Colt Revolver 1917 Army Issue 45 Caliber
- Thread starter Sorre
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Sir William
New member
I dare say you have a 45 ACP revolver. They vary widely in pricing. $700.00 and up is common. If it were complete with 1/2 moon clips, pouches, holster and belt, price would easily hit $2,000.00. The 1917 is the Colt New Service revolver converted to 45 ACP in place of 45 Long Colt. These were a substitute standard sidearm in WW1 and pre-WW2. Many were pressed into service again in WW2.
Daryl Waldron
New member
Here is a picture of my Colt revolver 1917. WOW, $2000. I need to take it to the next gun show.
GunsnRovers
New member
Wow. I picked up my 1916 Canadian issued Colt New Service for $300.
It was in .455, but as many of the Commonwealth issue Colts and S&W's were after WWI, it was converted to .45Colt.
Just behind the trigger you can see the Canadian "C broad arrow" mark.
It was in .455, but as many of the Commonwealth issue Colts and S&W's were after WWI, it was converted to .45Colt.
Just behind the trigger you can see the Canadian "C broad arrow" mark.
Sir William
New member
The 1917s have been a surprise. I picked up a 1st generation New Service in 38-40. $165.00. I thought I would like a couple of other big Colts. I was shocked at the price difference. I also picked up a 1902 DA 38 6" in U.S. Army markings. $135.00. The others I have run across are pushing $1,000.00. I also picked up a 5" S&W M1905 in 38 Special. $565.00.
Ramcharger
New member
I curious, How do these old warhorses shoot? Accurate?
Reason is I'm buying one in .45 Colt.
Reason is I'm buying one in .45 Colt.
Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
Value varies LOT
A Colt 1917 in truly EXCELLENT condition could well go for over $700. An authentic military holster easily tops $100 if at all decent. I'd really like to see the ensemble that would be worth 2K, though.
The 1917 Colt is simply the Colt New Service revolver, set up to use the .45 ACP cartridge held in half moon clips. It was produced on government contract with, usually, a rather undistinguished military finish, compared to the normal beautiful Colt blue of the era.
The true Colt New Service, in any caliber, is worth a good deal more money, compared to the 1917 in equivalent condition.
GunsnRovers -- Beautiful, sir!
Ramcharger asked:
Here's the main thing: ALL the .45 Colt chambered pieces had the .454" bore diameter. Accuracy with plain base modern loads is frequently poor, because current .45C is sized .452. Exception - - The traditional Winchester 250 --255 gr (?) RNFP bullet factory load is (was??) loaded with a soft, hollow based bullet that would obturate nicely and give very nice accuracy. those who obtain cast bullets, custom sized to .454", and carefully handload them, are rewarded with with some very accurate performance.
You see pretty much the same issues with the .455 revolvers rechambered to .45 Colt.
But if you decide not to take it, I'd like to have it.
A few short years back, I bought a .45 Colt New Service for $130 and thought I got a decent deal. Just a few months later, a pal talked me into selling it for $175. I kinda felt bad, taking advantage of him. 
Oh, well . . . .
Best regards,
Johnny
A Colt 1917 in truly EXCELLENT condition could well go for over $700. An authentic military holster easily tops $100 if at all decent. I'd really like to see the ensemble that would be worth 2K, though.
The 1917 Colt is simply the Colt New Service revolver, set up to use the .45 ACP cartridge held in half moon clips. It was produced on government contract with, usually, a rather undistinguished military finish, compared to the normal beautiful Colt blue of the era.
The true Colt New Service, in any caliber, is worth a good deal more money, compared to the 1917 in equivalent condition.
GunsnRovers -- Beautiful, sir!
Ramcharger asked:
Well, it depends on several factors. Assuming it is in good, tight, condition, with barrel and chambers that were carefully cleaned during all those corrosive ammo years, it has the potential to be VERY accurate. Colt offered the same revolver as a match revolver.
Here's the main thing: ALL the .45 Colt chambered pieces had the .454" bore diameter. Accuracy with plain base modern loads is frequently poor, because current .45C is sized .452. Exception - - The traditional Winchester 250 --255 gr (?) RNFP bullet factory load is (was??) loaded with a soft, hollow based bullet that would obturate nicely and give very nice accuracy. those who obtain cast bullets, custom sized to .454", and carefully handload them, are rewarded with with some very accurate performance.
You see pretty much the same issues with the .455 revolvers rechambered to .45 Colt.
But if you decide not to take it, I'd like to have it.
A few short years back, I bought a .45 Colt New Service for $130 and thought I got a decent deal. Just a few months later, a pal talked me into selling it for $175. I kinda felt bad, taking advantage of him. Oh, well . . . .Best regards,
Johnny