M1917 Questions/Opinions

[Amber Azar]

Hello all,

First timer here. Was looking for some wisdom on a M1917 I just recently was lucky enough to pick up. It appears to have all the correct markings of a military issue 1917, however the lanyard swivel is missing and the grips are not consistent with military issue. If I looked up the serial number correctly. It appears to have been manufactured in 1918.

My thinking is someone removed the lanyard swivel (I imagine this is relatively common among pistols that made it into civilian hands?) and put the more decorative grips on. But was wondering yalls thoughts on...

A) are these grips indeed original to the gun? (perhaps was never issued to military)

B) would it be worth it to purchase and install a lanyard swivel and original style grips or leave it as is as that is how it has lived most of its life? (I realize this is an opinion question but just curious to know the thoughts of people more knowledgeable on these things than I am)

C) Any other insight anyone may have on the pistol?

Would greatly appreciate any help!

Thanks.View attachment 771888View attachment 771902View attachment 771903

-the_Riot

It's not easy to tell if there's been any refinish but this pics of the gun make it look to be good (small phone screen). How's the bore and cylinder chambers? If they're clean with most of the rifling present, and no pitting, I personally wouldn't mind leaving it alone. But if you could find an original ring assembly and set of grips in fine condition or better at a reasonable cost, definitely go for it. I'm thinking that those items might not be tasty easy to find. There's a few companies that produce replica grips that are dead ringers for the originals, I don't know if the same can be said for the ring assembly.
It's a wonderful piece. And they're much better than the Colt Model 1917: just my opinion.

 

[SPGUSN]

Hello all,

First timer here. Was looking for some wisdom on a M1917 I just recently was lucky enough to pick up. It appears to have all the correct markings of a military issue 1917, however the lanyard swivel is missing and the grips are not consistent with military issue. If I looked up the serial number correctly. It appears to have been manufactured in 1918.

My thinking is someone removed the lanyard swivel (I imagine this is relatively common among pistols that made it into civilian hands?) and put the more decorative grips on. But was wondering yalls thoughts on...

A) are these grips indeed original to the gun? (perhaps was never issued to military)

B) would it be worth it to purchase and install a lanyard swivel and original style grips or leave it as is as that is how it has lived most of its life? (I realize this is an opinion question but just curious to know the thoughts of people more knowledgeable on these things than I am)

C) Any other insight anyone may have on the pistol?

Would greatly appreciate any help!

Thanks.View attachment 771888View attachment 771902View attachment 771903

-the_Riot

If you're looking for period repo walnut stocks for that, recommend NC Ordnance... check their website, they have them

 

[SPGUSN]

Also, if you pull the stocks, you will probably see a 3 or 4 digit number, identifying the month and year, if reblued; these and other stampings are mentioned in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

 

[Trooper224]

You have a military issue 1917 that's been reblued and regripped. Replace the lanyard loop at your own discretion, it won't effect collectability because it has none. It's just a nice looking shooter. I wouldn't turn it down.

 

[Airdale26]

It is a very nice looking revolver. The Ordinance Mark indicates acceptance by the Military. Finish appears from photo's to be in good condition, Perhaps never seen action or use or has been recoated. Grip are not original and could have been replaced by previous owner, damage etc. Lanyard ring missing, There are a few places to obtain ring (original and period grips if desired.
To potential confirm if it was issued, Contact manufacturer and obtain letter from them on how it was delivered. Most likely a fee to S &W.
Please describe this photo. is the object in focus the extractor rod ?

 

[crasig]

I personally like lanyard rings & lanyards to use in the field. Not a big deal to install the lanyard loop. I think it adds to the value & authenticity of any military handgun.
I own the 1937 Brazilian contract version of the 1917. Mine was delivered to Brazil after WWII in 1946, the year & month of my birth.
I found a like new pair of Magna grips from the post war era. IT is easier & more comfortable to operate with them, than the originals which I've put away.
I found a holster similar to those used by Brazilian army, I like the full flap & protection it offers - It was made by Triple-K for N FRAMES. I found it on Ebay. Although 78 years old, mine seems to have only storage wear, & is mechanically like new, & very dear to me + a joy to shoot.

 

[the_Riot]

Yes sir. Front of the ejector rod. A gentleman earlier in the thread mentioned...

"Look on the front of the ejector. If it is in the white, the finish is original. If it is blued, it was refinished."

So took a picture to see his thoughts. It appears to be not blued as he mentions, though I understand that may not necessarily be entirely conclusive that it wasnt refinished. Especially if done by someone who knew what they were doing. The others that pointed out the pitting under the bluing makes sense for it to have been reblued at some point in the past.

Either way it doesn't make much difference to me. Just trying to learn a bit about these things and about the revolver.

It is a very nice looking revolver. The Ordinance Mark indicates acceptance by the Military. Finish appears from photo's to be in good condition, Perhaps never seen action or use or has been recoated. Grip are not original and could have been replaced by previous owner, damage etc. Lanyard ring missing, There are a few places to obtain ring (original and period grips if desired.
To potential confirm if it was issued, Contact manufacturer and obtain letter from them on how it was delivered. Most likely a fee to S &W.
View attachment 772261Please describe this photo. is the object in focus the extractor rod ?

