So who here has an old frame that can be shipped to Turnbull for some beautiful case hardening? That could be turned into a spectacular firearm!
A Moment of Silence for Model 1917
- Thread starter tennexplorer
- Start date
Serial number 47097. I bought the parts kit and the parts I got were in almost new condition. Almost no turn ring, great case colors, great bore and chambers. Internal parts are in great shape too. Serial number on inside of grips is totally legible.
An almost new condition 107 year old gun got destroyed. Makes me sad.
So why was the gun destroyed and who did it?
OP
I have no idea why. From the very good condition of the parts, I assume it was turned in at a buy-back by someone who inherited it and didn't like firearms. It was acquired from one of the companies that salvages the parts and sells them on the internet.
smoothshooter
Member
A used frame only is going to be almost impossible to find.
Hugo Stiglitz
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Years ago I bought some Smith & Wesson Parts of eBay. After a while I get a knock on my door. Why it's my friendly neighborhood ATF Agent. We talked at the door. Didn't invite him in. Figured he was here to see my suppressor and class 3 paperwork. He told me no. He was here to talk about the S&W Parts I bought off eBay and he had a screen shot of the part and my purchase. Sorry I told him, that was a "Part" not a firearm and perfectly legal to buy. I asked him if I would be compensated for the Part. He said he would give me a receipt for the Part. I told him, sorry can't help you I used the part as barter at a gun show and don't have it. He finally broke and told me the parts had been stolen by a security guard and were being sold off. I told him better watch your own then huh? Now go pound sand. True story.Thousands of guns, gun parts stolen from ATF / Northern District of West Virginia | Former contract security guard at ATF facility sentenced to 14 years for stealing and selling firearms | United States Department of Justice
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I bought my first M57 from an older gentleman in Idaho. I did all the FFL paperwork as required. In Michigan all handguns need to be registered with the local police department. As a law abiding citizen and a CCW holder I complied. It was several weeks later and I got a call from the sheriff department. I had purchased quite a few Smith's in recent weeks and thought that was the reason for the call. Nope the M57 was reported stolen in Washington state back in 1986!! I had to surrender the gun (In mint condition I might add) and was out the purchase price. I contacted the police department in Washington where it was returned to and talked to a understanding detective but nothing could be done. He said in all likelihood it would be destroyed.
So you were out the gun and the money you paid for it, the rightful owner was out his gun and that is some how legally justifiable.
It would appear so. You would think there would be some sort of statue of lim itations as it was stolen 35 years ago at the time. What's the chance the original owner would even be still living?? He did have good taste however.
Jack Flash
Member
Did you have a heart to heart talk with the older gentleman in Idaho? 
If you could find a nice 1917 frame, could you use any N frame?
I have a .455 which has a hacksawed barrel and a "mutilated" cylinder for either .45 Colt or .45ACP/AR- I forget which. No grips or lanyard, either. Been sitting around for ages with the barrel removed as a potential project. Not as nice as the M1917 parts, though. So, there's that sort of source for a frame.
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