M1917 US Army Revolvers
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dltvette
US Veteran
I do not collect these, but while doing my research for my 2-volume ebook on Smith & Wesson Handcuff History, S&W had to discontinue manufacturing handcuffs for the Peerless Handcuff Company to focus on the production of the M-1917. This is what I found in the book, America’s Munitions 1917-1918.
Dave
Dave
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OP
Dave, I just looked up the book, what a great resource Thanks!!
We have many members here who do collect the 1917 revolvers. This gun satisfies the pre-war revolver gun collector, the martial collector, WWI collector etc so there is a wide following. You have found two guns that seem to retain original finish. One in a shooter grade, the other other in a finer condition, these guns seem to be harder and harder to find in an unmolested condition and you have found two.
Enjoy your new to you toys, the begining of an obsession
Enjoy your new to you toys, the begining of an obsession
I don’t collect them, but anyone with an interest in the history of S&W should probably own one.
This is mine, which was refurbished at the factory in 1971.
This is mine, which was refurbished at the factory in 1971.
I have a "collection" of two 1917 revolvers consisting of one S&W and one Colt. Both are all original. By their looks, they don't appear to have ever seen any action except by me. I enjoy shooting them. The Smith is a much more refined gun in both fit and finish. The Colt has a tractor pull double action.
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I had a S&W 1917 that I let go when a collector offered me a great deal in cash.
A WWII Army Veteran buddy of mine kept his issued 1917 and it was his Home Protection revolver until he passed in 1993.
A WWII Army Veteran buddy of mine kept his issued 1917 and it was his Home Protection revolver until he passed in 1993.
StrawHat
Member
hkcavalier
US Veteran
I had this early one (S/N just under 10,000). Sold it locally last year as I find I'm just more into target sighted pre-WWII guns. Nice piece of history though.
I have always admired the S&W 1917 Army revolvers. I had these two for a while. Serial# 136103, a near mint gun on top shipped in August 1918 to Ft. Meade, MD instead of Springfield, and serial# 1514, about a 97% gun on the bottom that was in the first shipment to Springfield in November 1917…..
and then together with some accouterments…..
Serial# 136103 was so nice that I found a correct original box for it…..
and then together with some accouterments…..
Serial# 136103 was so nice that I found a correct original box for it…..
I don't collect them, but I had an itch for a custom snubbie version. Finally scratched that itch a few months ago.
DWalt
Member
Anyone with a S&W M1917 should look for a Colt M1917 to keep it company. And vice versa.
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StrawHat
Member
Apples and cumquats! In my hand, the Colt is a big heavy clunky revolver. It might as well be a Ruger.
Kevin
I have one of each 1917 models. My S&W is a bit rough, definitely just shooter grade. My Colt is in better condition. Both are original, not refinished and the Colt shows the machining marks. I like both. The S&W is more refined I guess and the big old Colt somehow seems older, a bit clunky, more charm somehow. I wouldn't want to part with either one.
Did # 136103 letter to FORT Meade or to CAMP Meade? The installation didn't become Fort Meade until 1929.
I lived in my grandmother's house in a town next to Fort Meade until I was 18.
I lived in my grandmother's house in a town next to Fort Meade until I was 18.
SuperMan
Member
Beautiful examples, all!
And, mostly original...
Mine is clearly not original, but I sure would like to know its (unknown, maybe unknowable) story.
I hope to get an original example, one day.
In the meantime, I'll gladly take any 2nd Model HEs I can find!
Keep 'em coming!
-Bill
SN 66430 Wearing Rare Configuration 6.5" Club Gun Barrel SN 0294
6.5" w/ "S&W D.A. 45" Roll Mark
As I First Spied It, w/Unusual Roll Mark, on GunsDotCom
More on the Original Club Gun, 0294, Here
https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...ry-targets-factory-lettes.html?highlight=0294
And, mostly original...
Mine is clearly not original, but I sure would like to know its (unknown, maybe unknowable) story.
I hope to get an original example, one day.
In the meantime, I'll gladly take any 2nd Model HEs I can find!
Keep 'em coming!
-Bill
SN 66430 Wearing Rare Configuration 6.5" Club Gun Barrel SN 0294
6.5" w/ "S&W D.A. 45" Roll Mark
As I First Spied It, w/Unusual Roll Mark, on GunsDotCom
More on the Original Club Gun, 0294, Here
https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...ry-targets-factory-lettes.html?highlight=0294
Yes, I should have stated Camp Meade. That is one gun I should have hung onto; without question the nicest one I have ever seen…..even the lanyard ring showed bright case colors…..
spad124
Member
It looks like 136103 was well cared for during the past 100 years.
I found my M1917, 83163, at a local shop about 15 years ago. At the time I collected some WWI gear. I just generally like S&W revolvers and didn’t have an early hand ejector. My M1917 goes nicely with my 1917 Eddystone, Patton saber, and some of the cavalry saddles and gear I’ve acquired.
My 1917 has seen use and, I think, has been reblued sometime during its life. Some of the proof marks seem to be buffed and I can see some buffing marks behind the recoil shield. However, it still had its original barrel and other serial numbered parts. When I bought it the barrel was heavily leaded. So much so that I wasn’t sure if it was leaded or pitted and rusted. I took the gamble and with cleaner, a lot of elbow grease, and only shooting jacketed bullets I was able to clean up the bore. Now she’ll shoot 1.5 inch groups at 15 yards with .45 auto rim.
I found my M1917, 83163, at a local shop about 15 years ago. At the time I collected some WWI gear. I just generally like S&W revolvers and didn’t have an early hand ejector. My M1917 goes nicely with my 1917 Eddystone, Patton saber, and some of the cavalry saddles and gear I’ve acquired.
My 1917 has seen use and, I think, has been reblued sometime during its life. Some of the proof marks seem to be buffed and I can see some buffing marks behind the recoil shield. However, it still had its original barrel and other serial numbered parts. When I bought it the barrel was heavily leaded. So much so that I wasn’t sure if it was leaded or pitted and rusted. I took the gamble and with cleaner, a lot of elbow grease, and only shooting jacketed bullets I was able to clean up the bore. Now she’ll shoot 1.5 inch groups at 15 yards with .45 auto rim.
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