need help please M1917 Prices?

[mtime7]

I have been looking for a 1917 for a few months now locally and have come up with zilch, the gun show is this weekend and I am hopeing to come away with one. My problem is I don't know what a reasonable price is by condition and some dealers up here in Alaska ask crazy prices and I don't want to get robbed.. can anyone tell me about their recent purchases or what prices they have seen (with condition)..Thanks for any help guys..

 

[mtime7]

some help please, I have the bug. This purchase could get me divorced if I pay to much

 

[DCWilson]

Well, an early 1917 in first rate condition could easily run you $1500 or more. A good 1917 with 95% its finish and no replacement parts might go for $800-900. A well used gun with a shooter grade finish but a reliable action is probably in the $450-550 range.

Don't forget about the Brazilian models. They are more costly than they used to be, but for a long time if you compared two revolvers in roughly equal condition, an Army 1917 and a Brazilian, the latter gun would be less expensive. I think you can still get a "Brazilian discount" on a 1917.

The 1917 commercial models are a little rarer and command higher prices.

Have you checked Gunbroker to compare pictures and asking prices? There are usually a few 1917s up for acquisition.

Others here may have other ideas about prices. I look at the world with California eyes, so I may be thinking of higher prices than others will.

 

[mtime7]

Thank you, do I have to worry about refinished guns? I don't think revolvers went through rebuild, or did they?

 

[mtime7]

maybe this will help getting responses, my grandmother who I love, and most would have called a raving bitch (Army WAC Drill instructer in WW2 & Police women) recently died and my dad told a story about my grandfather, who served as an MP in WW2 & Korea, swore by the M1917 and when they where available back in the sixties for $20 my grandmother wouldn't let him buy one (said that the police dept issued him a gun and that is all he needed) At that time I decided I haft to have one, in his honor.. Please help me with prices. thank you

 

[opoefc]

David's estimates are right in the ball park for most areas in the lower 48. Alaska could be a little more expensive due to less available Model 1917s, however Gunbroker, or other online auctions tend to level out the field. A refinished Model 1917 has shooter value only and there are specimens that have had alterations and after market changes, replaced barrels, cylinders, etc. so try to get an inspection period ( usually 3 days) to be sure the gun is as described. Good Luck, Ed.

 

[mtime7]

thanks Ed , but what about a price on refinished or replaced parts guns

 

[BHP FAN]

I got one with a good, solid action, but little or no finish [other than patina] and perfect timing for $500.00. I love this old gun!

 

[Citiboy289]

I have been on the same quest also and have done alot of price checking, S&W do not seem as common as COLTS, Check GB and do the auctions that closed last 90 days , Will give you an idea, I saw 2 at a local gun show one was $800.00 the other $1200.00 , I really didnt see any difference, both were with the same dealer and the $1200 one was missing the Lanyard Ring, Hole had been plugged, Might be an political incorrect but I picked up a Colt 1917 in about 70% shape for 529.00 off GB, Will keep looking for a S&W, but really wanted Large Cal handgun, SO I jumped
One issue I did find out was that it seems many were re arsenaled after WW1 and went back out in WW2 with the parkerized finish

 

[K.R._Rabbit]

Years ago I paid $200.00 for a Brazilian 1917 with frosted bore and cylinders. The finnish was "worn" but it was all there and it shot fine with jacketed bullets.
I just picked up a US military gun in better condition but without the lanyard and correct grips for $700.00. I have added the lanyard ring and replaced the grips. This gun is only the 2nd 1917 I have seen for sale here in Southern AZ in my years of collecting.
Some will say I paid to much but I have found that they always go up. I could not believe what I got for my Brazilian gun, which leads me to believe the price I paid was not out of line.
Rabbit

 

[m-1911]

some help please, I have the bug. This purchase could get me divorced if I pay to much

You have to look at priorities and figure how much the divorce would cost vs a nice Model 1917

 

[Jimmymac46]

Mr. Wilson's figures are close as described. However, I believe that if you find one, it is in the condition (95 % or better), and you are not buying it for investment or resale.......go for it. While you may have spent more than current value, I seriously doubt you will lose any money on it down the line and you will satisfy your desire for one. Candldly, what is a hundred or so more for something you want as badly as it sounds? If however, it is of lesser condition and possibly a rebuild or modified and you just want to have one just to have one, you should be more careful in what you spend. Good Luck!

 

[mtime7]

Thanks for all the help

 

[DWalt]

1917

You might expand your search to include the Colt 1917. I've seen more of them than the S&Ws, and, at least to me, both have the same degree of desirability. I have such a Colt (which I bought about 25 years ago for, I think, $150), and shoot it regularly. I couldn't say if a Colt 1917 would be cheaper than a S&W 1917 in the same condition. If you find one, Military Antiquities sells a replica leather military flap holster that will fit either 1917, is of superb quality, and is priced quite reasonably.

 

[mtime7]

what are the tell tale signs that a m1917 was rebuilt??

 

[kokopelli]

Hey there- I bought a 1917 at a local gunshow last Spring for $325. The finish is worn, but the action, timing, lockup and trigger are beautiful. Grips were in really good shape too, and could have been replacements. Shoots to point of aim, always goes boom. All markings intact and crisp, lanyard ring still on it and swivels freely.
It was from one of the 'smaller' tables, and the guy said it was a consignment gun.

Hope that helps!

btw...while I was there, a dude came over to sell a safety hammerless in nickle, 38 S&W chambered, with a box of ammo from the 50's. The seller passed on it, I snagged it for $100.
That was a good day!

 

[mtime7]

good buys, I need to move to Ky