Help with Colt 1917 in 44-40??

[cbjordan76]

Hello all. Out hitting gun shops this weekend. Came across a beautiful Colt 1917 chambered in 44-40.. Can't find any info on it. 4" barrel. Did Colt make in 44-40? Rare? Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[22hipower]

Yes, Colt made the New Service in 44-40 but I don't know that they made it in a four inch barrel. They did make it in 4.5 inch so are you sure of the length? I have 38-40s in 4.5 and 5.5. If it is truly 4 versus 4.5 I would look for indications of a shortened barrel. I think most were made in 5.5 and 7.5 but I'm no Colt expert. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[cbjordan76]

Yes, Colt made the New Service in 44-40 but I don't know that they made it in a four inch barrel. They did make it in 4.5 inch so are you sure of the length? I have 38-40s in 4.5 and 5.5. If it is truly 4 versus 4.5 I would look for indications of a shortened barrel. I think most were made in 5.5 and 6.5 but I'm no Colt expert. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Thanks for the info. It could be 4.5" didn't measure. I'll probably head back in a bit to look at it again and probably purchase....

 

[22hipower]

Good luck, post pictures if you get it. "Beautiful" is not how I'd describe most of the New Service Colts I see, for sure not the 38-40s I have so you must have seen a nice one. Most saw lots of use and show it; the truly nice ones are pretty expensive. I'd look carefully for a refinish if it looks too good. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457