Colt 1917

[gasch886]

Hi All, I am a new member and looking for some information on a US Army
1917 Colt serial no. 225xxx issue no. 699xx. The gun is in very good condition but it has checkered grips, I believe they should be smooth. I am looking for grips and date of mfg. I do not know where to find this info. Thanks

 

[Ryanxia]

There is a firearms research section that will probably help you better to post there.

Welcome to The High Road.

 

[bbrownie]

I believe those old 1911,s all had checkering on the grips.

 

[rjrivero]

I believe those old 1911,s all had checkering on the grips.

the 1917 is the 45 acp revolver. The 1917 45's were made by Colt as well as Smith and Wesson to help the war effort. They were 'crude' and the finish was usually just parkerized. Sometimes some surface blem's appeared on the guns. I have to look up the exact numbers made. Smooth wood stocks and a landyard loop on the butt of the grips frame are standard. I have seen these go for $800+ in different venues.

 

[Standing Wolf]

gasch886: you'll probably get more authoritative answers more quickly at: http://www.coltforum.com/ along with ideas where to find factory original stocks and how much to pay for them.

 

[Dr.Rob]

According to RL Wilson's book that's 1919 MFG, original smooth wood grips are very hard to find though there are hard rubber reproductions available.


Repro wood grips here:

http://www.gungrip.com/detail_WW15__6__COLT GRIPS.html

I can tell you more if you post pics. Many of these were sold off through DCM and its possible you have 'vintage' replacement grips made by Colt.

An original finish 1917 Colt will have brush marks on the right side of the frame. If they aren't there it's been refinished.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

In the search for wood grips, make certain that you don't pay the "original" premium it they don't have the ordnance bomb stamp on them and in the correct size as well.