Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-29-2013, 06:25 PM
steamloco76's Avatar
steamloco76 steamloco76 is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,676
Likes: 1,769
Liked 3,702 Times in 1,242 Posts
Default 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate

I've had this 22-4 Model of 1917 .45 ACP Classic for a couple years now. There is no way in the world I could shoot this big old N frame with the tiny reproduction service stocks it came with. Originally, I replaced the grips with a set of unknown mfg. S&W Combat style grips. Next was a set of S&W Target Stocks. I didn't like how they felt or looked so a set of Ahrends retro targets were next. The Ahrends felt great, however, like all the other grips I tried they made me remove the most unique feature of the 1917, the lanyard ring. Gun looked exactly like a 1.5 inch longer version of my TRR 22-4.

So, I decided to order a BK grip adapter and a set of Altamont checkered super walnut magna style grips to go a bit more old school.

What do you guys think, does it look a bit more "right" while still being comfortable to shoot?

Last edited by steamloco76; 08-29-2013 at 06:27 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-29-2013, 06:35 PM
Iggy's Avatar
Iggy Iggy is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 10,417
Liked 28,226 Times in 5,272 Posts
Default

Looks purty durn nice.Pretty spiffy in fact and a spectacular photo.

Just for fun, you should give those service grips a try some time. They might just surprise you.

Last edited by Iggy; 08-29-2013 at 06:37 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-29-2013, 10:42 PM
kaaskop49 kaaskop49 is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Demon-class planet
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 29,169
Liked 8,461 Times in 3,772 Posts
Default

I also found the tiny 'original-style' grips to be brutal to shoot with: I was very surprised by this as .45ACP ball is not a heavy kicking round. I sent my '17 back to S&W as the sideplate had been improperly fitted and also asked them to remove the lanyard ring. I was then able to use Pachs and other grips.

I found a set of service N-frame Magna stocks at a show and now the gun looks 'right,' lanyard ring aside. These grips are also more comfy to shoot with than the 'splinters.' I still cannot understand how this N-frame gun, light that it is, can kick so hard with ACP. Anybody?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-30-2013, 02:35 AM
jaymoore's Avatar
jaymoore jaymoore is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: US of A
Posts: 2,206
Likes: 6,980
Liked 2,474 Times in 1,144 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaaskop49 View Post
I also found the tiny 'original-style' grips to be brutal to shoot with: I was very surprised by this as .45ACP ball is not a heavy kicking round...I still cannot understand how this N-frame gun, light that it is, can kick so hard with ACP. Anybody?
I dunno, but the old M1917s are the same. Not what i'd call "brutal", but certainly harder to control than one would expect.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 08-30-2013, 08:37 AM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
US Veteran
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MA
Posts: 7,330
Likes: 7,502
Liked 5,556 Times in 2,547 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaaskop49 View Post
I also found the tiny 'original-style' grips to be brutal to shoot with: I was very surprised by this as .45ACP ball is not a heavy kicking round. I sent my '17 back to S&W as the sideplate had been improperly fitted and also asked them to remove the lanyard ring. I was then able to use Pachs and other grips.

I found a set of service N-frame Magna stocks at a show and now the gun looks 'right,' lanyard ring aside. These grips are also more comfy to shoot with than the 'splinters.' I still cannot understand how this N-frame gun, light that it is, can kick so hard with ACP. Anybody?
IMO, the main factor is the light barrel. A heavy barrel is not only more weight, but it is more weight out where it does some good, since the gun is basically trying to pivot the muzzle around your grip on the grips.

I tried my 22-4 with the service "stocks" and a Tyler, and it worked fairly well, but not as well as with Pachmayr Presentation (Small) grips. You can remove and replace the lanyard ring yourself, by removing or replacing the pin that holds it in.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 08-30-2013, 09:40 AM
brucev brucev is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Peach State! GA!!!
Posts: 5,913
Likes: 14,218
Liked 6,250 Times in 2,325 Posts
Default

Re: OP. From the picture it looks like you've come up with just about the ideal solution.
__________________
<><
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-30-2013, 09:50 AM
deanodog deanodog is offline
US Veteran
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 4,479
Liked 1,189 Times in 509 Posts
Default

Beautiful gun and picture. It is the best looking 1917 I have seen.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-30-2013, 11:37 AM
kaaskop49 kaaskop49 is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Demon-class planet
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 29,169
Liked 8,461 Times in 3,772 Posts
Default attn jaymoore and Model520Fan

Thanks for the feedback, people. "Brutal" recoil refers to the scar tissue build-up in the web of my shooting hand. Had surgery for it years ago, am trying to put off a second procedure.

Interesting theory about the lightweight bbl/increased recoil! You are probably correct. My 625JM is much 'friendlier' probably because it is heavier. As you both say, still amazing, somewhat hard to believe. Appreciate the good words. Have a safe holiday.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 08-30-2013, 12:53 PM
steamloco76's Avatar
steamloco76 steamloco76 is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,676
Likes: 1,769
Liked 3,702 Times in 1,242 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by deanodog View Post
Beautiful gun and picture. It is the best looking 1917 I have seen.
Thank you.

