I have my grandfathers M1917 that was issued to him in WWI. I guessing it hasn't been fired since then. I also have 13 original rounds, 2 half moon clips, the holster, and his bayonet/trench knife.
I am 73 years old. I was with my father when he purchased a S&W 1917 from Montgomery Wards in the early 1960s. He paid $19.95 for the gun. I am the only one to ever fire it. I am sure it hasn't had a hundred rounds through it. I swear you can watch the slug go down range due to the large caliber and slow speed. Love the history covered in this video.
My father passed away a few days before this video was published and I inherited a few revolvers from him; among them was a S&W Model 1917. He had mentioned his .45ACP revolver to me several times over the years, but I had never had actually seen it before because it had been in storage since the 1970's when I was a small child. When I received it, it was covered with some kind of cosmoline that was so thick the pistol was completely unrecognizable. I used a heat gun to melt away the cosmoline and then I could see that it said "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA" on the top of the barrel, "United States Property" on the bottom of the barrel and "US Army Model 1917" on the butt of the frame. The serial number indicates it was manufactured in February 1918. I don't have any information about how my father acquired it, but it's still a fascinating piece of history. I also got a bag of a several dozen half moon clips and several boxes of .45ACP manufactured in the 50's and 60's. I think it's such a cool piece of history that I ordered a wall-mounted case so I can put it on display after I give it a very thorough cleaning. I'm hoping for a few trips to the range, too. Thanks for the video!
My great grandmother used to carry one hidden under her shawl when she used to go riding into town. She would wear the gunbelt that was too big for her like a cross-body bandolier.
I bought mine 50 years ago. The Colt version wouldn't allow the firing without the half-moon clips, the cylinders were reamed without the "mouth" head space. These are truly one of the greatest American collectable as few military firearms were used in so many wars. Thanks Steve, I enjoy the very interring vids that you and Caleb produce. Keep them coming.
Just a little side note : I used to work for the John Jovino company in lower Manhattan. My boss, Lou Imperato (bless his soul), was a terrific guy, but not really a gun guy. But there were other guys, like me, that were. * At that time, there was a gentleman at Smith and Wesson named Frannie Longdon (if I remember correctly) who made up a bunch of 25-2 revolvers for us with an extra cylinder in 45 Colt. They're still out there.
Steve - THANKS for yet another excellent video. I love my N Frames , heavy and large though they my be, they are also superbly accurate, durable, reliable and and enduring.
One of my favorite family photos is a profile shot of my uncle in uniform shooting the 1917. He was career military; 1st in the Marines, then Army, last Air Force 'cuz he wanted to fly. Retired a major in USAF. Saw duty in WWII, Korea, & Vietnam. I have a S&W model 625.
Years ago I bought a then recently imported Brazilian 1917. Best $100:bucks I ever spent. I shoot 45 acp ball ammo in full moon clips.Thanks for video!
I picked one up about 5 years ago. It in unbelievable condition for a gun that is 102 years old (aprox) the 5 digit serial number makes it about 1918 vintage. Timing and lock up are like new. The only con's someone put target grips on it and under the barrel where it said U.S. property was milled off, but you can still see the flaming bomb on the side of the frame by the hammer
About 15 years ago, S&W as a part of their Classics series made a reissue of the 1917. It has a modern mandatory lock on the left side. And it has a checkered grip (not a smooth grip), and a transfer bar (the firing pin is not on the hammer). The checkering is so sharp, I use a shooting glove when shooting. Very nice gun.
I have one. Post WWII production circa 1919 in very nice condition with it original 1918 dated leather holster. Great revolver & very much fun to shoot & own. Will still fight if ya had to. Great vlog ! Brownell's, Carry On.
My dad got an M1917 from a neighbor after his death. I inherited it from my father. I just got a leather holster for it today. I will alternate it as my protection gun when I am on the shooting range. The other gun will be a Firestar 45. These are guns I carry but don't shoot much while we are out on the range.
I have both the smith and Wesson and colt 1917 revolvers. These in my opinion are the finest revolvers ever made. I own in fact 16 different revolvers.
I have not only a M1917 (not as orginal) and a Model 25 (originally called the Smith & Wesson 1955 Model 45 Target) . I use the 45 AR cases for shooting them. HKS made speed loaders for it at one time - possible still do. I find it a bit large for concealed carry, but it is a great open holster revolver.
