Model 1917 converted to .44 Special

[DGNY]

Nice. Thank you for showing us your very interesting 44 HE 2nd model. A tip of the hat to the long-ago gunsmith who made that look so organic and proper.

Wouldn't surprise if the action were also tuned up - so that everything is still very tight and good to go.

 

[Green Frog]

It's interesting how, in the firearms industry after each major war from at least the American Civil War on, manufacturers would return to civilian operation by taking parts in progress for military arms, including some completed or nearly completed units, and just repurpose them for the peacetime market. I know that Maynard did this after the ACW, even going so far as to buy back surplus percussion military carbines to rebuild as cartridge rifles.

Smith must have had a "brazillion" N frames on hand at the Armistice ending "the War to End All Wars" because they were still using them up twenty years later to make the first of the "Brazilian Contract" guns we have all come to know so well.

Muddyboot, I'd say it would be safe to speculate that your 44 just came to the top of the pile of available frames earlier than most and got a more deluxe commercial treatment. It then started down the long and interesting path to its finding you (or vice versa). All in all, I'd say that both it and you have been fortunate.

Froggie

 

[Wiregrassguy]

That's tempting, but I'll keep it as is. I'll letter it also, as I do all my Smiths, just to see how it came out of the factory....

More than likely, it looked like this one.

 

[delta-419]

>.44 Truck Gun

I have a similar 4" second model .44HE that has a cut barrel treatment with the front sight reattached. It travels with me as I go about the AO on my daily trips around the community. The shortened barrel is very handy. Here are a few photos:

 

[Muley Gil]

It's interesting how, in the firearms industry after each major war from at least the American Civil War on, manufacturers would return to civilian operation by taking parts in progress for military arms, including some completed or nearly completed units, and just repurpose them for the peacetime market. I know that Maynard did this after the ACW, even going so far as to buy back surplus percussion military carbines to rebuild as cartridge rifles.

Smith must have had a "brazillion" N frames on hand at the Armistice ending "the War to End All Wars" because they were still using them up twenty years later to make the first of the "Brazilian Contract" guns we have all come to know so well.

Muddyboot, I'd say it would be safe to speculate that your 44 just came to the top of the pile of available frames earlier than most and got a more deluxe commercial treatment. It then started down the long and interesting path to its finding you (or vice versa). All in all, I'd say that both it and you have been fortunate.

Froggie

No, the first batch of Brazilian 1917s were new made and had the flat top frame and square notch rear sight. The SECOND batch of Brazilians, shipped after WW II, were assembled using surplus WW I era 1917 frames.

 

[StrawHat]

I enjoy "customized" revolvers. Io me it indicates the owner actually used the piece. I have them with barrels shortened, sights modified, grip frames altered or permutations thereof.

Unaltered, as it left the factory? They made dozens of them. I like my individuals! All of these are 45 ACP.

Kevin

 

[Green Frog]

No, the first batch of Brazilian 1917s were new made and had the flat top frame and square notch rear sight. The SECOND batch of Brazilians, shipped after WW II, were assembled using surplus WW I era 1917 frames.

So those frames were sitting around close to 30 years before they were used up. Once again, though... gun makers don't like to waste anything!

Froggie

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I enjoy "customized" revolvers. Io me it indicates the owner actually used the piece. I have them with barrels shortened, sights modified, grip frames altered or permutations thereof.

Then, you'll probably really like this Commercial 1917 snubby:

 

[Kinman]

2nd Model H.E. Smiths are probably my favorite of the N framed .44s, they just speak to me for some reason. I like the 1917's and their Brazilian counterparts also. I don't have a solid appreciation for the enclosed ejector rod, it adds unnecessary weight...JMO. Whoever did that job did it well and I think it looks great and would like to find one in similar condition. I do agree that a shorter barrel would be better, I have a Lew Horton 24-3 I enjoy carrying but would trade it in a heartbeat for a 2nd Model with same barrel length.
I ran across this little 1917 that someone had done an excellent job of bobbing, it is one of my favorite carry revolvers. I like to shoot my revolvers single action and one of the forum members provided me with a nicely done hammer extension, this is a special piece to me, it also sports BMM stocks.

 

[StrawHat]

Then, you'll probably really like this Commercial 1917 snubby:

ABSOLUTELY!!!

When are you going to send it to me?

Kevin

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Hahaha!

Guy

 

[.357magger]

I have a similar 4" second model .44HE that has a cut barrel treatment with the front sight reattached. It travels with me as I go about the AO on my daily trips around the community. The shortened barrel is very handy. Here are a few photos:

A question if I may...who made the delightful looking holster?

 

[Dump1567]

I love those short barreled 1917's. I've got a commercial I'm waiting on a letter for. If nothing special, I may send it off to get shortened.

 

[Tom K]

I love those short barreled 1917's. I've got a commercial I'm waiting on a letter for. If nothing special, I may send it off to get shortened.

If it's in any kind of decent shape, don't. There are plenty of 1917s out there that have already been chopped - find one of them.

 

[jack the toad]

Pics are repost but I like short barreled 1917's too.

 

[The Gila Bender]

I have two sawed-off N frames, a 1917 .45 ACP and a .44 3rd model transitional with matching magnas. Pretty cool, IMO.

 

[jack the toad]

Tom, the first one looks to have been round butted to K. Both are nice...
Mine are chopped except the one with 625-10 barrel swap. It too has been RB to K.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Tom, the first one looks to have been round butted to K. Both are nice...
Mine are chopped except the one with 625-10 barrel swap. It too has been RB to K.

Yes, the 1917 was chopped, round-butted, the hammer bobbed, and the trigger guard shaved on the right side. Speculation has it that the modification was for competition to "fit in the box". It came to me with rubber grips, later I added the K stocks. It's an oddball for sure.

 

[Cattywampus]

Hello, new guy here. I know this is an older thread but I don't know where else to post. I've been trying to figure out what a gun is that my father in law has. Found this forum and I believe this is the right gun. Was wondering if I can get any history or confirmation that this is the gun. It has a serial number on the frame (8882) and matching numbers on the butt, cylinder and bottom of the barrel. *15326. There is someone's name on it. Not sure if it's the original owner or a gunsmith. No other markings. The barrel is 3.25". Any help would be appreciated. It needs to be cleaned but feels tight and solid.

 

[Muley Gil]

Hello, new guy here. I know this is an older thread but I don't know where else to post. I've been trying to figure out what a gun is that my father in law has. Found this forum and I believe this is the right gun. Was wondering if I can get any history or confirmation that this is the gun. It has a serial number on the frame (8882) and matching numbers on the butt, cylinder and bottom of the barrel. *15326. There is someone's name on it. Not sure if it's the original owner or a gunsmith. No other markings. The barrel is 3.25". Any help would be appreciated. It needs to be cleaned but feels tight and solid. View attachment 791922View attachment 791923View attachment 791924

Welcome to the Forum.

You have an early 2nd Model .44 Special that has been refinished, outside of the factory, and the barrel cut back. The pearl stocks are aftermarket as well. the number on the frame behind the yoke is an assembly number, not a serial number.