Colt DA 1917 45acp

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crewzer

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I came across this Colt DA 1917 45acp revolver. It has the barrel shortened to 3 3/8", modern front site added, bobbed hammer, new finish added, grip has been turned into a rounded grip with what appears to be Jerry Miculek grips. I noticed up in the left side of the gun an added mark that appears to be JM. Did Jerry Miculek do custom work? Any idea on value of this piece? DOB would be great as well S/N: 196xxx
coltda_jm002sm.jpg
coltda_jm003sm.jpg
 
The "added mark" is really JMG. See how the G wraps around the JM to give a round stamp?
JMG is Col. John M. Gilbert, chief army inspector of Colts, both models 1911 and 1917, during 1917 and 1918. Original to the gun, in other words.

The grips look like Herrett's.

Army issue Colt 1917 revolvers were made only in 1917 and 1918.
 
It would have been worth a lot more money if it had been kept original. As a shooter, that might be a different story.
 
When I blew up the Mark I was thinking it was a JMG. I figure the $250 I spent on it was well spent. I do like the trigger, lockup and the ease to load/unload over my 625.
 
That left side pic is enough to make a guy slightly schizophrenic just looking at it. Just the combination of elements of old and new in one place. The colt cylinder latch, the pencil barrel, the modern sight, the bobbed hammer, the grips.

Not saying that it's not cool, but it's a bit of a shock to see it. LOL.

~~~Mat
 
Holy Shiite I'll give ya $400 right now for than darn near purrfect fighting revolver! Ya down spectacular son, hope you learn her with moon clips!;)
 
I have a dead stock 1917 S&W,and I love it,but that's pretty cool.Granted it's an affront to all that's holy,but DUDE,I would fear no evil with THAT in my hand!
 
Thanks, took it out and shot it. Nice shooter. It is the perfect gun to go with my SW325PD & SW 625 . The cylinder release works so much nicer. I am sure it cost some one way more than $250 to build her up this way. After taking my Smith's to Frontsight I have no problem using them Moonclips. By the end of the class I was loading faster than most of the people with Semi's.
 
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and if it was original it would be a whole lot of coins too ,

old colts - M1903 & M1909
mikesrifles016.gif

old S&W M1917 [and colt 1911]
mikesrifles015.gif

having said that it is an interesting combination of old & new to be sure , and these were very nice revolvers so im guessing a really nice one to shoot
 
Well, now.....

Oh, I think you did quite well. You didn't deface its collector value, but somebody paid a few bucks to turn it into a really cool CCW gun. I have a couple Colt 1917s, and their actions are butter smooth... a bit rough on the outside, having seen plenty of service, but hey, I'm betting that's really a nice shooter. :D
 
I am pretty pleased. I am still on the search for an original, but the only ones I have come across are the SW versions. Just goes to show you, that some of the older guns make great tactical pieces as well.
 
Crewzer--Depending on the shape of the gun before the customization whoever is responsible should be boiled in oil. That being said you didn't do it and that is a wicked looking Pistola ya got there. I think you did well at $250. But let's hope no one gets any ideas and trashes a near mint gun to copy it.
 
to the OP

thats an abomination of a classic...but for once, and literally the first time... i think its a well done bubba job
 
The first Colt 1917 I bought I paid $10.00 for. Since that one I must have bought and sold a dozen of them for under $100.00.

My point is that the old classic collectible used to be a dime a dozen and there was a flood of them that nobody wanted.

They made cheap expendable fodder for amatuer gunsmiths and I wouldn't be surprised if the big named guys cut their teeth on a few too.

Like the 1903 Springfield, and even the venerable Colt 1911, ex military guns were available everywhere and nodody much wanted them except to convert into something usable by people who for whatever reason didn't have the coin to buy a new gun.

It happened, and nobody had crystal balls then, anymore than they do now.
 
Gordon,

THAT's a beautiful revolver! I'd put it amongst my favorites if it was mine.
 
I like it! But of course I like customized 1917 Colt New Service revolvers. Here's a couple of pics of mine.
Click to expand...

That is the most practical looking customized New Service I have ever seen.

The Colt New Service weighed about 40 ounces. Right at the weight of a Colt SAA. I thought at 40 ounces it was a compact big bore revolver. Too bad Colt did not update the design with new lock works, sights, and grips. I think the idea of a medium weight, big bore, non magnum revolver for a defense pistol is still a good one.
 
Gordon & Cocked n Locked ~ Great looking pieces there.

I have seen some very cool pieces come thru my shop here. The sad ones are when they have been turned into some sort of competion firearm. Well when they were cheap, why wouldn't you. I have a couple of Winchester 94's that have lots of pitting on the outside, cracked stocks, but shoot good and straight and function well. I am gearing them up to be Tactical Urban Carbine's here pretty soon. When I have time, like so much else. Now I have to take my Smith's out, they got jealous that I played with the new to me Colt.
 
Several months ago, I traded a S&W for my 1917 Colt 2.5 incher.

Since then, I've discovered my gun (now :) ) appears several times in pictures and description in two of Dean Grennel's books. The first is Book of the .45 from the 1970's, and Pistol & Revolver Digest from the early 1980's.

In both Books, Mr. Grennel states that the custom work on the Colt was done John B. Williams of Williams' Gunsmithing in Fullerton California. That included polished action works...hardchrome finish...bright nickel on the thumb latch, hammer and trigger...barrel cut and crowned to 2.5"...S&W rear sight installed...and S&W "style" front sight with red insert fabricated and installed.

In the books, Gene also states that the Colt is owned by his brother Ralph. There is a pic or two of "brother Ralph" shooting the gun.

I remember the name Williams' Gunsmithing from my younger years but can find no internet reference to them now.

332993789.jpg

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Cocked & Locked ~ what a great story to go with your gun. Pretty amazing.
 
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