1917 ?

[Spiritmaker]

Hey all. I just picked up a S&W M1917, US marked 45acp. This has what appears to be lines machined in a semicircle pattern on the sides of the hammer. First 1917 I've ever owned. 4 digit serial number dates it MFG.1917. Is this common?

 

[Jack Flash]

Early S&W M1917s had those concentric grooves on their hammers. The Army objected (believing that the grooves were unnecessary and would hold dirt etc) so the that feature was discontinued.

 

[sodacan]

The first 15,000 or so had the concentric grooves on the hammer and the stocks were concave at the top.

 

[Spiritmaker]

Thanks for the info. It came with cheap aftermarket grips and no lanyard ring. I think I'm going to put some stag grips on it. Any suggestions on a lanyard ring resource?

 

[2K7]

Good choice....

.... on the decision to add the Stags!

 

[LLOYD17]

Love the grooves.

As for the lanyard ring, EchoBay and Numrich will have them. Don't pay $30 for one. They're usually around $20 but every now and again can be found for $10-$15. You'll need the pin too if that's missing.

 

[Hondo44]

Great find and a very early gun with early features collectors like.

Lanyard swivels and the retaining pin are not hard to find, But the correct one for your 1917 is color case hardened, not grey parkerized like most you see for sale. Most don't care but I wanted you to know the difference if your gun is a scare early model and especially if it's in nice collectible condition.

The color case is not vibrant colors on such a small part but they have a smooth finish that will not look like it's sandblasted as do the parkerized versions. Some are also blued which look better and will match your gun better than parkerized. Those for the WWII 38 M&P models are the same.
A 1917 Colt lanyard swivel will not fit the S&W 1917.

Search - loop

"elysianfield!" on Ebay, lanyard swivel $20 shipped and nicely blued. Specify for S&W

 

[Spiritmaker]

Thanks Hondo44.

Got one on order along with full moon clips. Now to find stag grips.

 

[Kinman]

If you just want something that works nicely instead of a "proper" S&W pin for the swivel. Get a split pin and trim to length, I did that with my Brazilian and it worked terrific.

 

[Jack Flash]

If you just want something that works nicely instead of a "proper" S&W pin for the swivel. Get a split pin and trim to length, I did that with my Brazilian and it worked terrific.

I was going to say you could probably just find a finish nail of the right diameter and cut it down to size but I thought that might be a little too "hillbilly" for this forum.

 

[Muley Gil]

I was going to say you could probably just find a finish nail of the right diameter and cut it down to size but I thought that might be a little too "hillbilly" for this forum.

A nail, trimmed to fit, works well. As does a drill bit.

BTW, I live in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia & I'm proud to be a hillbilly.

 

[Spiritmaker]

Thanks for the suggestions. I work at a large auto parts supplier and a split pin or solid is not a problem. Stag grips suggestions would help immensely.

thanks agin

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Patrick Grashorn and Ken Driskill (bigmtnman on gunbroker.com) make excellent elkhorn grips.

 

[DWalt]

""elysianfield!" on Ebay, lanyard swivel $20 shipped and nicely blued. Specify for S&W"

I bought a swivel there a couple of months ago. Very prompt delivery. The finish was blued and it included a retaining pin.

 

[Spiritmaker]

Just ordered a set of grips from Patrick Grashorn. Got moon clips, got a swivel and have ammo. Can't wait.