Show us your 1917 modifications

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Tom, FYI. I've had several of these modified N frame 1917s over the years, and they are shooters, of course. Trying to modify wood stocks is frustrating and I found that for comfortable and accurate hold when shooting, a good pair of finger groove rubber Pachmayr's was the answer, plus using two round clips, vs. moon clips made it much easier to reload and extract empties, and if you want icing on your cake, get an extra cylinder in .45 Colt. Ed.
 
before I drool too much over your project, I will try and offer an answer.

Have you tried to match up any of the current n frame rd butt grip offerings? Depending on when the conversion was done, they might match up to something currently available.

I know you are looking for period grips, but don't know how much modification would be necessary. I know there were some "retro" models that had rd butt "new" grips. I think the 1917 classic and heritage to name a few. Maybe the first group of 21-4s as well.

I know I'm asking a lot, but if you have a postal scale , I would really like to know how much the gun weighs, unloaded, no grips.

Cool project!

Dave
 
opoefc said:
Tom, FYI. I've had several of these modified N frame 1917s over the years, and they are shooters, of course. Trying to modify wood stocks is frustrating and I found that for comfortable and accurate hold when shooting, a good pair of finger groove rubber Pachmayr's was the answer, plus using two round clips, vs. moon clips made it much easier to reload and extract empties, and if you want icing on your cake, get an extra cylinder in .45 Colt. Ed.
Click to expand...

I'm about to give up on modifying wood but am open to options. Right now it's wearing round to square Hogue's which are OK, but, IMO, not what was intended when the grip frame was rounded. I'd like to see other examples of chopped and rounded 1917's. I have a couple full moon clips and like the thought of a .45 Colt cylinder.

Note to moderator: How about we drop the WTB part of this thread and move it to the 1896 forum, retitled "Show us your 1917 modifications".
 
44 special Dave said:
before I drool too much over your project, I will try and offer an answer.

Have you tried to match up any of the current n frame rd butt grip offerings? Depending on when the conversion was done, they might match up to something currently available.

I know you are looking for period grips, but don't know how much modification would be necessary. I know there were some "retro" models that had rd butt "new" grips. I think the 1917 classic and heritage to name a few. Maybe the first group of 21-4s as well.

I know I'm asking a lot, but if you have a postal scale , I would really like to know how much the gun weighs, unloaded, no grips.

Cool project!

Dave
Click to expand...

K/L stocks and grips don't fit, and I have test-fit a set of Ahrends N round to square and round butt tactical stocks. The contour isn't spot-on but could work, so that's an option. I have not tried any other factory or aftermarket stocks yet and will do so at the next gun show, where dealers have boxes filled with old stocks and grips. Right now it is wearing Hogue round to square rubber.

Naked and empty it weighs exactly 2.0 lbs. The rubber adds 2.5 ounces. It is surprisingly easy to carry. - T.
 
The Gila Bender said:
I'm about to give up on modifying wood but am open to options. Right now it's wearing round to square Hogue's which are OK, but, IMO, not what was intended when the grip frame was rounded. I'd like to see other examples of chopped and rounded 1917's. I have a couple full moon clips and like the thought of a .45 Colt cylinder.
Click to expand...


I like your project.

Did you do these modifications, or, were some of thenm done already, or?


Anyway, on the Stocks - what is your goal?


I would think, just get a pair of WWI Plain Walnut ones, re-shape them to your Frame Grip, and, then, either leave them just as that, or, checker them in some nice way.

Or, get a chunk of Stag Antler, and, make a pair from scratch.
 
How about experimenting with some of the Taiwanese stocks that are being imported? Better to use those to make a pattern for the round butt and to shape the grip to suit you before you modify better stocks. Maybe start with some RBs and work from there? Once you have what you want transfer to quality stocks.

Used Taiwanese stocks are pretty cheap if you look around. I was looking for inexpensive wood stocks for a M10-8 field/barn gun and found a pair by asking at several LGSs. $10, a little time to sand off someone's initials from the bottom and relieve for speedloaders and I had what I wanted. I also found a $10 pair of N frame Sile target stocks that I modified so i could mount them on a M1917 without removing the lanyard.
 
Last edited:
Oyeboteb said:
I like your project.

Did you do these modifications, or, were some of thenm done already, or?


Anyway, on the Stocks - what is your goal?


I would think, just get a pair of WWI Plain Walnut ones, re-shape them to your Frame Grip, and, then, either leave them just as that, or, checker them in some nice way.

Or, get a chunk of Stag Antler, and, make a pair from scratch.
Click to expand...

No, this came as-is. My original thought was to re-shape a
set of service stocks or magnas for a pre-war look. Now I'm thinking about rummaging through bins at a gunshow.
 
Back in the '90s, I took a nickel 1917 Smith, cut the barrel to 4", and roundbutted it, using a set of RB K Magnas as a pattern. I added a Ruger Blackhawk ramp front sight and an N frame adjustable rear sight. I put Pachmyer Compac grips on it, the kind that cover the backstrap.

Used it as a duty gun for awhile. Never took any pictures though.
 
Wht do you mean by "grip frame narrowed?" If there was much metal removed, grips may be a custom only proposition. Otherwise you could just take a doggy set of WW I vintage smooth grips and cut them down as needed.

Froggie
 
Last week my partner picked up a Colt 1917 Fritz Special with very short barrel, nickel plated. Even though it's a Colt I'll post picks next week. Strange looking gun. I know this is not the point of the OP but interesting.
 
Last edited:
Retired W4 said:
Last week my partner picked up a Colt 1917 FITZ Special with very short barrel, nickel plated. Even though it's a Colt I'll post picks next week. Strange looking gun. I know this is not the point of the OP but interesting.
Click to expand...


I really enjoy these well done choppers.

Not often do I see embriodery motifs on a shiny pitbull like haris1s.

Sort of whimsical ;)..........I like it..........
 
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