Trigger pulls on 1917s??

[C&R Bill]

I recently read a magazine article on 45 model 1917s that mentioned the trigger pulls were much greater (worse) than a typical commercial revolver of that period. Have any 1917 owners here found that to be the case?? And are the Colt 1917 trigger pulls any different from the S&Ws??

My interest in this question is somewhat financial, as I would like to get a big bore older S&W (I currently do not own one) and the 1917s are MUCH more reasonably priced than the 44 HEs, but I would like for it to be a "sweet shooting" gun.

Thanks, Bill

 

[OFT II]

I think that the military issued 1917s seem to have a slightly stiffer trigger pull than the commercially made versions. After all, in 1917 and 1918 the plant was ran by the government and they weren't building them to satisfy the general public. If you think that the '17 Smith is a little stiff you should give the Colt a try. Even the commercial New Services were a bit harder than the Smiths of the time.

 

[Dave T]

I believe the military was more concerned with having every cartridge go off, every time the trigger was pulled no matter what the circumstances. You don't get that kind of absolute reliability with a light trigger pull, unless each one is carefully hand tuned. Never heard of the military doing that with any small arms. (smile)

Dave

 

[C&R Bill]

Thanks guys, I was more concerned that they had absolutely horrible triggers than "just not ultra-light" triggers. From your posts I assume I should expect a somewhat heavy, but not horrible trigger. Please correct me if I misunderstand. The 1917s look like very nice guns & I am seriously cionsidering getting one (it's actually about #4 or 5 on my S&W bucket list....)
Thanks, Bill

 

[DCWilson]

I would characterize the triggers on my two 1917s (one a Brazilian) as slightly heavy but not horrible; I did need to work on the Brazilian to get it feeling better, but that was a simple spring swap. I have other S&W models with both lighter and heavier triggers.

If you do get a gun with a stiff trigger, make sure the small coil spring inside the trigger rebound slide is not corroded and grinding in its channel. That is a BIG source of bad trigger feel. I replaced the trigger rebound spring in my Brazilian and the action got smoother and easier immediately.

 

[slugo88]

I have a Colt 1917 and the trigger is not that bad, I also have a S&W 625 that shoots the 45ACP and to tell the truth the 625 is 2 times the gun the 1917 is, for balance, accuracy, trigger and comfort in shooting the 625 wins hands down. I have the JM gun and would'nt trade if for anything.

 

[Rich/WIS]

Used to have one and if the trigger was much stiffer than my other Smiths I can't say as I noticed it, although it did seem that the DA pull was a bit longer. Mine had a smooth DA pull and a crisp SA break. If you get one you will enjoy it, although you might want to put different grips on it for shooting and save the issue ones for display.

 

[Deacon KC]

Ive got a wartime 1917 and an early third generation 44. Just tried them in dry fire, and the commercial was a little smoother and lighter, but the 1917s was still very nice. Single action was very little difference.

 

[DGT]

I've got a Colt 1917 which pegs out the trigger pull gauge on double action and it goes to 12 lbs. It is the heaviest pull I've ever felt on a pistol.