Well, the frame is 20 years newer than the WW I built 1917s and if there were any improvements, your revolver has them. You definitely have a better sight picture with the square rear sight notch.
Let's see your U.S. Model 1917 S&Ws!
- Thread starter PALADIN85020
- Start date
gordonrick
Member
Another Brazilian
Purchased in the late 80's via Shotgun News for $150, SN 184xxx. Aside from showing a lot of "history", this gun still shoots great and is the only gun my wife will shoot.
Purchased in the late 80's via Shotgun News for $150, SN 184xxx. Aside from showing a lot of "history", this gun still shoots great and is the only gun my wife will shoot.
Wheelgunner840
Member
This model of 1917 was recently a gift to me from a very dear friend. I have a thread here in this sub-forum with the story if anyone cares to read it.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...0506-model-1917-great-friend-pics-posted.html
It belonged to my friend, and I have shot it several times in the past. I plan on continuing to shoot it, as that is what it was meant to do!
This gun is lettered as having been shipped in 1918. It is very close to 96%.
Needless to say, I will be keeping this for a very long time.
PS; Ignore the bad photobucket editing mistake I made on the front site on the top picture. It looks the same as the other side in the lower picture!
WG840
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...0506-model-1917-great-friend-pics-posted.html
It belonged to my friend, and I have shot it several times in the past. I plan on continuing to shoot it, as that is what it was meant to do!
This gun is lettered as having been shipped in 1918. It is very close to 96%.
Needless to say, I will be keeping this for a very long time.
PS; Ignore the bad photobucket editing mistake I made on the front site on the top picture. It looks the same as the other side in the lower picture!
WG840
Last edited:
Deacon KC
Member
I just swapped for one, on it's way in from Alabama! Hurry up Fedex!
JJ_BPK
US Veteran
Attachments
Wheelgunner840
Member
Thank you.
Yes , those are dummy rounds that can be used for dry firing, and or for reloading practice. Most of the cases have holes drilled into them, and all have spent primers.
WG840
Hurryin' Hoosier
US Veteran
The first handgun I ever owned was a 1917 of the Colt persuasion. I gave $25 for it in 1967. Great old gun which I, dummy that I was, traded off for something or other. I've kicked myself ever since!
Deacon-KC
Member
An easy and cheap way to make dummy rounds is to use the small erasers you get at an office supply for mechanical pencil refills. Just glue them into the primer pocket and sand flat to depth.
Deacon-KC
Member
The finish s rough but will clean up, excellent rifling, SN 633xx
NORWICH CADET
Member
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Ive been away for a while lurking over in the Colt web sight. Here's picture of my very early SN 8398 1917.
Deacon KC
Member
Got the old beastie cleaned up,
shep854
Member
This is an incredible thread; I just finished going through all 20 pages of history! It's been very educational as well; I've gotten some ideas for my civ 1917.
Looking at the shortened guns, I can see where they would be ideal for naval aircrews in WWII; if they went into the drink, they would have .45 performance in a compact, rust-resistant package (I've read where naval aircrew preferred revolvers, since autos, in their opinion rusted to uselessness much faster than a revolver).
Looking at the shortened guns, I can see where they would be ideal for naval aircrews in WWII; if they went into the drink, they would have .45 performance in a compact, rust-resistant package (I've read where naval aircrew preferred revolvers, since autos, in their opinion rusted to uselessness much faster than a revolver).
shep854
Member
Yep, that is a really nice save!
Where can I find a listing of serial numbers/US Army numbers on model 1917's? Thank you; jpcleveland
OP
Since military regulations required that the 1911 autos be carried with a loaded magazine and an empty chamber, those guns generally required two hands to get into action. This was not true of the revolvers. One hand could be used to work the aircraft's mechanisms, and the other hand could have an instantly-ready handgun in it.
John
shep854
Member
Good point.
I once read an account of a crew that had to ditch; it was stated that .45s rusted to uselessness much more quickly than revolvers. Not stated was if the respective guns had been properly maintained. To most aircrew, their pistols was just a metal lump to be hauled around--until they needed it...
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