Model 1917 converted to .44 Special

Muddyboot · May 29, 2021

A recent pick up, I believe to be a Model 1917 Commercial, as no U.S marking are on the revolver. Serial number is 226xx....The barrel has been cut and is 4.25" long. The grips are modern replacements.

It shoots well, and seems to like lead semi wad cutters over other bullet types.

Wiregrassguy · May 29, 2021

The small logo and, I believe, the "Made in USA" stamp on the lower forward right frame don't jibe with the serial number for a commercial 1917. Also how was the conversion done? Both the cylinder and barrel would have had to be replaced. Are you sure that is not a .44 Hand Ejector? They use the same frame as a 1917.

Muley Gil · May 29, 2021

Why do you think it is a converted 1917? S&W built a lot of 2nd Model .44s on unused 1917 frames.

As Guy noted above, commercial 1917s were in the same serial number range as the military 1917s, only without the US ARMY markings. The US Army 1917s went up to the 175xxx range.

Wiregrassguy · May 29, 2021

If the barrel, cylinder and butt have the same serial number with no star, it is a .44 HE, IMO.

Muddyboot · May 29, 2021

I'm going on what the seller told me, I'm in no way an expert on N frames. If it's a .44 HE, I'm good with that, just a big fan of the .44 special..

SAFireman · May 29, 2021

Maybe a 2nd model HE? They shared the frames with war time production 1917's....

Muley Gil · May 29, 2021

Standard barrel lengths for the 2nd Model .44s were 5" and 6 1/2", measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel.

Muddyboot · May 29, 2021

This one has been cut, and the front sight moved...

Wiregrassguy · May 29, 2021

I've looked (as best I can) magnified at that .44 and I can't see any indication the barrel was cut. The barrel stamps appear to be properly situated. Maybe you can see something about the muzzle and front sight we can't see in your pictures? They made a few with 4" barrels but I suspect you would have to get an historian's letter to confirm. Would you post some well lighted pictures of the muzzle and front sight?

Muddyboot · May 29, 2021

ralph7 · May 29, 2021

Pretty well cinches the cut barrel question.

Wiregrassguy · May 29, 2021

Yep, but it was nicely done.

Green Frog · May 29, 2021

Is there a serial number stamped in the barrel under the extractor rod? If yes, does it match the one on the butt? How about on the rear face of the cylinder?

Froggie

Muddyboot · May 29, 2021

All three are there and matching....

CptCurl · May 29, 2021

Muddyboot said:
All three are there and matching....

That should pretty well tell us it is a .44 HE 2nd Mod. and never was a 1917. The barrel and cylinder wouldn't match if converted.

It might have the eagle acceptance mark, but that would just mean it was built on a surplus 1917 frame. I have a .44 HE 2nd. Mod. on a surplus frame.

Curly

.357magger · May 29, 2021

I like it.

Thanks for sharing it.

Green Frog · May 29, 2021

Second Model 44 Hand Ejector. Barrel sawed off, so all value destroyed. You should immediately send it to me for proper disposal. My address is...

Looks like a wonderful find to me.
Froggie

Muddyboot · May 29, 2021

I only wish the barrel was and inch shorter....

StrawHat · May 30, 2021

Muddyboot said:
I only wish the barrel was and inch shorter....

Easily accomplished with a hacksaw, files and a billiard ball. Less easy is re-installing the front sight of your choice but still not impossible.

Or, ship it North to Andy Horvath who can make the project happen for you.

Kevin

Muddyboot · May 30, 2021

That's tempting, but I'll keep it as is. I'll letter it also, as I do all my Smiths, just to see how it came out of the factory....

Model 1917 converted to .44 Special

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