What the heck is this, and should I buy it???

[OAKTOWN]

Ok. so I went to the range today, and lo an behold there was this odd looking Smith & Wesson .45acp revolver in the consignment case for $100.

The flaming bomb on the frame was the first clue; next the girps came off and sure enough, this gun started life as a 1917 Army. The barrel is marked S&W DA .45, The markings behind the crane (on the frame) looked like proof marks, if they aren't they sure aren't english. The crane was stamped with 3587. The cylinder has 129531 stamped on the back. I'm guessing that it's simply an army model that was "sporterized" at some point with a short barrel, rib, target sights and a target trigger.

The bore is fair and it seem mechanically OK. I was thinking with a reblue and tune up it would be a nice shooter. What do you guys think??

 

[jhco]

for 100 go for it

 

[jimmyraythomason]

What state is this in? $100 for a 45 acp DA revolver is a no-brainer!

 

[PTK]

Worth every cent.

 

[blkbrd666]

I know nothing about those, but it sure would be tempting to me! It's a good looking gun and I usually don't like short barrels...maybe it's the price?

 

[Cosmoline]

Very nice. It looks from what you've shown that the modifications could be undone. Did you see how the rib was attached? It may just be screwed on.

 

[Brian Williams]

Why Not?

 

[nwilliams]

What is it? No idea....

Should you buy it? For that price.....YES!

 

[gb6491]

I like it; from the photo it looks like someone did a decent job of bobbing it.
Regards,
Greg

 

[Jim Watson]

The vent rib sure looks like a King's, but the grips are much later target style. $100? Sure.

 

[highorder]

The grips alone work out to a significant portion of the purchase price.

 

[MachIVshooter]

$100 for a 45 acp DA revolver is a no-brainer!

You could broaden that to $100 for a functional S&W revolver is a no-brainer.

Of course buy it!

 

[mnrivrat]

You had to ask ? You didn't suck it up on the spot and that my friend seems to have been a mistake. I'll give you $150 + shipping for it !

 

[Gator]

Hang your head in shame! Altered 1917s are great bases for really cool custom .45 ACP snubbies. And the price is insanely low.

 

[OAKTOWN]

Perhaps I should have mentioned. I did put a deposit for the full amount on it. My Momma didn't raise no dummies.

I actually got a call on my way home. It was one of the shop employees offering to buy it off me.

 

[Old Fuff]

Take a close look at the combination barrel rib and rear sight. It it's stamped "King" anywhere it's worth more then what you paid for the whole gun.

 

[OAKTOWN]

Went in today and turned my deposit into a purchase. I don't know how I lucked out. I guess the only employee not interested in the gun was the one who put it the case. Several in the shop today mentioned that if they'd seen it first they'd have grabbed it.

I'm thinking about sending it to Smith & Wesson for some TLC. Anyone have any experience sending pre WWII stuff in for service at Smith & Wesson?

 

[Jim Watson]

I'd call before I sent. S&W has been running out of parts for older guns, and this one is very old.

 

[woad_yurt]

I called S&W a few days ago about and old one I have and they said that they'll only take them if they're from 1958 or newer.

 

[Moonclip]

I recently bought a similar Colt in CA for $330! I sold it already though. I also bought a Colt and a S&W modded the same but with longer barrels for $225 and $250 recently.