A Different 1917

[paddywonka]

While not new to this forum,I have just learned how to post photos(a old dog learning a new trick).Bought this 1917 5 years ago.A local gun shop was closing it's doors for good.The owner was an avid pistol competor,and was selling off his personal handguns. Traded this pistol for an Ithaca single barrel trap gun,I had bought for $250 at a gun show,it did'nt always go off.The dealer said he had sent it off to Smith in the early 50s,reblued,new front sight,the action worked over,and a 45Colt cylinder fitted and timed to the revolver,and numbered to this 1917.All numbers match,and the assembley number is on the crane,frame,and side plate.First military 1917 I've seen with the S&w trade mark on the side plate.When I got this Smith,it was as a shooter,which it really is.But knowing it was a former WW1 arm,is a plus to me.Also came with a set of target stocks,notched for the lanyard ring(at least the ring is still there).Had the revolver lettered,and sure enough,Smith did do the work in june of 1953.The trigger is the best of one of the pistols I own,in single or double action.Know the collector value is gone,but this 91 year old fellow is great shooter,and one of my favorites.It is even my carry handgun during the Winter monthes,knowing it will hit what ever I point it at.

 

[paddywonka]

While not new to this forum,I have just learned how to post photos(a old dog learning a new trick).Bought this 1917 5 years ago.A local gun shop was closing it's doors for good.The owner was an avid pistol competor,and was selling off his personal handguns. Traded this pistol for an Ithaca single barrel trap gun,I had bought for $250 at a gun show,it did'nt always go off.The dealer said he had sent it off to Smith in the early 50s,reblued,new front sight,the action worked over,and a 45Colt cylinder fitted and timed to the revolver,and numbered to this 1917.All numbers match,and the assembley number is on the crane,frame,and side plate.First military 1917 I've seen with the S&w trade mark on the side plate.When I got this Smith,it was as a shooter,which it really is.But knowing it was a former WW1 arm,is a plus to me.Also came with a set of target stocks,notched for the lanyard ring(at least the ring is still there).Had the revolver lettered,and sure enough,Smith did do the work in june of 1953.The trigger is the best of one of the pistols I own,in single or double action.Know the collector value is gone,but this 91 year old fellow is great shooter,and one of my favorites.It is even my carry handgun during the Winter monthes,knowing it will hit what ever I point it at.

 

[handejector]

First military 1917 I've seen with the S&w trade mark on the side plate

The logo was added in 1953 when they refinished it. In the pic of the swivel, you can see the date "6.53".
Also- the mainspring has a funny foot on it- may be a Wolfe spring. The funny foot, combined with the slightly buggered screws on a refinished gun, leads me to believe it is a replacement.
Just as a point of interest- the swivel is now blue. Swivels were case hardened till late in WW II, when they began bluing them.
Also note the diamond on the barrel, which, I BELIEVE, USUALLY indicates a replacement part.
That sight is easily made by putting a flat on the rear of the half-moon. In the early 50's, the catalogs offered BOTH.

 

[Jim Watson]

Nice outfit.
The collectors can have the unaltered war finish army surplus guns, I like guns that look good and that I can SHOOT.

 

[arthur52]

What 45 acp load do you shoot in your 1917.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Pretty neat gun, and if it hits what you're aimin' at, then it's a great shooter for you!

 

[bigjack59]

I recently saw a beautiful nickel 1917 in my local gun store. I couldn't keep my eyes of of it and bought right away. This beautiful old revolvers have got me back into wheel guns away from those funny compicated automatic things. Great gun and great story behind it. Keep shooting!

 

[paddywonka]

Have shot quite a few boxes of 230grFMJ,but a 230gr LRN with 4.5 grains of Winchester 231,Winchester WLP primer,will rip one ragged hole at 50 feet all day long,if the shooter does his part.

 

[gaucho1]

I have a 46 that looks alot like your
fine beauty.
Just something about them.