another 1917. More questions

[Kinman]

After I got bit by the .45 ACP revolver bug a couple years ago I started off with modifying an already modified Brazilian model, I turned it into what became one of the pieces that was usually with me especially back and forth to the range. I had the Baughman style front sight added by my gunsmith buddy and added the Wondersight, it does real well at the range.
I stumbled on the already modified 1917 and liked it so much I went about finding a King Cock-eyed Hammer or close facsimile. One of the members had one and helped me out, this one is with me most of the time now. I am very comfortable with it, sighting it is about as natural for me as it gets, it ain't purty but works very well. When I'm messing around at the range I throw plated Berry's 185gr bullets on Auto Rim cases, just because I don't like moon clips. When I'm carrying it to and from, out and about I use 185gr. XTP+Ps. These old girls are built tough but I don't make a habit of shooting those +Ps, just enough to notice the very slight change of impact. I got a set of Ken's antler stocks for it, they fit great...then I got a set of John and Jennifer's American Holly, John must have used the measurements I gave him for another set of custom stocks he made because these things fit my hand perfect.

 

[cgt4570]

Never seen a peep Wondersight! I've got a 1st run and a couple second run standard versions. Slight differences, like Allen screws vs slotted.

As for project 1917's, I'll play. This is a 1917 frame very worked over with 625-10 barrel and cylinder.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I think that would be a perfect candidate for a project. Where you find someone to do quality work these days for costs less than the price of a used short barreled N frame, I don't know. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

That would be my question. Most of the really good smiffs are backed up for years, not taking anymore work or already dead.

Now that you have it you're probably looking at 1K for the work you want done.

 

[GaryinOKC]

Or a few hours in the shop.

That would be my question. Most of the really good smiffs are backed up for years, not taking anymore work or already dead.

Now that you have it you're probably looking at 1K for the work you want done.

 

[Kinman]

Like a few other things my skillset does not quite match that of the few very skilled guys I know that are still working although that is getting iffy at best for one of them. I can weld well enough to make two things stick together but not at the level required to stick a modified modern target hammer thumbpiece in place of the hammer of a 1917. Those skill levels are learned by someone gifted in the field and usually with plenty of practice, although given time and practice even a hack like myself could probably accomplish the task at hand. I have one friend that does amazing work, then casehardens the object, he is now in his eighties and still holding his own on stuff he is working on. He does not do custom work for anyone but repair on things he has made and told me that as long as I own one of his firearms it is warranted for life...can't put a value on that. I broke a hammer on a percussion rifle lock, took it back to him. He took one look and said "What did you do that for?" I told him about how it happened, he sighed and said "give me a couple days", he called me and said "Its ready, don't break this one." So far so good.

 

[spad124]

For what it’s worth, if you plan to carry your M1917 once you’ve modified it my M1917, 83613, which I think shipped in July 1918, is much more accurate with Auto Rim than standard ACP. Like from a shotgun pattern at 10 yards to a nice tight 1.5 inch group. It could be the rim lines up the cartridge as the firing pin hits the primer, I don’t know. Hopefully Augusta mounted a good barrel during the refit and it is still good. But, try Auto Rim. Have fun!

 

[Kinman]

For what it’s worth, if you plan to carry your M1917 once you’ve modified it my M1917, 83613, which I think shipped in July 1918, is much more accurate with Auto Rim than standard ACP. Like from a shotgun pattern at 10 yards to a nice tight 1.5 inch group. It could be the rim lines up the cartridge as the firing pin hits the primer, I don’t know. Hopefully Augusta mounted a good barrel during the refit and it is still good. But, try Auto Rim. Have fun!

When I got bit by the 45ACP revolver bug years ago I talked to one our shooters at the club that had been involved with shooting on the Idaho State Police team back in the 60's. He told me that he had no time for using moon clips because a bent clip cost him a state match. He switched over to 45 Auto Rim and never looked back, preferring to use stripper clips to reload if needed during a match. At that time I was not into reloading the 45ACP as I had a large supply of factory loaded ammunition and do not shoot enough to justify reloading. I did however get the special shell holder to reload 45AR, purchased enough bare cases to provide enough to stay ready to shoot when necessary. I never looked back as well as far as shooting at the range and or plinking goes with the big revolvers. For carry I do however use a well tuned set of half moon clips and +P 45ACP XTPs.
I have not noticed any accuracy increase with the use of Auto Rim over ACP cases as was stated I do not reload ACP. What you say does make sense and of course depending on the length of the 45ACP case would also define how much more accurate a short case would be from one that fully filled the chamber.

 

[GaryinOKC]

1917

Well I have been busy on a couple other projects and just got back on this one. While going through my parts I found a set of Dave Clements sights I was going use on a Ruger SA project a dozen years ago. I shortened the barrel and silvered the front on. Will mill the top strap for the Clements S&W pre-war adjustable rear tomorrow. But so far I am really liking the way it is turning out.

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[StrawHat]

Looks great!

Kevin

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I would encourage you NOT to do the K round butt profile to the grip frame as some have. I owned one once and the recoil rolled the gun back in my hand. I sold it after on cylinder full. Another gy just had to have it even after I warned hime (twice). I think he lasted 3 rounds before moving it on again.

Spot on.

I remember 45 years ago a bunch of cops my coworkers who got Lew Horton and other big bore snubbys and it was not long they were back to either 2 1/2 inch or 3 inch K Frames. Most if they wanted .45 caliber just got a 1911 that was easier to carry.

 

[GaryinOKC]

Or a few hours in the shop.

Cut barrel, silver solder base on, touch up with cold blue about 3 hours. Cost of project $470 without grips.

 

[StrawHat]

I would encourage you NOT to do the K round butt profile to the grip frame as some have. I owned one once and the recoil rolled the gun back in my hand. I sold it after on cylinder full. Another gy just had to have it even after I warned hime (twice). I think he lasted 3 rounds before moving it on again.

Was this an ACP revolver? I can not imagine that cartridge to produce that kind of recoil. At least the three round butted 45 ACP revolvers do not recoil that way.

This is a customized Model 28-2,



This is a Model 625-6 Mountain Gun with rb/sb conversion grips,



This last one is a customized Model 25-2.



All three shoot well with hardball equivalent loads. Even 45vSuper is not difficult to handle.

Kevin