I am going to look at an old 1917 tomorrow

[armybass]

Got a call from a guy today that knows I have been bit by the bug. I told him that my real desire was a 1917. He called and told me he got one today and that it was in decent shape but not a safe queen by any stretch. I don't care because I would really like to find a shooter first. What should I be looking for? I have never even seen a 1917.

 

[armybass]

Got a call from a guy today that knows I have been bit by the bug. I told him that my real desire was a 1917. He called and told me he got one today and that it was in decent shape but not a safe queen by any stretch. I don't care because I would really like to find a shooter first. What should I be looking for? I have never even seen a 1917.

 

[Jebus35745]

Make sure the timing is OK. If not you'll need a gun smith and a lower price on the gun. Larry

 

[WaistGunner]

Look for original stocks and a lanyard ring, Military and serial number markings on the bottom of the butt, "Property of..." on barrel, and inspectors initials.

 

[armybass]

Thanks guys, he did tell me it had the original grips. Man I really want one of these beauties.

 

[j38]

AB,

Just type "1917" in the FIND function at the top of the display page - and you'll have plenty of reading - with pictures. Oh, and stay in the 1857-1945 section when you do it. Good Luck!

Jerry

 

[armybass]

Well, she is rough. There is NO bluing left on it at all. It has the lanyard loop and the original grips but the grips were broken and looks like repaired. It is certainly not a collectors find. But it seems to be a good shooter and I want one so for $300, I think I will take it.

 

[armybass]

The Ser# is 179XXX. I see that it is pre 1946 but can anyone narrow it down any more than that?

 

[mkk41]

Originally posted by armybass:
Got a call from a guy today that knows I have been bit by the bug. I told him that my real desire was a 1917. He called and told me he got one today and that it was in decent shape but not a safe queen by any stretch. I don't care because I would really like to find a shooter first. What should I be looking for? I have never even seen a 1917.

This is what they look like.

 

[armybass]

OK, I am totally ignorant of these models, how do I know if this is a Brazilian?

 

[armybass]

Originally posted by mkk41:

Originally posted by armybass:
Got a call from a guy today that knows I have been bit by the bug. I told him that my real desire was a 1917. He called and told me he got one today and that it was in decent shape but not a safe queen by any stretch. I don't care because I would really like to find a shooter first. What should I be looking for? I have never even seen a 1917.

This is what they look like.

Wow, that one is in great shape compared to the one I looked at today. The one I looked at had the diamond grips too. I assume it is a much later dated one.

 

[mkk41]

Originally posted by armybass:
OK, I am totally ignorant of these models, how do I know if this is a Brazilian?

A US gun will have 'United States Property' on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod. It will have Model of 1917 and another number on the butt , flanking the lanyard loop stud. The Brazillian will also have the Brazillian National crest on the side plate (right side).

Brazillian guns had commercial blue finish and diamond stocks are correct. US guns have two styles of smooth stocks. One shown above.

 

[mkk41]

I'm certain within a day or two , M-1911 (Gary) will chime in. He's the expert on these guns.

 

[armybass]

Originally posted by mkk41:

Originally posted by armybass:
OK, I am totally ignorant of these models, how do I know if this is a Brazilian?

A US gun will have 'United States Property' on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod. It will have Model of 1917 and another number on the butt , flanking the lanyard loop stud. The Brazillian will also have the Brazillian National crest on the side plate (right side).

Brazillian guns had commercial blue finish and diamond stocks are correct. US guns have two styles of smooth stocks. One shown above.

OK, I suspect this is a Brazilian then. It did not say 'United States Property' or 1917. It said 45 DA but I don't remember seeing the Brazillian National crest, but the finish was completely gone.

Is $300 too high?

 

[mkk41]

If it's in decent mechanical shape with a fair or better bore , yeah , it'd be a great shooter for $300.

 

[armybass]

Great, thanks sir. Yeah she is lock down tight but looks like hell. But I have wanted one and this is the first I have seen. So I am gonna snag it!

 

[rayj101]

Armybass, The sn you gave, 179xxx, is outside the sn range for both S&W and Colt M1917s. I don't kmow about Colt but S&W continued manufacturing the M1917 as a "Hand Ejector Model" until about 1948. I read that the sn range was up to about 210,00 with Brazilian purchases mixed throughout. Regards, Ray

 

[mkk41]

Hey Army , if ya click on the 'FIND' box at the top and the type '1917 in the search block , you'll find a ton of info on that model.

 

[armybass]

Thanks gents, I am indeed searching this forum for all info on 1970's

 

[Polyphemus]

Just to confuse things a bit more. My Brazilian has smooth wood (1917 style) grips. They are stamped inside with the serial number and match the frame.

Sounds like a great bargain