New to me 1917 Brazilian

[Nframe_is_no1]

Stopped by the LGS today and picked up a 1917 Brazilian that came from the estate of a S&W collector. It had been sitting for about 3 weeks and I overlooked it because I already have a 1917 Army. Luckily for me, no one bought it, so I gave it another look. It is the cleanest Brazilian I've ever seen. The serial number is 196xx. All the serial numbers match - butt, cylinder and barrel flat. The bore is shiny bright and the case colors are still vibrant on the hammer and trigger. The bluing is beautiful. It's a satin, but still with a little reflectiveness. It reminds me of a model 28 Highway Patrolman. It has a seriated trigger and the rounded rear sight. Based on that and the serial number, I'm fairly certain that this is one of the parts clean up guns from the 2nd Brazilian shipment in 1946. If only old guns could talk, I'd love to know how this escaped any kind of use. I wonder where it spent the last 78 years? Apparently not in Brazil. The bluing is even intact on the ejector rod. There are no marks on the recoil shield either and barely a turn line on the cylinder. It looked like it was hardly if ever fired. The only issue is the lanyard loop is missing which is minor. I wasn't looking for another 1917, but couldn't resist at $749 because of the condition. I feel like I got a deal because I can't get one of the new classic series ones for that and this has forged parts! The action feels like butter and it shoots like a laser beam! Despite the tiny rear sight, I held around 2" groups at 25 yards with Federal 230 gr FMJ. I'm very happy I got it and no one else bought it!

 

[glenncal1]

Where are all these high condition Brazilians coming from?

 

[StrawHat]

Nice revolver! I have/had a bunch. Currently have a couple. All my ACP revolvers seem to like hardball equivalent loads regardless of bullet shape.

Here is one of my favorites from the Brazilian Contract.

It is a recreation of the first 4" Model 1917 that got me interested in the ACP revolver many decades ago.

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine.

Kevin

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

StrawHat,

Thanks for the photos. That is a handy looking revolver. It appears to be a 4".

Thanks guys for the great comments so far. If anyone has any additional information on the second Brazilian shipment please feel free to chime in.

 

[Kinman]

That is one of the prettiest I have seen. If you do a search for Brazilian Model 1917 you may find the large file. There is also good information in the 3rd S&W Standard Catalog as well as any later additions I am sure. Most of them appear to have been exported in steel drums and look like they were thrown into the back of a dump truck and driven over a rough road. The few nice ones are obviously better cared for and probably owned by an older gentleman that has met the end of the road. I've only seen a few nicer than yours and one that can only be described as coming from the Commerical lot that were made and stamped in 1937.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thank you Kinman for the compliment! I agree with you that they are usually pretty rough. The majority I've seen definitely look well used. I will do a search as you suggested. It's amazing what a wealth of knowledge this forum is!

 

[Jack Flash]

I think you're right that it was in the Second Group shipped after WWII.

I can only speculate about its excellent condition. We know the First Group went to war in Italy. So in general the First Group endured shipping back and forth to Italy, and the harsh realities of combat. I'm guessing the Second Group had a softer life.

Does it have importer's marks stamped anywhere on it? The presence or lack thereof such marks may give some clues as to when it came here.

 

[jeffrefrig]

"Where are all these high condition Brazilians coming from?"...
glenncal1
That's not a bad question. We've seen here the Ruger Six series guns here lately in nice condition, also. We need some fake news put out that older, mid 20th century revolvers from S&W, Colt, and Ruger are starting to rust out internally and should be sold at whatever you can get for them!
Nframe.... that is a real beauty for its age. Heck, if it were only 30 years old it's far better looking than many used guns out there! Nice grab. Obviously I'm on the wrong side of the Commonwealth this time!! Congrats! Jeff

 

[StrawHat]

StrawHat,

Thanks for the photos. That is a handy looking revolver. It appears to be a 4"…

Yes, 4" barrel. Cut down, old ramp and sight detached and resoldered to the barrel. Front sight cut on an angle and then serrated to reduce glare and a gold bead added to improve the sight picture in bad lighting.

Very good revolver.

Kevin

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thanks jeffrefrig for the kind words and great comments!

Jack Flash,

It has no import marks anywhere that I can find.