owners of 1917 Smiths (military or commercial) are these quotation marks from the factory?

Valmet · #15 02-19-2020, 10:24 AM

Looks like a nice example. They’re neat old wheelguns, congrats OP

StrawHat · #16 02-19-2020, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmansguns

...My only question on the OP's gun is the quotation marks on the barrel surrounding US Property. I just cannot recall ever seeing quotation marks on any of the milsurps I've collected, sold, traded, or still own, ranging from Colts, to Smith's to 1911's and 1911A1's, etc.

For you other owners of 1917 Smiths (military or commercial) are these quotation marks from the factory?...

Mine has them.

Kevin

KEN L · #17 02-19-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmansguns

I do not have a 1917 (yet) but am always on the lookout for one in just about any condition.

My only question on the OP's gun is the quotation marks on the barrel surrounding US Property. I just cannot recall ever seeing quotation marks on any of the milsurps I've collected, sold, traded, or still own, ranging from Colts, to Smith's to 1911's and 1911A1's, etc.

For you other owners of 1917 Smiths (military or commercial) are these quotation marks from the factory?

That is how they were stamped, from the factory.

Rurallife · #18 02-19-2020, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEN L

That is how they were stamped, from the factory.

I kind of figured that they are a good way of seeing if the gun has been refinished, by looking if they still had the semblance of a little ball at the top and bottom of them at their respective position.

Rurallife · #19 02-19-2020, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valmet

Looks like a nice example. They’re neat old wheelguns, congrats OP

Holey **** ... valmet? You’re on this forum too? Thank you.

JH1951 · #20 02-19-2020, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmansguns

........My only question on the OP's gun is the quotation marks on the barrel surrounding US Property. I just cannot recall ever seeing quotation marks on any of the milsurps I've collected, sold, traded, or still own, ranging from Colts, to Smith's to 1911's and 1911A1's, etc.

For you other owners of 1917 Smiths (military or commercial) are these quotation marks from the factory?

On the 1917's I do not recall seeing any without the quotation marks. Why they used them, I have no idea. I think you are correct that they are not used on most other varieties.

On a 1917, this is what you should see:
1917 S&W17a.jpg

Stuntz · #21 02-19-2020, 08:19 PM

I'm having trouble identifying my Smith & Wesson revolver it doesn't have too much markings on it it was rusted and pitted when I got it but what I salvaged out of it is hard to find what year and everything about the gun please help.

Muley Gil · #22 02-19-2020, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuntz

I'm having trouble identifying my Smith & Wesson revolver it doesn't have too much markings on it it was rusted and pitted when I got it but what I salvaged out of it is hard to find what year and everything about the gun please help.

Welcome to the Forum.

It would be best if you started your own thread. Please post pictures or list the markings, especially the serial number on the butt.

drgbike · #23 02-19-2020, 09:23 PM

check with Gun Parts inc. for a side plate. Got a couple a year or so Also known as Numeric Arms. Nice find.

BC38 · #24 02-19-2020, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgbike

check with Gun Parts inc. for a side plate. Got a couple a year or so Also known as Numeric Arms. Nice find.

You lost one letter and picked up an extra one.
gunpartscorp.com is also known as Numrich Gun Parts Corp.

Rurallife · #25 02-20-2020, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgbike

check with Gun Parts inc. for a side plate. Got a couple a year or so Also known as Numeric Arms. Nice find.

Yes, checked 1st thing. Out of stock, and the last one pictured is in very sad shape. Still looking of course.

Rurallife · #26 02-20-2020, 01:53 PM

Well, back in stock at Numrich, but it looks like it’s been in the bottom of a bass boat for a couple of years. Called and operator said it is what it is. Trying to find an easy replacement.