Keep, sell, or replace: 1917 with worn barrel

[Joe1956]

I recently bought a 1917 and was dismayed to find it shooting 12" groups at 25 yards. Found the barrel is just worn out. Do I keep it original (with all markings intact), replace the barrel, or just sell the thing and buy up to a less worn model ? I shoot every gun I own and don't have safe queens....Joe

 

[Joe1956]

I recently bought a 1917 and was dismayed to find it shooting 12" groups at 25 yards. Found the barrel is just worn out. Do I keep it original (with all markings intact), replace the barrel, or just sell the thing and buy up to a less worn model ? I shoot every gun I own and don't have safe queens....Joe

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

I'd first suggest, if you haven't already, try it at closer range using a variety of different ammo.

Next, I'd try to locate a replacement barrel. Numrich Gun Parts, used to offer a replacement barrel some years back. You might luck out and find a genuine S&W barrel also.

Another possibility, try a Wondersight which will fit on the large sideplate "bug" screw. I'd try any of these before making a decision to alter or sell the revolver. Good luck!

 

[Pisgah]

You don't give details, so I have to wonder...

The bore of even a pristine 1917 looks worn out. The rifling used is very shallow, designed for use with hardball ammo. And even if it looks shiny it can be heavily copper-fouled. When I bought my shooter 1937 I was dismayed when the best I could get were 6-8" 50' groups with ball ammo, and much worse with lead handloads. My first step was to try cleaning with Sweet's 7.62 copper solvent -- and that process was an eye opener! It took many repetitions over a couple of days before patches came out clean, but once they did the formally-shiny bore was dazzlingly bright, and groups shrank to under 2". Maybe you've already been through this process but if not it's worth a try.

 

[willy]

Maybe a barrel liner.
Then you could get a liner with deeper grooves which would be better with lead bullets.

Willy

 

[Deacon KC]

Or try reloading with a .452 lead bullet and see if it will obturate enough to grab the rifling properly.

 

[Sebago Son]

Originally posted by willy:
Maybe a barrel liner.
Then you could get a liner with deeper grooves which would be better with lead bullets.

Willy

Willy, there's not much meat in the barrel as is. Relining may not be even possible.

Here's what I'd do.... contact Smith & Wesson. The 1917 is back in production and maybe you can get lucky.

Failing that, used barrels are out there, but pricey.

Good Luck,

Drew

 

[walnutred]

First thing I would try is de-leading the barrel. After yor are SURE all of the lead is out I would slug the barrel. Personally I would either try custom loading cast bullets that fit or trade it off before I altered it.

 

[clang444]

Joe,

As previously mentioned, 1917s don't have much rifling to start and a good de-fouling might be in order.

If the gun is clean, were your shots from a rest or off-hand?

I find the service style grips way to small for accurate shooting with my 1917s, and a swap to target grips greatly improves my off hand shooting. Any square butt N frame grips should work, so if you haven't already tried it, it might be worht a shot. As an alternative, a T-grip adapter also helps a lot.

 

[ttpete]

Pull a Lewis lead remover through it a few times. Won't hurt anything, and you might be surprised at what comes out.

 

[Gary]

I have had excellent luck removing built up lead with Chore Boy scouring pads. I wrap some around an old .22 caliber bore brush, apply a little Hoppes, and scrup. It will not hurt the bore and does a good job of removing the lead deposits.

 

[lionhunter]

I have a neew S&W barrel for the 1917. Email me if you are interested.

 

[Freischütz]

Hello - I too recommend a good barrel cleaning before taking any other action.

Moderate leading will destroy a 1917's accuracy. My Colt produced patterns and keyholing until I removed the leading.

I used 50/50 (by volume) hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar

 

[msinabottle]

I'll put in a plug for the Outers Foul Out III--I've never gotten more copper out of a barrel than I have with that reverse-electroplating system, and it's not THAT big a pain when you get the routine down.

I've fired more rounds through my Astra 45 than any .45LC in the family. I've used the Lewis, lead-away cloths, and good solvents. But, I was kind of curious as to how the Outers with the lead-removing electrolyte would work.

CHUNKS! HUGE, BIG, CHUNKS OF LEAD!

I'm still stunned.

On the Surplus Special, I ran Wipe-Out in that barrel--it'll turn bright blue in the presence of copper. It didn't. Between that and Kroil penetrant, I have clear shallow rifling on a slightly-misted barrel. Shame the number on THAT doesn't go with anything else on the gun, but it certainly looks and functions well enough.

Of course, I still need to... What's the word? SHOOT it...

Best!