Model 1917 Post War Transitional

Rooster1966 · #1 06-19-2012, 01:31 PM

I have another question for the group.

I picked this up last week (traded a Vaquero and some cash). Serial number is 2101xx – no “S” prefix. It has the hole for the lanyard ring, but doesn’t have it (the ring). I’m assuming the sights, both front and rear, are not factory and are after market. The question is should I try to return to original condition or leave it as is?

Thanks,

Mike

Deacon KC · #2 06-19-2012, 08:21 PM

i like it, it has a character all it's own and would never be "100%" again. So enjoy the better sights and shoot it with pride!

DCWilson · #3 06-19-2012, 09:00 PM

I agree -- just leave it as is. The sight replacement involved removing some steel from the frame that can never be put back the way it was.

Just FYI, your serial number marks your gun as one of the 991 new frames produced in 1946-47 for production of the Model 1917. These are "the last 1917s" and are looked upon with favor by 1917 collectors as postwar transitional revolvers. Some have the S prefix, some do not; some had a lanyard loop, some did not. The successor gun, the short action .45 Military Model of 1950, has its own body of fans and collectors, but those guns are not 1917s.

tommy F · #4 06-21-2012, 02:45 PM

shoot as is

red9 · #5 06-21-2012, 03:08 PM

One more vote to leave it as is and have fun:
1. You will never make it original.
2. Target modifications are a collectible category on their own.

Bob

Rooster1966 · #6 06-22-2012, 11:27 AM

I took it to the range yesterday. I first tried 230 gr. LRN and 185 SWC and it shot all over the place. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed. Then I tried Berry's 230 gr plated and Hornady 185 HP/XTPs and it shot five inch groups at 25 yards. I guess it likes jacketed/plated bullets and not lead.

Muley Gil · #7 06-22-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster1966

I took it to the range yesterday. I first tried 230 gr. LRN and 185 SWC and it shot all over the place. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed. Then I tried Berry's 230 gr plated and Hornady 185 HP/XTPs and it shot five inch groups at 25 yards. I guess it likes jacketed/plated bullets and not lead.

Yes, these revolvers were designed as substitute standard WW I sidearms and were regulated for the 230 grain FMJ RN round.

Hard lead cast bullets usually shoot OK.

delta-419 · #8 06-22-2012, 09:16 PM

I like it. Target revolvers are very neat objects to own. Think of the current cost to convert a big N frame to target configuration! Its a unique gun, you just have to find out what it likes to digest. Enjoy!!!