1917 Combat

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I picked up a 1917 a while back missing its original barrel. Found a 1950 45 barrel for $65 and had some adjustable rear sights in my parts pile. So this weekend I got busy with it. I know some will recoil in horror to such blasphemy, but I like it. Not done yet needs some clean up and blue job. Also waiting for the correct spring and lug for the front of ejector lockup. Kept the big knob, cambered chambers. 3 1/2" barrel, Front sight was milled out with key on bottom of ramp and a a slot was milled in barrel rib, then silver soldered in place. Milled out inlets for stocks from some Bloodwood.

For those who worry, the serial number is still there. Cut a slit under it leaving it about 1/8" thick from front to near reear strap then cut it so it remained on back strap, then heated up back stap and moved it back. Pressed down serial number piece to new location and then tig welded to front piece of frame, then cut it free from back strap. Then ground back strap to fit and heated it up and moved it into position. Tig weld, Grind everything smooth. Serial number stamping is unaltered and was never removed from the gun during its relocation. The law is the law.

 
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PS, when I say grinder, I am talking about my 2 industrial belt grinders that have multiple exchangeable heads and run 2x72" belts from 24 grit to 1200 grit. The only bench grinder motors I have run buffing wheels.
 
Considering what you started with, that's something Mr Taffin might consider to be a Perfect Packin Pistol. Any thoughts on a refinish? Lots of choices, but a Robar black oxide would be fitting... Or go nickel :)
 
I am one of those who doesn't like to see old guns in original condition modified, but once the bloom is off the rose, all bets are off. I think what you did with that 1917 is really unique, creative and just plain cool. Good luck with it.
 
I did something similar to a 1917 once. I was issued a nickel 1917 by my PD. It also had stag grips and gold plated cylinder release, hammer and trigger. I cut the barrel to 4", added a Ruger ramp front sight and a post war S&W rear sight. I then round butted it. It made a handy duty weapon.
 
I did something similar to a 1917 once. I was issued a nickel 1917 by my PD. It also had stag grips and gold plated cylinder release, hammer and trigger. I cut the barrel to 4", added a Ruger ramp front sight and a post war S&W rear sight. I then round butted it. It made a handy duty weapon.

I do believe I would have done something similar. If you tried to arrest somebody around here with a shiny pistol with a bunch of gold plating they would probably just laugh at you.
Who ever issued you that had a interesting sense of humor.
 
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