At our local gun shop, there are three 1917 Colt .45 revolvers for sale. Two have lanyard rings. I've been to this shop before but have yet to see a S&W 1917 .45 revolver for sale. Are they more collectible than the Colt versions? I had a Brazilian contracted one years ago I purchased for $149...was thinking I should get another S&W 1917. Thanks.
1917 S&W Vs. Colt .45's
- Thread starter Ron M.
- Start date
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Alpo
Member
Maybe it's just that others feel like me.
Smith feels better.
I have a Colt New Service. A Colt New Service. I have several N-frame Smiths.
I'm not a collector. I shoot my guns. And to me, a Smith is a more comfortable shooting gun than a Colt.
Smith feels better.
I have a Colt New Service. A Colt New Service. I have several N-frame Smiths.
I'm not a collector. I shoot my guns. And to me, a Smith is a more comfortable shooting gun than a Colt.
Alpo
Member
Oh, and I think you done good on that Brasilian. I got mine when Navy Arms was importing them, back in - '88? - and it was 200.
If the price and condition are good, I'd buy a Colt 1917 or two. While the S&W 1917s fit my hand better, I've done some good shooting with a Colt as well. I carried a Colt 1917 as a police duty weapon for a while. I shot a 59/60 (98.33%) with it on a state qualification one year.
You're looking at a tiny segment of the market for the 1917
revolvers in one local gun shop. They may have three Colts
because they acquired them from the same person. The 1917
S&Ws and Colts are commonly seen on Gun Broker along with
the 1937 Brazillian S&Ws. I have one of each. As far as being
Collectable the 1917s will usually fetch a higher price than a
1937. I don't think there's much difference between the 1917
S&Ws and Colts as to collectability, the price of either in
really nice shape will take your breath away. As to what you
"should" do? If you're thinking about buying as an investment
you should know exactly what you're doing, otherwise just do
what you want to do if you just want a 1917 of either make.
BearBio
Member
For what it is worth, I feel they are likely the best defensive revolver around. That being said, I (1) prefer the S & W, (2) keep one in the safe, loaded.
I also load the 45 Auto-Rim, just for these. Less trouble than half-moons, and I don't need a lot (although quicker reloads are possible with the half-moons). Use lead bullets at a MODERATE velocity.
I also load the 45 Auto-Rim, just for these. Less trouble than half-moons, and I don't need a lot (although quicker reloads are possible with the half-moons). Use lead bullets at a MODERATE velocity.
44wheelman
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Is it correct there were 150K each S&W and Colt produced for WW1?
So excluding the Brazillians, their numbers should be about the same.
I see more S&Ws than Colts for sale in southwestern OH.
So excluding the Brazillians, their numbers should be about the same.
I see more S&Ws than Colts for sale in southwestern OH.
Depends on what you mean by collectible...
I think the Colt's typically go for more money. Asking the question on a S&W forum might provide different answers than asking the question on a Colt forum.
Per Wikipedia S&W and Colt each produced 150,000. I have no idea if this number is accurate or what would have happened to then while in service or since being sold off by the government.
I think the Colt's typically go for more money. Asking the question on a S&W forum might provide different answers than asking the question on a Colt forum.
Per Wikipedia S&W and Colt each produced 150,000. I have no idea if this number is accurate or what would have happened to then while in service or since being sold off by the government.
samandglove1
Member
I have both and like them both, but I prefer shooting the S&W. The trigger reach seems to be a little longer on the Colt and it just never feels comfortable. Maybe its me?
cbore
Member
Great advice here. I too have both Colt and S&W I shoot the S&W most of the time. In my opinion resale on the Colt is greater but I prefer the Smith
One thing to consider, if you are thinking of getting one of those Colts, on earlier guns the cylinder is bored straight through. They can't use the .45acp without clips, but can use the .45 auto-rim.
Wyatt Burp
Member
I have average hands and find any N frame more comfortable than a Colt New Service, but with a T-grip my 1917 Colt feels great. A grip adapter makes a big difference on these guns. My 1917 is bare metal though it looks like a satin finish. Man, I wish I bought a couple of those Brazilian S&Ws when they were practically giving them away.
