Alright fella's,
Here are pics of a Model 1917 I stumbled across on the way home tonight. The finish is pretty piss poor with light pitting at places, but mechanically it seems excellent, with lockup being crisp and tight. Bore seems very nice also. It must be a commercial version as there are no US Property markings. Serial # is 209XXX. I was able to take it home for $225 out the door from a local pawn shop. Usually, I never buy a gun the on first look, but given the price and the fact that I've always wanted a shooter 1917, I said "what the heck...I've done worse, I'll take the chance".

So, given the very poor finish, was this an okay deal? Be honest.

__________________
*** Made in Texas ***

I woulda bought it at that price; geez, the grips are worth $75 or more, and how often do you see any pre war N frames under $500?
In fact I have one in only slightly better shape, and I paid a lot more for it.

I think I would have bought it at that price given that it is mechanically fine.

A local shop had one that was pretty beat up looking but in good mechanical condition for $250. I passed because somewhere along the line the serial number had been removed from the grip frame.

__________________
You're shy a few manners.

Heck yes, a shooter for that price.Good pick up.

__________________
OGCA Member.

Yeah, same here. I hated passing, too.

batex- I'd have bought it, too. Congrats.

That would be fun to clean up and take to the range. If it shoots as well as my older Smiths, you will definitely arouse some interest with those looks. We used to call fast but cosmetically challenged cars, "sleepers". Congratulations & good luck! Jerry

Batex, I love those old warriors. If you ever decide you want to part with it, let me know!

__________________
Always bet on stupidity.

You stole it! Congrats!

that sucks! send it to me and i'll give ya' hand covering your losses!

If the barrel matches the chambers you did great!
I would have bought it right away, a "bead blast/matte blue" job would make it look clean and serious for a small investment.

__________________
Daniel.

You did just fine....enjoy it!

Beaters are the best ones to pick up !! Great find.

I'd buy it and restore it. I know I'd never get the money out of it that I would put in, but I like to have old beat up things brought back to like new (unless very collectible).

I also root for any underdog. I'm just odd, I guess.

I've been looking for just that kind of deal for awhile now. I'm still looking. You did good.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Excellent deal imo. While the ole girl may have seen better days finish wise, you still have a fine weapon.

looks....reminds me of my old uncle years ago when comparing enfields and english women: "big, strong, robust, uglier than hell, but will always get the job done"

I like the old beaters also as long as they have no collectible value. I restore them as best I can and keep them as representatives til I can get something better. Some are great shooters too.

__________________
SWCA # 2294

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I certainly feel better about the purchase after hearing from all of you. I plan to shoot it tomorrow if I get the chance.

Thanks again...

__________________
*** Made in Texas ***

Well, did you shoot it?

__________________
Always bet on stupidity.

Range report please.

That's my favorite kind of gun. Cost right, shoot well and no worries about scratches to the mint condition whatitzs.

Enjoy your great purchase.

rayb

__________________
"cumplo pero no obedezco"

I like it!
I think you did good at $225 for it.
I would leave it "as is" and not change a thing. I love the look of old worn guns that are still tight and hopefully shoot well.
Congrats.

__________________
JimC

Would be a great gun to bead blast and parkerize. Would give it that WW2 rebuild look. You did great!

I think ya got a great, fair deal.

If I'd run in2 the same sidearm the price would've been close to 4 bills n it would've been sportin' new plastic "stag" grips.

__________________
Caveat venditor.

It's your fault. I found one and it's now on order waiting for my $$$$ to get there to be shipped. I think I got a good deal also, $340. 1917 (1937) Brazilian looks like 60-70% finish counting the surface nicks etc. with bright chammbers and "light" frosting in the corners of the groves, locks up tight. It's a round top, so it must have been from that group ordered in 1946. Can't wait for it to get here.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Well boys, she's a shooter! I finally had time today to run by the range and give her a try. I shot about 8 full moon clips through her and the function was flawless. I'm not the best shot, but compared to how I shoot my other guns, this one is every bit as accurate. I think I'm hooked on these 1917's now! What fun! For now, I'm going to leave the finish as is. It's actually growing on me as all my other guns are in nice condition. She looks like a dog, but sure can shoot. Thanks for all the responses.

__________________
*** Made in Texas ***

Batex: You done good. One of the recent American Rifleman magazines had a "What's she worth" story by Jim Supica on 1917s. Value for the gun in the story (a bit better looking than yours) was $750 or so. Since a lot of the 1917s got parkerized, a bead-blast-blue finish and some linseed oil on the grips would make it look close to original, but that's just my compulsive behavior coming out! I have a 1917 Commercial in my collection, and love to shoot it...for whatever reason, it likes light bullets (185 gr or less) but they are immense fun. Enjoy!

MikeyL
SWCA #2010

Good Deal!!

__________________
De Oppresso Liber Μολὼν λαβέ

Ida prolly jerked my arm out of the socket trying to get my wallet out.......but that's just me. Actually, It's REAL UGLY!! Send it to me and find yourself a better example!! You deserve a much nicer 1917.

__________________
Go big or stay home

You're gonna have to yell a little louder. Original post was from 2008.

I would have bought it in a heartbeat. Great buy.

me too, but I'd of offered $175 first

hey, if you don't ask, you don't get

/c