Resurrected 1917 45

Melsurp59

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Early in January, I purchased a 1917 parts gun. It was greasy, the cylinder would not open and several internal parts were missing. I was surprised how nice the bore was. After massive cleaning, including removing a wasp nest from one cylinder, I gathered parts and put it in working order. At the range, it was putting nice patterns together on the target. Unfortunately, it had no finish whatsoever. I sent it off to be reblued and am very happy with the result. I plan on keeping this as a shooter and passing it on to my sons.
 

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WOW! What a difference!

Now, you'll have to get a nice holster to go along with it. El Paso Saddlery makes a nice reproduction 1917 holster....

Or, you could get the $40 version from Pacific Canvas and Leather.....
 
I love it when a tired old warhorse is given some attention and TLC to make up for years if not decades of neglect, then comes back to life as a completely serviceable tool. Shoot it in good health. And make sure you keep a history of the gun during its time in your hands so that your sons will be able to deliver it with the full story when it is passed on to a grandson.

Nice retrieval project. Good for you.
 
I'm not an expert, nor did I stay at...last night; you have a gun that should make you proud each and every time you look at it.
What a great save!! Well done! TACC1
 
Looks great. I at one time ('72 - '73) owned a Colt - sorry for the blasphemy - 1917, .45 cal. revolver and original holster. I was young and dumb and traded it in on another gun. I don't even remember what I traded it in on but I sure have regretted it everytime I think about it. I remember it was stamped "New York State Police" on top and was probably one of their first issued weapons when they were first founded.
 
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Early in January, I purchased a 1917 parts gun. It was greasy, the cylinder would not open and several internal parts were missing. I was surprised how nice the bore was. After massive cleaning, including removing a wasp nest from one cylinder, I gathered parts and put it in working order. At the range, it was putting nice patterns together on the target. Unfortunately, it had no finish whatsoever. I sent it off to be reblued and am very happy with the result. I plan on keeping this as a shooter and passing it on to my sons.

I am sure that "no wasps were harmed" during restoration of this revolver. (just kidding, of course) Nice job on a classy old firearm!
 
Looks very nice! I have managed to miss out on a nice shooter M1917 S&W consistently ever since I was a kid and they were all over the place for $24.95 or so. I was either a little short on cash or they were scarce on the ground when I did happen to have some.

I have gotten and rehabilitated quite a few other old warhorses, but none of those. Maybe someday yet.
 
Beautiful gun and awesome restoration. And it shoots great too. I love these stories. This very activity is the 3 pounds that trips my trigger. I've bought many similar projects over the years, I get more excited with a Dirt Dobber in the cylinder find than a NIB. What's your next project?
 
I like happy endings like that.

A neighbor lady gave me a Colt M1917. Nothing worked. A few days in my favorite solvent (gasoline), a little elbow grease, and I had a nice shooter
 
I recently bought a 1917 Brazilian Contract to shoot ICORE. The finish is gone as well, and a few dents & dings. Where did you send this 1917 to be reblued. It is awsome.
I need a holster. We have Blade-Techs for all our autos and one 627, but willing to try something else. I gather that the 1917 is an N Frame...correct? Any recomendations on an ICORE suitable holster? Thanks in advance!!
 
Fogle's Gunsmithing in West Mansfield, Ohio did the blueing. Quick turnaround, about a week and very good price.
 
I just looked at the ICORE website. My old duty holsters (Safariland Model 29s) would NOT qualify because they don't cover the trigger guard. There was a post here on the Forum back about a year or so where a member said that he couldn't carry any handgun in a holster that had an exposed trigger guard. I say BS. Safety is BETWEEN THE EARS!!!

Rant over. :)

Yes, the 1917 is an N frame.
 
Very, very nice job on that 1917. Glad to see it back in action. I baby mine and don't shoot it much due to the great shape it's in and the bullet scar to the yoke. It was carried by a relative in WWI.
I agree that a nice replica holster from Pacific Canvas & Leather or El Passo Saddlery would complement it nicely.
 

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