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


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Old 06-28-2007, 03:44 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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Anyone use an old 1917 for a carry gun? The one I have my eye on has been refinished, so it is not a loss to the collectors.I have always wanted a .45ACP DA revolver, but should I wait for the new ones from S&W or buy an old one that has been refinished or is just a shooter rather than a collector?

Thanks.

Mark
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Old 06-28-2007, 03:44 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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Anyone use an old 1917 for a carry gun? The one I have my eye on has been refinished, so it is not a loss to the collectors.I have always wanted a .45ACP DA revolver, but should I wait for the new ones from S&W or buy an old one that has been refinished or is just a shooter rather than a collector?

Thanks.

Mark
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Old 06-28-2007, 04:24 AM
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Mark; you could do a helluva lot WORSE, than carrying a "vintage" S&W 1917, IMO!

Biggest "problem" will be what type of holster,if you wanna carry the 1917 "concealed".

Shoulder holster will probably be your best bet,and get a good quality one. I carry a "first run" M-610 w/5" bbl., and I am far from a tall or heavyset guy.

If the 1917 has the old style rounded rear sight, I would square it off(and the notch) as S&W did with the frames produced anew in the 1920's.

Lanyard should be removed, and hole plugged(e-z to make a plug from a flathead screw, with shank cut to same length as lanyard loop, and a notch filed for the retaining pin.)

You have a wide array of grips to select from,although post 1953 grips tend to run a 1/16th shorter than the pre war frames,is NBD.
Non magna "service stocks", with a grip adapter, will aid in concealment, and be fine, unless you plan an extended shooting session with leavy loads.

There is a huge variety of "self defense ammo", as far as factory loads, although I'd stay away from some of the "exotic" high velocity for regular use from the older gun. Moon type clips great for speedloading. Most 1917's shoot best with 230 gr.,although one I carried when working in a brickyard summers of 81' and 82', killed large feral "coydogs" instantly with Speers' 200 gr "flying ashtrays" factory loads.

Bud
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Old 06-28-2007, 05:13 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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I used to carry as my police duty weapon a S&W 1917 cutdown to 4", with a ramp front sight, an adjustible rear sight added, and the grip frame round butted.

It was a good 'un!
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Old 06-28-2007, 08:55 AM
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I'd feel well-armed myself. I've toted a Colt M1917 beneath my suit coat before. It was livable all day and NO ONE KNEW.
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Old 06-28-2007, 09:16 AM
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I carry this one around IWB Mexican Style when I'm feeling like Retro BBQ Man.

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Old 06-28-2007, 09:27 AM
feralmerril feralmerril is offline
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I took this one off my at the time, 88 year old dad 6 years ago. They didnt appriciate him haveing it under his mattress in the rest home!
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Old 06-28-2007, 09:48 AM
Airedale Airedale is offline
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Get a CABO IWB holster. CABO=Carry a Big One.

I use it for the 38 44 that's on my hip now, my model 22, 27,etc. It's comfortable and conceals well. I wear an untucked polo shirt over it.
www.caboholsters.com

Dave
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Old 06-28-2007, 10:00 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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Thank you ;
I have been waiting for Smith to make some new ones, like the Thunder Ranch model, whatever the number is, but if I can find a solid tight old one, I'd happily go with it.
Merrill: It would be for a combination of my retirement and my 60th birthday-another old guy with a beeg gun. (I already have an 11" switchblade to go with it. I bet the rest home would have fits about that.)

Mark
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Old 06-28-2007, 03:44 PM
Pisgah Pisgah is offline
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Several years back, I had the opportunity to buy a 1917 that had had its barrel professionally bobbed to 3.5" and the grip frame round-butted, the whole thing refinished in a very nice bead-blasted blue. The price was $225, and for life of me I can't remember why I decided not to buy it. I feel like taking a mallet to my own head every time I think about it!
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Old 06-28-2007, 04:50 PM
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Yeah, kinda.

It's a 3" Colt 1917.

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Old 06-28-2007, 05:02 PM
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Cocked & Locked,
That's a real beauty. The stags really set it off.
I like it a bunch.
Pete
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Old 06-29-2007, 03:04 AM
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C&L
That nickel M 1917 of yours is a stunner!
Thanks for sharing a great photo.
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Old 06-29-2007, 05:20 AM
Frank from jersey Frank from jersey is offline
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How about an old Brazilian 1937-
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Old 06-29-2007, 07:00 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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You guys are the best. Thanks for the pics and information.

Do you think there would be any advantage in using the 1937 Brazilian over the 1917...newer steel, etc? Sorry, I'm ignorant about these revolvers...about several other things too.

Thanks.

Mark
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Old 06-29-2007, 08:39 AM
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you asked about a NEW one.....
S&W did make a Heritage Series 1917 in blue & case color. Nice gun from the Performance Center. Shoots great and directly to POA. It will take all the modern loads, and has no lock, if that makes a difference.
I have one, and like it.....
Look on gunBroker under Performance Center...I see them occasionally.....
Really nice gun..