I would love a more modern revolver chambered in .45 acp. I've always been a wheel gun guy. Being able to fire without jamming, or putting the gun out of battery is a huge bonus for me. And there are some modern .45 acp revolvers like the ruger red hawk but they dont look as nice or as cool as these original designs!
Just picked one of these, in great condition. The crest on the right side of the side plate is pretty faded; it has "1937" and I was told it was a Venezuelan contract, but I suspect it might be Brazilian.
My 625 first model of 1989 has the firing pin in the hammer. Never any light strikes! With factory or my hand loads. But later model 625 and 325 cousins have frame mounted firing pins. Some are prone to light strikes. So installing a longer firing pin usually solves the issue. I always prefer Federal Large pistol primers. With softer primer cup material. For obvious reasons.
I’ve collected quite a few 1917’s, military and commercial, over the years in S&W & Colt. As well as several Model 25’s of various styles in 45ACP & 45LC. Great revolvers.
I have a beautiful 1917 Smith made in April 1918. It does not have the smooth grips and does not have the US Property stamp under the barrel. The weapon was made 7 months before the war ended. Was it just not issued? The grips are checkered with the Smith insignia . Also can you tell me if this revolver will handle plus p or the 45 super round?
I have a Brazilian 1917/34...the finish is mottled but the action is still nice and tight. Is the metallurgy of these guns up to modern tactical .45ACP loads, or should I stick to low-pressure FMJ ball rounds?
my grandfather fought in ww1, my brother has his s/w pistol, it has a number on the end of the black handle, on the handle it has a circle with the s/w inside of it, i can't find any info on it
Hi my name's Henry I have run across a Navy Colt 1917 Smith and Western on the bottom the only numbers it has is 7 of 145. Does that mean this gun is number 7 of only 145 made why would this gonna be so special unless I'm missing something
I can't tell whether a using a rimless ammunition and moon clips in a revolver is a unbelievably modern idea for the time or something that could have been executed better, not that they're bad. It's just that the idea seems unpolished, I wasn't exactly in WW2 but in my mind I think adding another part that's needed but still able to be lost is something I'm not a fan of.
I have my grandfathers M1917 that was issued to him in WWI. I guessing it hasn't been fired since then. I also have 13 original rounds, 2 half moon clips, the holster, and his bayonet/trench knife.
I am 73 years old. I was with my father when he purchased a S&W 1917 from Montgomery Wards in the early 1960s. He paid $19.95 for the gun. I am the only one to ever fire it. I am sure it hasn't had a hundred rounds through it. I swear you can watch the slug go down range due to the large caliber and slow speed. Love the history covered in this video.
My father passed away a few days before this video was published and I inherited a few revolvers from him; among them was a S&W Model 1917. He had mentioned his .45ACP revolver to me several times over the years, but I had never had actually seen it before because it had been in storage since the 1970's when I was a small child. When I received it, it was covered with some kind of cosmoline that was so thick the pistol was completely unrecognizable. I used a heat gun to melt away the cosmoline and then I could see that it said "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA" on the top of the barrel, "United States Property" on the bottom of the barrel and "US Army Model 1917" on the butt of the frame. The serial number indicates it was manufactured in February 1918. I don't have any information about how my father acquired it, but it's still a fascinating piece of history. I also got a bag of a several dozen half moon clips and several boxes of .45ACP manufactured in the 50's and 60's. I think it's such a cool piece of history that I ordered a wall-mounted case so I can put it on display after I give it a very thorough cleaning. I'm hoping for a few trips to the range, too. Thanks for the video!
A 1917 needs to find itself in my collection.
Mine too. Love to have one with “property of xxxx”. Preferably usmc
@@jamesday7344 Mine says U.S. Army, do some say USMC?
My great grandmother used to carry one hidden under her shawl when she used to go riding into town.
She would wear the gunbelt that was too big for her like a cross-body bandolier.
I have one of the Brazilian Contract pistols. Such a great firearm.
I absolutely LOVE my S&W 1917 revolvers!
I bought mine 50 years ago. The Colt version wouldn't allow the firing without the half-moon clips, the cylinders were reamed without the "mouth" head space. These are truly one of the greatest American collectable as few military firearms were used in so many wars. Thanks Steve, I enjoy the very interring vids that you and Caleb produce. Keep them coming.
Wouldn't trade my 1917s for anything. Thanks for a great review.
