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[BluesBear]

Dave,

A standard S&W tapered barrel should have a small straight section about .125" or so before the taper begins. Yours appears to have been removed in the setback.

My guess is that this is a Model 26 barrel that has been shortened and setback. But then it could also be a model 23, 24, 27 or 28* barrel that has been rebored.

All of those barrels have the upper rib and the ejector rod shroud. I see the large head on the ejector rod has been removed to enable it to fit the shroud.


By the way, is there a hole in the butt for a lanyard ring?





*or their pre 1957 non-number equivilent

 

[BluesBear]

After considerable staring at and drooling over your excellent photographs I will have to guess is that is is a Model 26 barrel. Since that model had the longest extension into the frame on any target N-frame barrel. I don't think you could set back any of the others and still maintain the taper.



And I just realized that I have been dilatory in my unofficial duties.

So,

Welcome Aboardâ„¢ 45wheelgun!
It's good to see you over here from the S&W forum.

How are things in the Buckeye state?
I spent 40 years in the Bluegrass State and have many "fond memories" of Ohio State University.

 

[mondocomputerman]

Welcome. Nice revolver, wish I had one like that!

 

[45wheelgun]

Well, I took a photo this morning. See below. The 1/8" straight section should be apparent in the photo, although with all the engraving and plating it is hard to see, but it is there. The setback seems to be 3/8". I was using a M25 for comparison. I have sold my other 1917's. The amount of barrel in front of the frame is 1 3/4". The amount of barrel in behind the frame is 1/2" The barrel itself is 2 7/8" long. I have had this gun for almost 10 years, I can't believe I never noticed this before.

As to the hole for the lanyard ring, it _was_ there, but the grip frame has been converted from a N-SB to a K-RB. The lanyard ring hole was plugged at the time. It is US Property marked, and the serial number is correct for a 1918 manufacture date of a M1917. All parts are serial number/Assembly number matching. No serial number is apparent on the barrel, but I am not sure they put one there.

 

[BluesBear]

After looking at a photo of a Model 26 barrel it still looks to me like that's what it is. The shoulder on the standard 26 seems to be a bit longer than yours. The idea of a shorter cylinder more adept to the short ACP round is an idea that S&W has only recently utilized. Whoever modified your gun was ahead of their time.


The original 1917 barrel has a serial number that matches the gun stamped on the underside of the barrel above the ejector rod.


Either way you have a spectacular revolver there. In my not so humble opinion you have the Ultimate Barbeque Gun!

 

[XLMiguel]

Welcome, 45, you sure enough have some very nice toys. I'm envious.

The Bear is a true S&W afficianado, most worth listening to. He helped me with my first foray into the innards of J-frames with great success.

 

[Bronco45]

35 years of shootin, packin, collecting and droolin on Smiths that chromed 1917 is the best lookin 45 Wheelgun I have ever seen.

 

[45wheelgun]

Thank you all for the kind words. Y'all sure make a guy feel welcome.

 

[SAG0282]

Welcome.....good to have ya. I'm "WASIGP226" over on SIGforum.