UPDATED: MORE pics - Bought a 1917..have a few questions. Date of mfg...etc...

[Jim Watson]

Cleaning and oiling will smooth up your double action, but the easy way to reduce it is softer springs. I would try Wilson, the Wolff "Power Rib" has some peculiarities I have not figured out.
Custom-Tune« Spring Kit | S&W K/L/N Frame Revolvers-https://shopwilsoncombat.com/

 

[Major 2]

I assume you know the ejection will function better if you load the 45 ACP into half-moon clips. I do not know if full moon clips work or not. I bought plenty of half-moon clips.

I contacted this seller
RP Ranch Products Full Moon Clips; Holds 6 Rounds of 45 ACP; 8 Pack; FMC45-6 | eBay

and asked if his would work in a 1917 , he was not sure but he sent me one to try free, it did work

However I have 1/2 moons and will use those

 

[ChargerBill]

Fully cleaned and reassembled…almost. Yes, the darned rebound spring went flying AGAIN! This time I was foolish enough to have 7 different boxes from storage open on the living room floor, so finding it will happen sometime this decade…maybe.

I swear the rebound spring in the 1917 has got to be a lot stiffer than in my model 10 or model 19.

I ordered the Wolff spring kit version #2…should be here sometime in the next 10 days. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[StrawHat]

I sometimes will use a very large plastic bag when reassembling springy things. It takes some getting used to but when things go "sproing" at least they don't go far!

Kevin

 

[SS336]

I use a wooden clothes pin clamped on the extractor rod knob. Then I clamp that with channel lock pliers or you could clamp the clothespin in a vice. Then put 3 empty cartridge casings in alternating charge holes to support the extractor star. You should be able to unscrew the cylinder and star from the rod by turning the cylinder counter-clockwise (right hand thread).

I have used this trick many times, works perfectly and is cheap.
Wiregrassguy won't steer you wrong.

 

[ChargerBill]

Well, finally installed the spring kit and it made a world of difference. The gun is a joy to shoot. Thanks for all of the great advice everyone!

 

[StrawHat]

Glad it is working out for you. The S&W ACP revolver is my favorite.

Kevin