1917 decision

[cjwils]

I have an urge to get a 1917 revolver, because I would like a classic revolver that shoots widely available 45 acp ammo. I am trying to decide whether to go for the 1917 military issue, or look for a civilian model of the 1917. Which has better collector value? Do the civilian versions have better blueing, smoother mechanical function, better trigger pulls? Any other comments on this choice?

 

[Muley Gil]

There were less commercial 1917s built, as opposed to the military 1917s. While many used to dismiss the 1917 Brazilian, the first contract revolvers were built in the 1930s and had the square notch rear sight, which gives a better sight picture. However, the condition on many of these Brazilians is rough.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Which has better collector value?

The Commercial variation is more valuable due to scarcity provided both are in the upper condition ranges. As the finish condition deteriorates, they tend to normalize around the same values as shooters.

Do the civilian versions have better blueing, smoother mechanical function, better trigger pulls?

Bluing - absolutely. The military guns had a cheap, low polish finish while most of the Commercials were the beautiful high polish blue. Mechanical function depends on what was done to improve it after manufacture.

You will find a lot of 1917 shooters in both US military and Brazilian flavors. If the barrel is not shot out, they make excellent target guns. The commercials in higher grades are almost too pretty to shoot but have better collector value even over a high grade military. JMHO, YMMV.

 

[1-1917]

I have had all three, just sold the Brazilian a few months ago. As far as accuracy goes, I could not tell much difference even though the Brazilian was much higher in mileage. The blue on my US military version is as close to perfect as one is likely to find but that is not the norm. The commercial is has more wear so it's the one I generally use as my shooter. They are a lot of fun to shoot. If you reload then they are even more versatile. I prefer shooting auto rim brass in mine and load them pretty light. Using the AR brass in the 1917s just makes it easier to know at a glance that it is going to be a light load. I've seen very few commercial but plenty of US and Brazilian service models at gun shows.

 

[reddog81]

With any 100 year old gun the mechanics needs to be evaluated individually. I had both a military model and a Brazilian. I sold the military model because the beat up Brazilian shot better.

My Brazilian has a hodge podge of screws holding the side plate on, beat up finish and a piece of wire holding the front ejector rod spring in place, yet it shoots just fine.