Not sure which forum would be best for this question but I'll give a shot here.

I'm considering either building or buying a .45 ACP S&W with a 4 in or less barrel in blue only. No locks!

I know there are some custom models out there like the Jovino's but they are little hard to find.

Considering the difficulty in finding a revolver like this I was thinking of taking a really beat up 1917 and having it cut down and refinished.

I'd appreciate any thoughs or opinions on this.
Thanks

The ATI company in the Philippines makes a "Fatboy" model with a 3" bbl and a double stack magazine that holds 12 rounds.
I have one and it is spectacular both in looks and operation.
The extra magazine sold separately cost me 45 dollars.
It handles great, is accurate, and rides comfortably in a holster.

Maybe I should have been a little clearer in my post, I was referring to revolvers, Auto are easy to find but that's not what I'm looking for.

I got a 625-6 JM less than a year ago with 4" and am loving it. I'm thinking about getting some 45 AR brass and trying that.

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I've look at those but I'd prefer one in blue pre-lock. I'm having El Paso make me a set of carved holsters and belt for my
.44 Wolf and Klar 4 in and my 24-2 6 in. I've got a 1950 model in .45acp that will fit in the 24-2 holster and was looking for a .45acp that would fit in the 4 in holster, that way those high priced holsters could do double duty

As you say, it's between buying a civilian S&W .45 or refurbishing a Model 1917.

It would depend on pricing between buying a good S&W .45 or the cost to cut down and refinish a 1917.
That would depend on finding a good 1917 that isn't in collectors condition but still mechanically excellent.
A major consideration on cost is going to be the quality of bluing you're willing to pay for, plus shipping to an expert to do it.

Today you can have GOOD bluing or CHEAP bluing...... Choose ONE.
Even the cheap gun butcher bluing work is expensive, but an expert like Cogan or Glenrock can make it look perfect.

For a cut down job and possibly even the bluing, I'd talk to a Master pistolsmith like Frank Glenn in Arizona.
He does work to factory level and has a perfect reputation.
His pricing is excellent and turnaround is surprisingly fast.

Frank Glenn-Glenn Custom Complete Gunsmithing Service Glendale AZ

So, I'd think the first move would be to do some shopping on Gunbroker.com or other gun auction sites and visit some bigger gun shows.
If you found a commercial S&W .45 at the right price that isn't a wreck or a really good condition Model 1917 then you can make the decision.

I seem to recall that there was a batch of .45 S&W's brought back from Brazil a few years ago, so you might also look for one of those in better shape.

Bottom line is "How much money are you willing to spend"?

The model 1937 Brazilian guns have a unique version of the hammer block that's operated by a special hand. It's not terribly unusual to find one that "needs attention" due to this. Those hands are no longer available.

I had one show up decades ago for some work and wondered why it had an exceptionally long firing pin. When I got the sideplate off, I figured it out. Someone, somewhere had problems with the hammer block and decided that the fix was to make a longer firing pin. I do believe I removed the hammer block.

Well I'm not saying that price isn't a factor but it's not something that I'd worry about too much. What would a Jovino effector cost me if I could find one, bare minimum would be 1200+. I can find a rough 1917 in good mechanical condition for lets say 550, Blueing and barrel cut lets say 600 for a good job I'm still in the same price range.

There is a pre M-25 in the classifieds. Have the barrel trimmed to your choice of lengths. Old style S&W quality. I like 3 1/2"..........

__________________
dd884
JMHO-YMMV

There's plenty of older 1917's out there that have been modified in this manner. I had some low ball bids on some in auctions on proxibid over the last couple weeks. Most of these go for around $400 to $600.

You do realize all the modifications you are going to do will make the gun worth less, or if your lucky won't bring the value down? Spend $500 on the gun, $500 on shipping, barrel cutting, polishing, prep work, reblueing and in the end you'll still have a gun worth $500. I'd buy one that some one has already chopped.

Watch gun Broker and be patient, something will show up. Bought a 25-2 in the classifieds a couple yrs ago with a lot of blue wear. Gave it Andy Horvath to chop the bbl to 31/2" and add a Weigand interchangeable front sight base. Still not refinished, not sure if I want it hard chrome or blue. Larry

If looks are less important than function and cost, you could get lucky and find a mechanically great but seriously finish-challenged 1917 like the one I picked up. It's internals are fine, but it was pitted and someone decided to just clean it good and have it bumper-chromed. I got it for $255 and it may not be much to look at, but its still a good shooter.