Great video. Keep these From the Vaults coming!
Just a little side note :
I used to work for the John Jovino company in lower Manhattan. My boss, Lou Imperato (bless his soul), was a terrific guy, but not really a gun guy. But there were other guys, like me, that were. * At that time, there was a gentleman at Smith and Wesson named Frannie Longdon (if I remember correctly) who made up a bunch of 25-2 revolvers for us with an extra cylinder in 45 Colt.
They're still out there.
What one.
@@johndillard8588 What are you asking ?
@@martinstiastny7679 : Simple. A 1917 Smith & Wesson in 45 Colt would be a grand weapon to own as Smith made very few in that caliber.
@@johndillard8588 True. I have 3. A commercial, a military, and one in 455.
Being a gun guy in New York must be kind of difficult.
I saw this revolver purchased in “The Highwaymen” with Kevin Costner. Great scene in the movie.
Also Spielberg chose this revolver for Indiana Jones. Epic in the Nepal Bar shoot out scene in Raiders. Sounds like a howitzer going off.
I just picked one up for $650, smooth action, ser. #27,*** one of the first year production 1917
Steve - THANKS for yet another excellent video. I love my N Frames , heavy and large though they my be, they are also superbly accurate, durable, reliable and and enduring.
One of my favorite family photos is a profile shot of my uncle in uniform shooting the 1917. He was career military; 1st in the Marines, then Army, last Air Force 'cuz he wanted to fly. Retired a major in USAF. Saw duty in WWII, Korea, & Vietnam. I have a S&W model 625.
I have a Canadian RMP 1917 .455 webley. Great revolver a little hard to get ammo for.
Thanks for a great review. Love my 1917s.
Years ago I bought a then recently imported Brazilian 1917. Best $100:bucks I ever spent. I shoot 45 acp ball ammo in full moon clips.Thanks for video!
I picked one up about 5 years ago. It in unbelievable condition for a gun that is 102 years old (aprox) the 5 digit serial number makes it about 1918 vintage. Timing and lock up are like new. The only con's someone put target grips on it and under the barrel where it said U.S. property was milled off, but you can still see the flaming bomb on the side of the frame by the hammer
Can't you just buy some original grips and put on it?
@@bertroost1675 the only thing I'm gonna put into it is bullets
@@garymccausland1272 "Into" is one thing and "on" is another, lol.
About 15 years ago, S&W as a part of their Classics series made a reissue of the 1917. It has a modern mandatory lock on the left side.
And it has a checkered grip (not a smooth grip), and a transfer bar (the firing pin is not on the hammer). The checkering is so sharp, I use a shooting glove when shooting. Very nice gun.
Great video, thanks for sharing.
What an old beast! Hurts my hand a bit all the time if I grab high🤣
I have one of the Colt 1917s. Love it, great gun.
Very nice presentation, thank you.
I have one. Post WWII production circa 1919 in very nice condition with it original 1918 dated leather holster. Great revolver & very much fun to shoot & own. Will still fight if ya had to. Great vlog ! Brownell's, Carry On.
My dad got an M1917 from a neighbor after his death. I inherited it from my father. I just got a leather holster for it today. I will alternate it as my protection gun when I am on the shooting range. The other gun will be a Firestar 45. These are guns I carry but don't shoot much while we are out on the range.
I have both the smith and Wesson and colt 1917 revolvers. These in my opinion are the finest revolvers ever made. I own in fact 16 different revolvers.
I envy you, unfortunatelly in Brazil we doesn't have this luck that you Americans has.
I would love to have one!!!
I have not only a M1917 (not as orginal) and a Model 25 (originally called the Smith & Wesson 1955 Model 45 Target) . I use the 45 AR cases for shooting them. HKS made speed loaders for it at one time - possible still do. I find it a bit large for concealed carry, but it is a great open holster revolver.
Nice guns!!
Would love for you guys to do a video on the Smith & Wesson model 41. History, development, design, versions, accolade's, etc. Please!
Best rough service revolver ever made
It's like Indy"s pistol
We named the dog Indy
@@john-paulsilke893 Haha🐕
I would love a more modern revolver chambered in .45 acp.
I've always been a wheel gun guy. Being able to fire without jamming, or putting the gun out of battery is a huge bonus for me. And there are some modern .45 acp revolvers like the ruger red hawk but they dont look as nice or as cool as these original designs!
