Modified 1917

BC38 · #51 05-27-2020, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flash

No, you are remembering it better than I did. Here is the post about the BEF in Italy.
S&W 1917: remembering the Brazilian Expeditionary Force

That one has just about the same level of pitting mine has, it just has the original blue instead of a reblue like mine. I wouldn't mind having a somewhat beat up set of smooth stocks the same style as those to put mine. But the 70's-80's silver washer magnas I put on it are probably better for shooting.

Hondo44 · #52 05-28-2020, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnB

Prior to their entry in the war, the Brazilian Expeditionary Force trained with obsolete French weaponry. They deployed to Italy without their ordnance and were initially equipped with ‘03 Springfields and later M1’s. I’m thinking that with the possible exception of some officers, not many of the 1937’s actually saw service in Europe. I’m probably wrong about that, but I seem to recall an informative post by a Brazilian forum member to that effect.
Good shootin’,
Doug

I think you're likely right. Although some of them show extensive wear as in wartime service, and also armory refurbishing before they were imported back to the states, a lot do not. And Brazilian must have had another use for them since they ordered another 12,000 in 1946. Maybe just in-country peacetime military service.

J. R. WEEMS · #53 05-31-2020, 01:41 AM

Not much to modify from this 1937 version. Couldn't handle the stocks when she arrived so I installed the Walrus Ivories. They are quite hand filling for me. Discovered the other day there is a ball detent in the crane, not a plunger so I guess that was done sometime in the distance past. Surely not a beauty queen but does get the job done.

Tried a Tyler on her but found out I shoot her better with out it. Go figure. I believe her to be from the first shipment. Thanks to a fine member here, She came along just when I was looking for such a treasure.

A re post as well.

Hondo44 · #54 05-31-2020, 02:12 AM

Ooo wee, that's a beauty, and those stocks!

Is the ball detent in the same location as the factory hold open plunger detent? Or like the ball detents in current guns, higher up in the yoke?

StrawHat · #55 05-31-2020, 07:10 AM

There is something very simplistic about 1917s that appeals to me. It is like they are works of art, pared down to the basics yet retaining everything important.

Kevin

Green Frog · #56 05-31-2020, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

There is something very simplistic about 1917s that appeals to me. It is like they are works of art, pared down to the basics yet retaining everything important.

Kevin

I agree, Kevin. To me it seems that the Model 1917/1937 just captures the essence of “N-frameness” for the middle of the last century. They show all the promise and possibilities of the big Smith, with no frills present.

Froggie

S.B. · #57 05-31-2020, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelslaver

Just curious. Is there really locations where a whip is illegal. I am such a hick from the sticks on a lot of laws. Its like pocket knives. I remember being shocked to find out that some cities did allow a simple pocket knife.

Where I grew up it was almost required dressing to carry a pocket knife(still have one in my pocket today, Swiss Army style) and now even Illinois says it's OK to carry a switchblade if one has a CCW permit, although, I don't know where you'd buy one?
Steve

billybobboinkin · #58 05-31-2020, 03:54 PM

I'm pretty happy with my modified 1917 including the front sight (and rib). BTW, Howdy Ya'll........Yep, it's me (if you recognize the gun).

Regards,

BillyBob

BC38 · #59 06-07-2020, 11:45 AM

Well, I finally got to take it to the range yesterday, and it looks like the front sight needs some work.
It shoots low, even with a combat hold - and I prefer a 6 o'clock hold.
At least it is shooting low, so it can be corrected by taking the front sight down - lots easier than trying to correct shooting high.