Savage 1907 and 1917 pistols

[BC38]

Are the magazines interchangeable? I have done some research and the sources I've read said that "the majority of parts" are interchangeable between the original 1907 and the later 1917 caliber pistols.

BUT, I haven't been able to find any definitive sources that say that the magazines are - or are not - interchangeable between the two variants.

I've looked at photos of the magazines for both of them and they look a lot alike, but that doesn't mean that they are compatible.

So, I thought I'd post the question here. In my experience this forum is about the best source there is on the internet for any and all firearms questions.

I'm hoping some of our members with knowledge of this particular old pistol will know the answer to this question.

 

[DWalt]

Sarco says the .380 magazines are the same for both.

 

[BC38]

Sarco says the .380 magazines are the same for both.

Thanks for the info, good to know.

Sorry but I forgot to mention in the original post that I am specifically wondering about the 32 ACP versions.

There is a 1907 for sale locally with no magazine. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any reasonably-priced aftermarket mags for the 1907, only for the 1917. Worse yet, the only original mags I've found for the 1907 are in the $175-$225 price range

 

[shawn mccarver]

Since your question relates to the 1907 and the 1917, am I to assume your pistol is a .32 ACP? Which pistol do you actually have and in what caliber?

 

[BC38]

Since your question relates to the 1907 and the 1917, am I to assume your pistol is a .32 ACP? Which pistol do you actually have and in what caliber?

Sorry, I should have said it in my first post.
I don't own it at this point - it is for sale locally for a good price - but it is missing the magazine.
It is a 1907, and you guessed correctly, it is the 32ACP version.

 

[Alk8944]

Yes, the magazines are the same for both models. The only difference between the 1907 and 1917 is the shape of the grip portion of the frame, otherwise the two guns are identical! There are small cosmetic differences, such as sights and magazine catches, depending on time of manufacture but nothing more.

There should be no difference between calibers either. Most guns chambered for both .32 and .380 use the same magazine for both calibers. This is possible because the body diameter of the .380 and the rim diameter of the .32 are so close to the same size. As you have already discovered, magazines for these guns are very difficult to find! The Savage was one of the very first first pistol models to use a double-stack magazine.

I have owned several 1907s during the past 50+ years, but no 1917s. My first 1907 was a French Army contract gun with the lanyard loop that was unique to only that model.

 

[moralem]

Here is my 1907 .32 from 1919. If it is in decent condition and a good price grab it. You will ultimately find a magazine. Low ball them because of the missing mag and see what they say. They are works of art. Fortunately, for me, I have two magazines.

 

[ACORN]

Nice gun!!

 

[desi2358]

The only difference in the mags is that early models used a different mag catch and the notch for it is positioned in a different location on the mag. After they changed to the newer catch new magazines were made with 2 notches in the front of the mag body so they would function in either version.

Basically, any mag with 2 notches in it will work with any model of that caliber. If you find a magazine with a single notch it may or may not fit depending when that example was made.

 

[BC38]

OK, next question: for a 1907 with ~ 85% original finish, what is a "good price"?
The one I am looking at is tagged at $299 + 8.9% sales tax = $325.61

I might be able to talk them down a little on that $299 price tag, due to the missing magazine, but the best price I've seen on a 1917 reproduction magazine is ~$50 after shipping and taxes.

So I'm debating whether (or not) I should "pull the trigger" on this one...

 

[walter o]

If you can find an original mag for $50. BUY as many as they have .I will take 3

 

[moralem]

Depends on the condition. I would offer 250 and buy the mag you mentioned. All in for three hundred and you added an iconic piece to your collection.

 

[desi2358]

OK, next question: for a 1907 with ~ 85% original finish, what is a "good price"?
The one I am looking at is tagged at $299 + 8.9% sales tax = $325.61

I might be able to talk them down a little on that $299 price tag, due to the missing magazine, but the best price I've seen on a 1917 reproduction magazine is ~$50 after shipping and taxes.

So I'm debating whether (or not) I should "pull the trigger" on this one...

That price isn't out of line from what I've seen of other examples around here (Ohio) but I would try to get them to come down a little because of the missing magazine. In my own experience the repro mags usually work okay but I prefer factory mags. Of course, factory mags are usually much more expensive. And unless the gun was 90% or higher condition I would be fine with a good aftermarket magazine.

 

[BC38]

If you can find an original mag for $50. BUY as many as they have .I will take 3

LOL, I never said the $50 mag was an original. In fact it isn't as you may have already guessed. It is a repro, and unfortunately not a brand known for consistent quality.
It is a Triple K, and unfortunately from my experience and having read of other's experience with them their quality is very hit or miss...
They may be better than ProMag, but not as good as MecGar.