 

[JH1951]

Hi, Riot, and welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on picking up a nice looking 1917 and a great piece of history!
A S&W 1917 is a pleasure to own and a joy to shoot. I am confident you will enjoy owning and using it at the range.
You asked for opinions. Everyone has them and not all are the same, but here are mine. The pictures provided are not the best, and I could be 'reading' them wrong, but here's what I see based on looking at them.....
As for the finish. I see signs of a re-blue. There are a few flaws under the finish that would not be there on an original finish, and the sideplate seams show evidence of post-factory polishing. It is hard to tell if the hammer and trigger are blue or color case hardened. If they are blue, that is an indication of a refinish. Factory finish was case hardened.
As for stocks (grips), my taste would be to put something more original on it (although the ones on it are a bit more functional IMHO). Reproduction stocks would do well on this piece.
As for the lanyard loop I would put one in to fill the hole. Again, just my taste because I like the military look on a military piece.
Honestly, it all depends on your tastes and preferences; it is yours to use and enjoy, so what you are most pleased with rules.
If you give us some more good pictures, I'm sure we can give opinions from a better informed perspective.

Here is a picture of a factory finish of the sideplate area (also note the case hardened color on the hammer and trigger):

and a picture of the left side:


and a full view....

 

[the_Riot]

If you're looking for period repo walnut stocks for that, recommend NC Ordnance... check their website, they have them

Thanks for the tip! Looks like they are out of stock right now but will definitely keep an eye out.

-Bryan

 

[shil]

It's a fine-looking revolver. I'm confident you will enjoy it. On mine, the lanyard ring was removed at some point and the hole plugged. I was, at one time, inclined to have it monkeyed with and restore the lanyard ring but relented. The stocks on yours look good and I think would be better for range sessions. The absence of a lanyard ring makes possible the installation of rubber grips if you are so inclined. I've used Pachmayr Presentations with mine. They make the the gun more comfortable for me to shoot for an extended period. My only complaint is the itty-bitty sights. The 74-year-old eyes don't care for them much but the revolver is great fun to shoot nonetheless.

 

[shil]

Hi, Riot, and welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on picking up a nice looking 1917 and a great piece of history!
A S&W 1917 is a pleasure to own and a joy to shoot. I am confident you will enjoy owning and using it at the range.
You asked for opinions. Everyone has them and not all are the same, but here are mine. The pictures provided are not the best, and I could be 'reading' them wrong, but here's what I see based on looking at them.....
As for the finish. I see signs of a re-blue. There are a few flaws under the finish that would not be there on an original finish, and the sideplate seams show evidence of post-factory polishing. It is hard to tell if the hammer and trigger are blue or color case hardened. If they are blue, that is an indication of a refinish. Factory finish was case hardened.
As for stocks (grips), my taste would be to put something more original on it (although the ones on it are a bit more functional IMHO). Reproduction stocks would do well on this piece.
As for the lanyard loop I would put one in to fill the hole. Again, just my taste because I like the military look on a military piece.
Honestly, it all depends on your tastes and preferences; it is yours to use and enjoy, so what you are most pleased with rules.
If you give us some more good pictures, I'm sure we can give opinions from a better informed perspective.

Here is a picture of a factory finish of the sideplate area (also note the case hardened color on the hammer and trigger):
View attachment 772267View attachment 772267
and a picture of the left side:
View attachment 772268View attachment 772268

and a full view....
View attachment 772269View attachment 772269View attachment 772270View attachment 772270

The pictured revolver looks magnificent!

 

[shep854]

For more comfortable shooting while retaining classic lines, a grip adapter like the Tyler T-Grip that fills in between the frontstrap and trigger guard is hard to beat--but also hard to find; the company's customer service can be problematic.

 

[Lt.Donn]

No sir it is blued. I realize the lighting in the pictures may not be the best. Added couple of more pictures below that may show it a bit better.

Thanks for the info on the grips. Didn't realize what they were. Interesting to hear that while not original, there is something special about them. I think I'll leave them as is, though if I'm ever lucky enough to find some original grips I may snag them just to have along with it.

Appreciate the input gents!

View attachment 771932

View attachment 771933

-the_Riot

Wait a minute...you don't get off that easily...we want a range report after you shoot your new gun

 

[the_Riot]

Wait a minute...you don't get off that easily...we want a range report after you shoot your new gun

Ha! Fair enough and will do. Hopefully my clips will be in any day now so I can take it to the range this weekend.

 

[shep854]

Ha! Fair enough and will do. Hopefully my clips will be in any day now so I can take it to the range this weekend.

You can still load and shoot the ammo; you just have to punch the empties out with a pokey thing--a pencil will do. The clips just allow the ejector to work.

 

[the_Riot]

You can still load and shoot the ammo; you just have to punch the empties out with a pokey thing--a pencil will do. The clips just allow the ejector to work.

Yes sir and I may well do that if I dont have the clips. It would be un-American to not shoot some evil cardboard silhouettes on the weekend of our nation's independence with such a fine specimen of American wood and steel.

 

[shep854]

Yes sir and I may well do that if I dont have the clips. It would be un-American to not shoot some evil cardboard silhouettes on the weekend of our nation's independence with such a fine specimen of American wood and steel.

Pity .45 Auto-Rim isn't popular...

 

[BC38]

FWIW, a lanyard ring isn't hard to find and not too expensive.
I bought one a couple of years ago on fleabay for around $15 IIRC.
Though I see they are about double that now.

 

[shep854]

I have a 'not-M1917' S&W .45 revolver that was wearing Magna target grips when I bought it. I replaced them with old original grips as soon as I could, but they had dried and shrunk slightly. While they look correct on my old parked blaster, they do make shooting a bit uncomfortable.

 

[65-2x2]

Regardless of originality, it is a very nice piece. Congrats on finding it.