I've got a 1917 .45 acp coming my way that I want to have turned into a "Big Bore Belly Gun". Shorten the barrel, chamfer the chambers, re-blue, etc. Does anyone have any recommendations on gunsmiths? The first to come to my mind is Cylinder & Slide. Has anyone used them before?

LOBO,

While I have not personally used Cylinder & Slide (I do my own Gunsmithting) I HAVE OWNED 2 firearms that have been through their facility prior to my owning them. One was a Browning High Power and the other was a Colt 1911. Both guns went in for action jobs and in the case of the High Power to have the Mag. Safety removed as well. The High Power I bought also came with 3 hi-cap Mags. that had C & S springs installed in them, which also performed very well.

Since it was not me that sent these guns in, I can not comment on how their Customer Service Dept. was, but I can say that their work was pretty good. The only issue I ever had was with the High Power main spring being too light, and it went full auto several times. I simply adjusted the spring myself and that solved the problem forever. Other than that, I had crisp light trigger pulls, very smooth operation, and had no other issues with their workmanship. They did what I would deem a professional job on both guns. Hope that sort of helps.

Chief38

Try Dave Chicoine at oldwestgunsmith.com

I'd recommend Gene Williams. Has done some beautiful work for me. Phone is 214-673-5510. I would also recommend changing every spring in the gun. These are approaching 100 years old. If you are truly using it for a carry piece, I would really recommend this. Where are you in Mississippi?

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S&WCA 1729

Thanks for the recommendations folks!


It wouldn't be carried everyday, my 640-1 gets that honor It would be carried occassionally or when I'm feeling "nostalgic".

I'm about 55 miles south of Meridian.

OK, if you had been close to Memphis, I would have said let's get together, have lunch, and talk about the project. I think a 1917 is a great "nostalgia" carry piece. I worry about it as an everyday gun. It's almost 100.

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S&WCA 1729

I didn't mention it, but I wouldn't even think of using +P SD loads in it. I only plan on carrying BHA .45 auto rim 255 gr LSWC that are around 800 fps.

Nothing serious as far as mods really. Cut barrel to 3", McGivern gold bead FS, replace all the springs, make sure everything is within spec, and then give it an economical re-finish.

You might consider replacing the cylinder and barrel with Mod. 25 parts. That will give all the strength and reliablity you should need. Nick

If I did go that route, would I just need the barrel & cylinder?

Most 25's were built with left hand threads for the ejector rod. You will need to replace that also. You're going to have cosmetic issues at the front top of the frame and the rear of the 25 barrel. There will be a gap. Your frame has been rounded for the tapered barrel that has not rib. The 25 barrel as a rib. It's going to stick out.

You might want to read:
Parts Interchangeability between N-frame Generations

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S&WCA 1729

Thanks for the link!


The gun came in yesterday (GB.com purchase). The gentleman that I got the gun from thought it was a standard 1917, and I can see why he thought that was the case. At some point in its life it has been reblued. This was a contributing factor to its mistaken identity due to some overzealous polishing in the bluing process. The gun is really a 1937 Brazilian, sn# 202304. All numbers match, the bore is strong & bright, and there is no pitting anywhere on the gun that I can see. The only issue the gun has is that the timing is off a little bit.

Would a barrel from a 625 .45 acp Mountain Gun work? That barrel is tapered, it's only 1" longer @ 4" so I would leave it at that length, but it does not have the "channel" in the barrel threads for the retaining pin?

Here are some pictures,


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr


Smith & Wesson Brazilian 1937 .45 acp by LOBOinMS, on Flickr

tennexplorer, Thanks for blowing a little fresh air in to my 1/2 brain dead head. You're right about the barrel. I should have said cylinder only. I was recently reading of a NY City cop that carried a 1917 Colt but had put a later New Service cylinder in it for better metallurgy. There are newer barrels out there for S&W .45s without adjustable sights but then the cost might be prohibitive.Thanks again for the "wake up call". Nick
Edit: tennex, I just read your tome on interchanging parts. That is a seminal essay, thank you for you contribution to those of us that lack your knowledge. You are the reason I join sites like this.I copied your essay and have put it in my "Book of Knowledge" for info to save. Thank you again as the info is great and my interest in this area far exceeds my knowledge. Best regards, Nick

Quote: "Would a barrel from a 625 .45 acp Mountain Gun work? That barrel is tapered, it's only 1" longer @ 4" so I would leave it at that length, but it does not have the "channel" in the barrel threads for the retaining pin?"

It will fit but it's stainless vs. blue. You will also have the barrel rib standing as high as or higher than the receiver ring. You can have a groove cut for the barrel pin. Since this is a later gun, I'd shorten the barrel if I wanted to. If I was going to replace the barrel, I'd try to get a Model 22-4 barrel. Since the gun is timing late, you may need to replace the hand. That is going to be difficult as the ones for that era are rare.

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Kind of OT, but I have a 625-4 .45 acp that has the 5" full length underlug barrel. Would a 625 .45 acp Mountain Gun 4" barrel install onto the 625-4 5"?

Yes, not a problem. Have a friend who did that.

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S&WCA 1729

Good deal! Got one on the the way

Lobo where are you getting a .45ACP Mountain Gun Barrel from? Thanks, Nick

Midway USA

Thanks LOBO that solves abig problem for me. Nick

Edit:LOBO I went to Midway and have a barrel on backorder. They estimate 26 Dec. '11 I do really appreciate your info.Are you doing your own work? I'm going to try mine,'cause I have the tools and I have changed Colt and Ruger Single Action barrels. This is a little more complex but I think I can do it. I'll let you know if, and when I get the barrel. Best regards, Nick

Glad that I could help


It'll go on a 625-4 that is matte finished, so the barrel will have to be blasted to match the rest of the gun. This is probably why I'll have a 'smith do the swap & blasting for me.