Terry
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Old 06-29-2007, 08:46 AM
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Another thought......
If you are going to modify a new or old 1917, you can probably buy a new or used Thunder Ranch for less than the cost of the mods.....
Nice gun also.....rally a new Model 1917 with 4" barrel and no lanyard ring....

Terry
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Old 06-29-2007, 10:47 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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The 22-4 I saw on S&W's site is what got me thinking about this. Great idea, great looking gun, even available in nickel plate.

I am feeling a NEED for a .45 ACP revolver, and I ain't gettin any younger.

Thanks again for the great pics. I hope you guys know how lucky you are to have such fine revolvers.
ADDED: I just called a local dealer. He will order me a NEW Model 22 4" Blue for $639.
I think this is the way to go, don't have to chop an old vet revolver.
Thanks again, everyone!
Mark
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Old 06-29-2007, 01:46 PM
Frank from jersey Frank from jersey is offline
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DnG you'll like the Model 22.Out of the box with 230gr FMJ mine shoots point of aim at 25yds.Dead on and a lot of fun to shoot. For CCW you dont have the adjustable rear sight blade digging you in the side. Frank Jr.
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Old 06-29-2007, 05:11 PM
Buford57 Buford57 is offline
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I had a 1917 that I used as my car gun and carried under a coat in a shoulder rig or a Roy's Pancake when the mood hit me. I don't know doodly about the changes in metallurgy over time, but I fed it a steady diet of the same 200 gr. SWC handloads I used in my Combat Commander and it loved them.

I have always believed that a bore that size is the best deterrent to crime you can carry on your person. I'm seriously considering a 25-2 Jovino special myself right now.
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Old 06-29-2007, 09:00 PM
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Think seriously about the NEW model 25 3"rather than the Model 22 4".....reason, a bit shorter and adjustable sights...
nice for shooting reloads with less power for practice and resetting the sights for full power carry loads.....

Still a .45ACP revolver...and very compact.
Terry
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Old 06-30-2007, 04:29 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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Moon: I have had 2 heart attacks, quad bypass, had a pacemaker installed that got infected in the hospital, now have a new one installed on the right.I returned to work after these events and got hell for years after for "taking long absences". Just retired in mid May...the guns will be part of my retirement money, and I have been shopping around for 6 weeks or so, buying in July.
Terry-That Mod 25 is beautiful, but I like the simplicity of the 22, and have carried a 4" Model 29 for several years (now have a 5" Mod 29 and sometimes carry it, too) with no problems.

Thank you all for your help.

Mark
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Old 08-31-2007, 09:14 AM
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I have a 1917/1937 Brazilian which I have carried from time to time concealed in a "fanny pack" while riding horses. Bit of a squeeze (generally carry a M13)and a tad heavy but you certainly have no doubt you are armed.

FWIW I hope to trade the Brazilian in for an M22/1917 in the near future.



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Old 08-31-2007, 09:21 AM
dogngun dogngun is offline
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boB ( I spelled it backwards):
I found a 1917/1937 when I was on my way to buy the new one. Bought the old one instead for $450. Have it right next to my mouse right now.
Fantastic shooter and yes, I am definitely armed.

I wonder if carrying a pair of these would not be "excessive"...
All the best to you and your companions in Ur...Come back safe.
Mark
Former Sp4, 1st 504 PIR 1970-71
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Old 08-31-2007, 10:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by dogngun:
boB ( I spelled it backwards):
I found a 1917/1937 when I was on my way to buy the new one. Bought the old one instead for $450. Have it right next to my mouse right now.
Fantastic shooter and yes, I am definitely armed.

I wonder if carrying a pair of these would not be "excessive"...
All the best to you and your companions in Ur...Come back safe.
Mark
Former Sp4, 1st 504 PIR 1970-71
Two would balance you out nicely so you don't tip off to one side carrying just one!


Thanks, one trys to "stay small".
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Old 08-31-2007, 11:54 AM
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My gunsmith is working on one for me right now. It will be a 3.5" convertible .45 ACP/.45 Colt with 2 fitted cylinders. I'll post pics as soon as I get it back. I did the rough work myself, and took it to him for fine tuning. It started life as a circa 1916 British .455 2nd. When I got it, it had been converted to ACP with way too much headspace, and had an un-numbered factory replacement barrel. Mechanics were perfect, though. I took an old Model of 1950 target barrel which had a bulge, de-ribbed it, cut it off to 3.5", and made a new half-moon front sight for it. I also turned the N frame into a K frame grip and fitted it to a set of very nice period K frame gold medallion grips.
I plan to carry it, at least sometimes. I already have high ride type holster for it.
Chris
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Old 09-01-2007, 01:31 PM
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This 1917 works for a carry gun.

Dan
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Old 09-03-2007, 11:16 AM
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Placed an order with Impact Guns today also for a Galco Phoenix Dual holster. Like the option of the cross draw especially mounted (horses) or in the car. Don't think it will work for summer but I have the 360PD for that. I already know it will fit the butt pack. Will try to post some picks when I pick it up in October when I'm home on leave.
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360pd, 45acp, 610, 639, ccw, colt, commander, concealed, galco, gunsmith, heritage, jovino, k frame, lock, m13, m1917, model 1917, model 25, model 29, performance center, ribbed

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