From the Vault: Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Revolver
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- Brownells Gun Tech™ and Revolvermeister Steve Ostrem has a special treat for us: a look at the Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver in "forty-five" - .45 ACP, that is. When the U.S. entered World War I, the Army's inventory of Colt 1911 pistols - and Colt's capacity to build more quickly enough - was severely limited. As a result, Smith & Wesson chambered their .44 Special Second Model Hand Ejector large-frame revolver in .45 ACP. But that's a rimless semi-auto pistol cartridge, so how do you shoot it in a revolver? The answer is the moon clip (originally a half moon), developed by Joseph Wesson, son of S&W co-founder Daniel Wesson. Other benefits of moon clips are positive ejection of the empties AND super-quick reloads. Later on, Peters Cartridge Co. developed the .45 Auto Rim cartridge - basically a .45 ACP with a rim that's thick enough to fill the gap between the back of the cylinder and the recoil shield. S&W built about 150,000 Model 1917s for the U.S. government, and Colt produced a similar number of their New Service revolver in .45 ACP. In 1937, the government of Brazil ordered 25,000 Model 1917s from Smith, examples of which still show up on the used market today. Later still, Smith & Wesson produced a high-spec commercial model, with nice polished bluing, dubbed the Model 25; the stainless steel version, the Model 625, is still available today.
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
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 have one of the Brazilian Contract pistols. Such a great firearm.
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?
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 absolutely LOVE my S&W 1917 revolvers!
Wouldn't trade my 1917s for anything. Thanks for a great review.
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.
Great video. Keep these From the Vaults coming!
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.
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.
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 have a Canadian RMP 1917 .455 webley. Great revolver a little hard to get ammo for.
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.
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?
@@alanrogs3990 the only thing I'm gonna put into it is bullets
@@garymccausland1272 "Into" is one thing and "on" is another, lol.
Thanks for a great review. Love my 1917s.
I just picked one up for $650, smooth action, ser. #27,*** one of the first year production 1917
What an old beast! Hurts my hand a bit all the time if I grab high🤣
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.
Very nice presentation, thank you.
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’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.
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 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!
I have one of the Colt 1917s. Love it, great 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.
I would love to have one!!!
Would love for you guys to do a video on the Smith & Wesson model 41. History, development, design, versions, accolade's, etc. Please!
It's like Indy"s pistol
We named the dog Indy
@@john-paulsilke893 Haha🐕
I, have one made May 1918, awesome pistol.A 625 model of 1989 and a 325PD.
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 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!"
Great video, thanks for sharing.
Best rough service revolver ever made
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.
Great video thank you
Nice revolvers!!
Looks nice (5:00 Also, nice cat mug)
Auto rim ammo needs to be more available. I love my .45. She bangs !
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
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.
Been looking for one for 3 years. Its like they are mocking me.
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?
Currently looking for one in the ole commonwealth 455 webley to go with my victory in 38/200
Mine says U. S. ARMY. A sweet shooter.
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.
Inherited my Dad's S&W 1917. It's a shooter.
I've got one also...U S Property...
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
Great please 25bor pisto review
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
I have my Grandfather's 1917 in the safe. And when shooting without a moon clip you use a pencil or peace of brass.
I have one that an unknown smith converted into a bullseye gun...odd
Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark brought me here
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.
Are there any modern target stocks for the M1917?
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
How mitsh rebolver 45 1917
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 s&w 32 pistol
Just change the cylinder....
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.