S&W 1917

G

galaxieman

Inactive
Good folks, I just picked up a 1917 45acp that according to the serial number was made in Oct 1918, it is in about 85 to 90 percent condition with no pitting and most of the original bluing. It locks up tight and the rifling is near perfect. I plan to shoot and enjoy this revolver, is there any ammo to avoid? I am assuming this is decent metallurgy and can be safely shot. Also the oft asked question, what is the value assuming the 85 to 90 percent i mentioned? I have no intention to sell but it would be nice to know the value before I go slinging lead through it at the range. I cant seem to post pictures here or I would.
 
Those have been going up in value in recent years to where one in 85% can bring over $1000, maybe $1200. Quite a shock to folks like me who remember when they sold for $29.95 and nobody much wanted them.

They should be OK with standard factory .45 ACP, but in consideration of its age and current value, if I were shooting one regularly, I would load down a bit and use lead bullets. To avoid the clip nuisance, I would also get some .45 Auto Rim brass.

Jim
 
Thanks Jim, I got an incredible deal on this today. My Cabelas had it marked at $539 and it was 10% off on used guns. I jumped all over it. i did not realize until I got home and ran the serial number that it was a first year one. I am simply amazed at the condition and price I got. I have several thousand 45 acp brass and will be trying the clips, but if I get the chance I will try and get some auto rim ammo or brass as well. Funny, I started out this morning looking for a 44 mag.
 
Color me green. I would love to have one of those. I was with my dad about 1963 in Leonards Farm & Ranch store when he picked up a Colt 1917 from WWI. He could have just as easily have gotten a Smith & Wesson. They had two 55 gallon barrels full of them. My dad picked through several before chosing the Colt. The price? A whopping six dollars.

It was the first handgun I ever shot. I was hooked from then on. Congrats on a great deal. And if you can't figure out how to post pics send me a PM and I will tell you how to ship it to me and I will post pics for you. I will also shoot it and make sure its safe to own.:D

Just kidding but try to post some pics.
 
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Danged what a deal, another gun I've always wanted, I'd keep the loads down to around factory ball velocity, 850-875fps with cast bullets should be great.
 
Went and shot it this morning and it shoots better than I do. 1 inch groups at 10 yards. I need some bigger grips to wring the best group though as the factory ones are hard to get a good grip in for me.
 
Thanks guys, I had tried several times to buy a modern 45acp revolver but they were always too expensive, I never dreamed I would luck into one of these.
 
If that 1917 has the original smooth wood grips and you replace them for shooting, save the originals. A 1917 with Hogue grips would be worth 3/4 of what one with the original grips would bring.

Jim
 
Yup, save the original grips. When you take them off, see if they are numbered to the gun. I forget which grip, left or right, but the factory would put the Serial Number of the gun on the underside of the grips. Usually in pencil, but I have seen them stamped on too.
 
I will definitely keep the originals. I have not removed them yet, but as original as this is I would be surprised if they are not.
 
How much for a reblued S&W 1917? I don't think mine has original grips but hey, at $450 for a 45 ACP revolver I didn't argue.
 
Good deal, no steal. The original grips are plain walnut, uncheckered, no medallion. Anything else on a military contract Model 1917 isn't original.

Jim
 
A number of people these days recommend staying away from hardball ammo and sticking with moderate lead bullet loads.

S&W had numerous production issues fulfilling orders to the point that the military took over administration of the plant for the duration of the war.
 
I ran an assortment of ammo through mine yesterday, all with good results. But Since I reload and cast, it will get lead as a steady diet.
 
Ah... Indiana Jones's gun!

Congratulations!

I have a 3 inch 625 .45 acp I bought many years ago.

They are quite accurate.

Excellent N frames!

Deaf
 
Looks like you have a very nice example of a fine old sidearm. They're very good shooters, as you've said. Mine was my grandfather's WW1 carry piece. Some day it'll pass down to my son.
 
Some times it just pays to check places like that. Its not some thing they normally sell so some times you can get lucky.

Two years ago I found a 1989 Savage model 10 brand new at Walmart on clearance for $299.
Must have been just sitting in a warehouse for years.

I saw it and went... :eek: Mine!!!
 
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As James K says, I remember back in the early-mid 60s when you could buy guns mail order from Klein's in Chicago. They ran ads in all the gun magazines. Your choice S&W or Colt 1917 revolvers were $24.95, 03A3 Springfields were 19.95, Mauser machine pistols were under $30. All via mail order. Of course I think that's where Lee Harvey bought his Carcano and we all remember how that turned out.
 
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