4" S&W DA 45

StrawHat · #1 08-22-2015, 06:45 AM

I have a 4" S&W DA 45 barrel. It is cut down but someone knew how to fit the sight properly.

On the flat under the barrel, there is a mark I am not familiar with. Can anyone give me an explanation as to what it is?

Thank you

Kevin

Mack · #2 08-22-2015, 07:08 AM

That is a 1917 barrel with a Springfield Armory inspector mark.

Muley Gil · #3 08-22-2015, 07:21 AM

That's a military acceptance mark. It is an eagle with a letter and a number.

Alk8944 · #4 08-22-2015, 12:31 PM

What they said^^^. S&W still had WWI production barrels in stock and used them to assemble commercial Model 1917s clear into the late 1930s, probably later.

StrawHat · #5 08-23-2015, 07:06 AM

Anyone have a spare plunger and spring to complete the lug?

Kevin

StrawHat · #6 08-25-2015, 06:58 AM

But I used this barrel to complete this 1917. It is from the Brazilian contract and in roughish shape. For now, I will use the plunger and spring from the original barrel to complete the conversion.

I like the 4" skinny barrel combined with the 45 ACP revolver.

Kevin

StrawHat · #7 08-26-2015, 06:55 AM

I spent a bit of time going over both of these barrels. One thing I noticed is they both have 6 lands and grooves. I thought all S&W revolvers used an odd number (5) of lands and grooves? Did I miscount?

Kevin

Muley Gil · #8 08-27-2015, 08:13 PM

IIRC, it should be 5 lands and grooves.

StrawHat · #9 08-28-2015, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

IIRC, it should be 5 lands and grooves.

That's what I thought but each time I count them, I get six! I will look at them next week and try again.

Kevin

tommy F · #10 08-30-2015, 01:41 PM

Very nice conversion. 3.5 to 4" is my preference

jrs70 · #11 08-30-2015, 01:52 PM

Nice, I have always liked cut down 1917's.

StrawHat · #12 09-01-2015, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

That's what I thought but each time I count them, I get six! I will look at them next week and try again.

Kevin

Okay, I looked again and get 5 lands and grooves in the 5 1/2" barrel. I still get six in the 4" barrel. Not sure but I will give it a good scrubbing and try again.

Kevin

StrawHat · #13 10-06-2015, 07:03 AM

Here is a photo I snagged off another site. Similar barrel, same markings which are a ringer for the markings S&W used.

Can someone count the lands for me? I get six (6).

Thank you.

Kevin

murphydog · #14 10-06-2015, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

Here is a photo I snagged off another site. Similar barrel, same markings which are a ringer for the markings S&W used.

Can someone count the lands for me? I get six (6).

Thank you.

Kevin

An S & W barrel that has been bored out to a larger diameter, or another maker's barrel of similar configuration to an S & W (front locking lug), would be my guesses.

StrawHat · #15 10-07-2015, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

An S & W barrel that has been bored out to a larger diameter, or another maker's barrel of similar configuration to an S & W (front locking lug), would be my guesses.

I never gave the rebore idea a consideration and I have done that with a M28-2!

But this photo is of another barrel so that means there are at least three such barrels for the 1917. And the two I have both have the SA stamp on them.

I am beginning to believe that S&W made at least a few with 6 lands and grooves. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can offer an opinion or share some facts.

I doubt the idea of another maker because the barrel stamping is very much identical to stamping on other S&W barrels from the era.

Kevin

StrawHat · #16 07-20-2022, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrawHat

I never gave the rebore idea a consideration and I have done that with a M28-2!

But this photo is of another barrel so that means there are at least three such barrels for the 1917. And the two I have both have the SA stamp on them.

I am beginning to believe that S&W made at least a few with 6 lands and grooves. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can offer an opinion or share some facts.

I doubt the idea of another maker because the barrel stamping is very much identical to stamping on other S&W barrels from the era.

Kevin

Hello Lazarus!

Sometimes, I reread my old threads to remember. Today, I reread this one

WHAT A DUNCE!!,

As I have since learned, all 1917s were rifled per Government specifications. S&W had no say in the matter. And that rifling worked so S&W continued to use it until at least the Model 625-?, or the model 325.

Yes, I can probably blame lack of coffee or too much wine for not being able to count to 6!

Kevin

Protocall_Design · #17 07-21-2022, 09:08 AM

Also, the 45 ACP barrels have 1 in 16 twist, where most other S&W barrels have 1 in 18-3/4 twist.

StrawHat · #18 07-21-2022, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protocall_Design

Also, the 45 ACP barrels have 1 in 16 twist, where most other S&W barrels have 1 in 18-3/4 twist.

Never tried to measure the twist. I will take your word for it!

Kevin