The S&W Classics, while not true copies of the original S&W's of yore, are finely finished firearms. I think the magna grip/BK adapter works for this one. I'm looking for an affordable set of actual S&W magnas for it, until then the $42 Altamonts will suffice.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-30-2013, 01:18 PM
clang444 clang444 is offline
US Veteran
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IL
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 1,023
Liked 3,573 Times in 954 Posts
Default

Looks Good to me. I wonder how the black versions of the Altamont grips would look on that gun - retro tacticool
__________________
My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-30-2013, 02:29 PM
Macinaw's Avatar
Macinaw Macinaw is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 464
Liked 1,602 Times in 538 Posts
Default

22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate-dsc_0144-jpg


I have the same problem. My hand hurts after 50 rounds through the 1917. I can shoot my 625 JM all day without any pain.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSC_0144.jpg (138.3 KB, 214 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 08-30-2013, 07:04 PM
Andy Griffith's Avatar
Andy Griffith Andy Griffith is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Out for the duration
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 62
Liked 520 Times in 264 Posts
Default

Great looking guns!
I agree that round butt service grips are awful on this gun by themselves- I love the looks of the grip adapter on it.

I certainly didn't mind getting rid of the lanyard, so it wasn't a concern form me, and I added a set of Jordon Troopers from Herrett.

__________________
Lost it all in a boat accident
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 08-31-2013, 11:31 AM
kaaskop49 kaaskop49 is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Demon-class planet
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 29,169
Liked 8,461 Times in 3,772 Posts
Default attn Andy Griffith

Are my eyes deceiving me, or is that ivory-handled job a 'Velo-Dog' style revolver? What caliber is it? Mine is .25ACP but the 'rifling' has no spin, goes straight through. 6 feet max 'accurate' range.

jay moore et al: Thanks for corroborating my findings on 1917 recoil. I also often wonder why, when handguns were used more often than now, that the fixed sights on many were so poor, offering a miserable sight picture due to narrow rear notch and/or tiny front sight...

Safe holiday to all.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 08-31-2013, 12:42 PM
nawilson nawilson is offline
US Veteran
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: God's country, GA
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 427
Liked 990 Times in 445 Posts
Default

I, for one, think it looks very "right"! How do you like the BK grip adapters?
__________________
Proud anachronism
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-31-2013, 01:02 PM
jack the toad jack the toad is offline
SWCA Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 3,295
Liked 4,962 Times in 1,950 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nawilson View Post
I, for one, think it looks very "right"! How do you like the BK grip adapters?
Am also curious about the BK. Just got a 25-5 w/ magnas and need something.... Tyler, BK, etc.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 08-31-2013, 01:58 PM
Andy Griffith's Avatar
Andy Griffith Andy Griffith is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Out for the duration
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 62
Liked 520 Times in 264 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by steamloco76 View Post
So, I decided to order a BK grip adapter and a set of Altamont checkered super walnut magna style grips to go a bit more old school.

What do you guys think, does it look a bit more "right" while still being comfortable to shoot?
Do you have a larger head on the ejector rod?
It certainly looks like it. If you did, please elaborate- I would love such a modification.
__________________
Lost it all in a boat accident
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 08-31-2013, 05:37 PM
jaymoore's Avatar
jaymoore jaymoore is offline
Member
22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate 22-4 Model of 1917 Update to backdate  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: US of A
Posts: 2,206
Likes: 6,980
Liked 2,474 Times in 1,144 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaaskop49 View Post
... I also often wonder why, when handguns were used more often than now, that the fixed sights on many were so poor, offering a miserable sight picture due to narrow rear notch and/or tiny front sight...
I can only guess that given the short life expectancy a century ago, less old fellers were shooting. Little bitty sights are no problem for younger folk! I used to do quite well with the teeny sights on the Colt 1900/1902/1903 .38 ACP pistols in IDPA. (Lower round counts were helpful and the full sized model fits "the box" like it was designed around it!)
No great loss of speed and pinpoint front sight placement. But now??? Gotta hunt for it!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
S&W 1917 Serial #13(PIC HEAVY)(UPDATE SEE LAST POST NEW PICS)(Letter Update Last Pic) gjamison S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 53 04-20-2015 04:44 PM
Picked up a commercial 1917 today (pic), UPDATE: Range Report! canoeguy S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 16 06-11-2014 05:09 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
Pawn Shop Colt 1917 (Update 01/06/2010, page 2, with pics) whitecoyote Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 20 04-28-2010 11:43 PM
UPDATE: Bought a pair of pre-war magnas, got a 1917 for free! It's a Commercial! cgt4570 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 10 04-26-2009 05:01 AM

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 05:48 PM.


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