1917 Trade

[Matthew]

Hello all,
I've been offered a model 1917 in a trade. Someone has cut the barrel down to just past the ejector rod, reattached the sight and refinished it. I also assume the lanyard hardware is gone as it has pachmayr grips.

While I know this wouldn't have much in the way of collector value I'm looking at it as a carry / house gun. Assuming that it checks out in timing and enshake and such, is it reasonable to expect many more years out of this firearm? Sometimes I see mention of the metal durability when discussing shooting of old 1911s, would that apply here as well?
Thanks for your help,
Matthew

 

[Jack Flash]

If it checks out to be in good working order, I would make the trade. Then I would shoot it enough to get a good idea of how reliable it is. It's not a target pistol so no need to put thousands of rounds through it at the range. Just shoot it occaisionally to confirm its fitness for your purpose. Usually you get a good feel for whether something is reliable or not after you shoot it enough. If I was really concerned, I would have a gunsmith examine it and give me his opinion.

It is going on 100 years old. Any mechanical device will wear with use and possibly corrode with the passage of time. I'm sure you will find someone who would have doubts about staking his life on something that old.

 

[DCWilson]

I recently read that from the beginning the 1917s had heat treated cylinders that resulted in increased strength. Only four or five years later, most of the rest (if not all) of the S&W product line was getting the same cylinder treatment. When recently I asked about the proper ammo to shoot in the well-preserved 1917 I recently acquired, I was told to avoid the +P stuff but to shoot regular 230-gr rounds with confidence.

I didn't understand about the cutoff barrel. Is the front locking lug still in place, or does the ejector rod now hang loose under the barrel?

You didn't ask for an opinion on your intended use, but if I wanted a large-bore revolver for home defense, I'd probably look at an untouched .44 Special or .45 ACP with an original short barrel. Even if the 1917 you are considering trading into is a value in terms of what you are discarding, I just wouldn't be comfortable going into economy mode when it comes to in-house personal protection. Or out-of-the-house personal protection, for that matter.

 

[Matthew]

Good points. Although I probably wouldn't put a ton of ammo though it, better to not have to worry about it.

Thanks everyone

 

[Muley Gil]

Back in the 1980s and '90s, I regularly carried either a S&W 1917 that was cut down to 4" or a standard Colt 1917 as a police duty weapon. I trusted them then and I would again today.

 

[bmcgilvray]

A mechanically sound Model 1917 would be a trustworthy revolver for personal self defense. I'd have no concerns about carrying one.

I've made fairly extensive use of both a Model 1917 Smith & Wesson and a Model 1917 Colt. These revolvers give perfect satisfaction.

 

[sheriffoconee]

If I could get my hands on one you describe, I would most certainly put it to HD/travel use...assuming reliability of course

 

[BHP FAN]

I'd do it in a heart beat.The 1917 I have served through at least two wars,has no original finish,and locks up as tight as the day it was made.Those things were built like a tank,and not a Renault,either...

 

[Dave T]

I'd do it in a heart beat.The 1917 I have served through at least two wars,has no original finish,and locks up as tight as the day it was made.Those things were built like a tank,and not a Renault,either...

Guess I've seen some that were built like an old truck then. The last one I was considering was loose as a...well, better not go there. It wasn't tight by any means and most I've handled aren't either. I don't have one because they never seem worth the money people ask for them.

Dave

 

[deadin]

Did I miss something or did you mention just what you would have to trade for it?? Might make a difference..

 

[borntoraisehogs]

I would like a 1917 . If it is sound and used enough to be familiar and have confidence of onging reliability I would not consider you poorly armed . I had a Colt New Service almost as old and it was solid and never stumbled . Murphy's law still is in effect . If anything can go wrong , it will , and at the most inconvenient time . You didn't mention your other hhome defense weapon . If not a shotgun , maybe a lever ?

<p>The possibility of needing to defend your home is real . All the more reason to have fun with your equipment .