Let's see your U.S. Model 1917 S&Ws!

[Cyrano]

M2MG: If your new grips let you have a better grip on the pistol, that may lower the point of impact. A pistol in the hand is a delicately balanced mechanism as far as point of impact is concerned. I once had a Model 36 on whih I put a set of Herrett grips that were almost as big as the pistol; it looked like a steel pistol growing out of a stump. The POI was lowered about 8 inches at 25 yds.

 

[M2MikeGolf]

Thanks Cyrano, what you said makes sense, can't wait to get it back to the range now. The newer grips give a much better hold and you may well be right. Some day I'll retire the old girl with the vintage grips on it, but will use these for shooters.

 

[Gun-runner]

Some of the 1917 herd. Looking to add one to the stable on Wednesday

Show off!!!! : P
Nice herd!!!

 

[LOBO]

Shipped in February 1918...

 

[Worn_Holster]

Well this old 1917 has been parked and the grips refinished, but it is fun as heck to shoot, and I will never sell it!

[/IMG]

 

[artu44]

I need a little help from some of you Model 1917 experts. First, here's my story:
I am retired US Army and I live in Germany. I am licensed to hunt here, so I am allowed two hanguns (I know, that sounds horrible, doesn't it?). I recently purchased a 619 (so I can purchase one more) and am completely satisfied, but the one S&W that I want that I can't get over here is the new Model 1917. However, I recently came across two original 1917s. One claims to be an original 1920 made 1917 with 85% finish (pictures on the left, 57877) and and a Brazilian contract model (53469), made in 1937 with military finish. The euro to dollar here is horrible and has been for some years and everything is incredibly expensive, so both of these are going for the same amount; $688, which is pretty reasonable even for new guns over here. I can't give much more detail than these pictures, but at first look, what do you experts say? I don't think I could get one any cheaper, in any condition over here. I am thinking that US issue one on the left is probably the one to go for, but don't know enough about what the differences could be to make the price drive selection of the two. It has "US Property" stamped underneath the barrel so I beleive it's issue and not civilian, but I'm guessing those grips are not original? The translation for the site is difficult, I think they state that the grips have "US Property" stamped on them as well, and that the revolver is not "overused". Any ideas?

I'm italian and I know very well european limits for gun possession. Here we can have three "common" (that means killing tool) guns plus seven hunting gun and no limit target guns. At first sight I'd say someone inverted grips. As told first batch of brazilians shipped in 1938 shows checkered medallion grips while second batch shipped in 1946 has smooth 1917 style grips. If you can examine serial number you can have a lot of infos about. IMHO for european standards price is very good for a 1917 but too much for a brazilian. If the 1917 has no alien markings, chances are strong that it would be a WWII left back as mine.

 

[artu44]

My 1917s

I've already posted this stuff elsewhere in the forum but just for the sake of this nice thread I'll post some pic again. I like a lot to accessorize military guns with period gears. You cab see WWI and WWII 1917 rigs plus brazilian web gears.

 

[digi-shots]

Here's a couple of pics to add to this thread..

 

[Recoil1776]

She's not much, but she's mine:

 

[CJKarl]

Picked this up from a friends uncle that wanted it to go to a good home. Sold it to me very reasonably. I had to straighten the ejector rod and clean the 40 years of gunk out of her, but it's a straight shooter. Looking for a lanyard ring. It's a 1937 Brazilian, should it have smooth grips?

 

[Muley Gil]

"should it have smooth grips?"

It depends. The Brazilians from the 1937 contract had service grips with large silver medalions. The Brazilians from the later 1940s shipment could have those or smooth service grips, like the WW I 1917s.

Does your Brazilian have the flat top frame and a square rear sight notch? If so, it is from the earlier shipment.

 

[LOBO]

1937 Brazilian

 

[CJKarl]

"should it have smooth grips?"

It depends. The Brazilians from the 1937 contract had service grips with large silver medalions. The Brazilians from the later 1940s shipment could have those or smooth service grips, like the WW I 1917s.

Does your Brazilian have the flat top frame and a square rear sight notch? If so, it is from the earlier shipment.

Here's a pic

 

[CJKarl]

So I pulled the side plate off tonight.

 

[CJKarl]

A little brake cleaner.

 

[CJKarl]

Applied some RemOil to all parts and put the grips back on. Made QUITE a discovery. The DA will also shoot single action. It was so gummed up before it would only fire double action. I thought it was odd that they would make a revolver of this size DAO.
I think she's much happier in her new home. Cleaning up quite nice. I have moon clips on the way.

 

[CJKarl]

It's going to live in the bedroom.

 

[Muley Gil]

Your Brazilian was built for the 1937 contract.

The later 1940s Brazilians were assembled using WW I frames.

Congrats.

 

[CJKarl]

Thanks, Muley
So what does that mean? I slightly better built S&W? I would be happy with either.

 

[mtb1bkr]

I picked up this 1917, converted to target model, for a steal on GunBroker. The gun interested me, but mainly I bought it for the Pre-War Magna's which it was wearing. I forget what I paid for the gun, but it was less than the wood is worth.

Bill