1917 45 acp front sight question..

[SamuelGrath]

I am purchasing a 1917 US Army that someone put a ramp sight on, anyone know is there a source for replacements? Would I need a new barrel? This is a project gun I am getting for a good deal and want to return it to the original barrel configuration for my collection. The "United States Property" has been buffed slightly and the grip handle info is totally gone along with the lanyard loop but I think it would be fun getting the old girl back in shape.Thank you for any support!

 

[DWalt]

A replacement front sight of the semicircular or half-moon style would probably have to be fabricated and silver soldered on the barrel. There may be sources where one could buy a correct front sight, but I don't know of one. Fortunately, it shouldn't be too difficult to make one or have someone to do it. Does it have the SN stamped on the butt? Unclear what you are saying about that (the grip handle info is totally gone). You don't want it under any circumstances if the butt SN has been removed - it's contraband and a federal offense to possess.

 

[sodacan]

No serial number on the butt is a huge legal problem. Walk away. There are tons of other 1917's out there. Good luck.

 

[Hondo44]

The front sight and base is forged integral with the barrel. A barrel replacement is your only option to be totally authentic but then you won't have the matching serial # to the gun.

But if it's a project gun then you could consider obtaining an original piece of barrel with front sight. Cut off the sight and base or just sight blade. If you just have the blade, mill a slot in your sight base, solder the new blade back. You can get barrel pieces with front sight and base still on them from gunsmiths that have cut down original barrels. Many have a drawer or box where they shuck all the barrel stubs they cut off over the years and will usually give you one.

When the factory made target front sights on pre war guns. The integral forged front blade was milled off the base, and a target blade milled in, but pinned (not soldered) for easy changing. This has the benefit of retaining your original barrel serial #.

If the serial # matching the barrel and cyl has been restamped on the left side grip frame replacing the # from the gun butt, then you're OK.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

If there is no serial number stamped on the butt or on the side of the grip frame, pass on this one.

 

[SamuelGrath]

Just called my dealer and he confirmed the serial number is on the bottom of the grip butt, thanks for the heads up everyone. Need to watch our "P"s and "Q"s now!

 

[Muley Gil]

Just called my dealer and he confirmed the serial number is on the bottom of the grip butt, thanks for the heads up everyone. Need to watch our "P"s and "Q"s now!

That's great! Please post pictures so that we can advise you on the front sight and any other issues.

 

[SamuelGrath]

Will do when I get it..it's on layaway now.

 

[SamuelGrath]

Haven't been on the forum for awhile so thought I would update my last post. Lay away fell through but I was able to purchase a sweet Brazilian model 1937, still falls within my WWII time frame. Then I HAD to get the accessories!

 

[JH1951]

Well done, SamuelGrath !
Thanks for following up on this, and congratulations on your success!
If possible, give us a few more pictures. A lot of us really like the 1917's.
I've got three, two of which are Brazilians that go to the range often. They are a bunch of fun IMHO.

 

[SamuelGrath]

Few more pics

Have to take some more JH1951...here are a couple you may appreciate That is a replica Liberator and an actual Japanese NCO sword from the Philippines. If you're into the WWII stuff..