S&W 1917 Brazilian contract??

[vanfunk]

Hello Everyone,
One of my local favorite gunshops has a S&W 1917 Brazilian contract (made in '37, I believe) for sale for $225. Mechanically, the gun is quite sound. The rifling is crisp and sharp with no dings in the crown, the chambers are clear and the cylinder spins freely. It seems to time well and the trigger pull is smooth. The trouble is that the gun looks like it's been dragged behind a truck on the old road from Rio to Cartagena. I'm thinking of buying it 'cause I miss the 1917 I foolishly gave away years ago, and this one's offered at a good price (which I'm sure I could bring down a bit, too). But, it's such an ugly ducking that I'd want to restore it. What was the original finish on these contract guns - high polish, brushed, matte, parkerized? regardless, I kinda like the idea of having it parkerized. It would sorta look like a Victory Model on steroids . Anyway, anyone care to weigh in on this one? If I get it and decide to get it parkerized, where are some good places to send it for the work?

PS - anyone have any pics of their "Brazilians"?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[thatguy]

It's your choice but I think you will wind up spending more on the refinish than it would cost to buy one in better condition. I see really nice 1937s for $500 or so and you're going to have about that much in a refinished gun when you're done.

 

[JoeHatley]

I have a Commercial 1917 that was mechanically sound, but the finish was in REALLY rough shape. I didn't have a lot a money in the gun and it didn't seem to make sense spending more on refinishing than the gun cost. So... I just went with an inexpensive bead blast/matt blue.



It will never be a "looker", but the finish is now uniform and seems to be holding up well.

Joe

 

[Jim K]

The original bluing on those Brazilian contract guns is a rather dull blue, not a lot shinier or more highly polished than that of the S&W Model 1917, and certainly not the deep polish and blue of the commercial guns.

Many of the parts were WWI surplus, and bear U.S. inspector's markings.

Jim

 

[vanfunk]

Thanks Guys!
I think I might offer $175 cash and see if that does the trick. Then, it'll be off to have a fresh matte blue or parkerized finish applied.

vanfunk

 

[Elmer]

Even at $225, think of what that gun would cost if it were made today. I have a couple of the Brazilians in mint to ugly condition. Finish may not be up to prewar commercial standards, but the guns are wonderful nonetheless. I think they're one of the sleepers in today's market. What's funny, is how often I hear someone say that the 1937's were made in Brazil, instead of for Brazil by S&W. Maybe that's why they're still pretty low priced.