Great video thank you
Nice revolvers!!
My S&W M1917 was born in May 1918. I wish it could tell me stories.
It would probably say, "You know what I sat in someone's desk drawer for the past 82 years, take me out!"
Just picked one of these, in great condition. The crest on the right side of the side plate is pretty faded; it has "1937" and I was told it was a Venezuelan contract, but I suspect it might be Brazilian.
My 625 first model of 1989 has the firing pin in the hammer. Never any light strikes!
With factory or my hand loads.
But later model 625 and 325 cousins have frame mounted firing pins. Some are prone to light strikes. So installing a longer firing pin usually solves the issue.
I always prefer Federal Large pistol primers. With softer primer cup material. For obvious reasons.
I’ve collected quite a few 1917’s, military and commercial, over the years in S&W & Colt. As well as several Model 25’s of various styles in 45ACP & 45LC. Great revolvers.
I miss my 3" Model 625 and 4" Model 25. So stupid to sell them.
@@Chilly_Billy : yep! I have regretted selling several items in the past.
Agreed.
Currently looking for one in the ole commonwealth 455 webley to go with my victory in 38/200
I have a beautiful 1917 Smith made in April 1918. It does not have the smooth grips and does not have the US Property stamp under the barrel. The weapon was made 7 months before the war ended. Was it just not issued? The grips are checkered with the Smith insignia . Also can you tell me if this revolver will handle plus p or the 45 super round?
Auto rim ammo needs to be more available. I love my .45. She bangs !
I have a Brazilian 1917/34...the finish is mottled but the action is still nice and tight. Is the metallurgy of these guns up to modern tactical .45ACP loads, or should I stick to low-pressure FMJ ball rounds?
No it's not. Standard pressure is good.
Looks nice (5:00 Also, nice cat mug)
I saw one of these in a pawn shop gun case for $900. I bought the S&W model 13 .357 Magnum next to it for $200.
I would love to have a S&W 1917. They are a classic big bore double action gun without all the bulk of the M29 .44 Magnum
my grandfather fought in ww1, my brother has his s/w pistol, it has a number on the end of the black handle, on the handle it has a circle with the s/w inside of it, i can't find any info on it
Been looking for one for 3 years. Its like they are mocking me.
I had to google the model designation. It was ".45 target model" until it became the model 25. S&W gave cool names before 1957.😞
Great please 25bor pisto review
I, have one made May 1918, awesome pistol.A 625 model of 1989 and a 325PD.
Is the same ammo for the 1911 for the revolver????
Are there any modern target stocks for the M1917?
Mine says U. S. ARMY. A sweet shooter.
Inherited my Dad's S&W 1917. It's a shooter.
I have one that an unknown smith converted into a bullseye gun...odd
I have a S&W 1917 I think I payed $180 for it. I do not shoot it much any more. So I got a S&W 625-8 that I use now
How mitsh rebolver 45 1917
I have s&w 32 pistol
I have my Grandfather's 1917 in the safe. And when shooting without a moon clip you use a pencil or peace of brass.
Brad Pitt as Wardaddy in Fury had an M1917, i wonder if that was his personal gun or Uncle Sam still had a few to hand out?
Also Indiana Jones in Raiders of The Lost Ark. Spielberg had a great eye for detail. Sounded like a howitzer going off in the Nepalese Bar shoot out.
I've got one also...U S Property...
Hi my name's Henry I have run across a Navy Colt 1917 Smith and Western on the bottom the only numbers it has is 7 of 145. Does that mean this gun is number 7 of only 145 made why would this gonna be so special unless I'm missing something
Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark brought me here
Just change the cylinder....
I can't tell whether a using a rimless ammunition and moon clips in a revolver is a unbelievably modern idea for the time or something that could have been executed better, not that they're bad. It's just that the idea seems unpolished, I wasn't exactly in WW2 but in my mind I think adding another part that's needed but still able to be lost is something I'm not a fan of.
🙂👍☕
VOTE TRUMP
A revolver that requires a moon clip is just silly.
The moon clip isn't needed it just makes it easier to get the spent rounds out. They can be pushed out with a pencil or peace of brass rod.
Shows what you know.
Which is nothing!
Lol.
Years ago I always wanted to find an M1917 for a decent price to get the Barrel cut down to 4 inches like Indian Jones' s Pistol.