S&W model 1917 information needed

[Ru4real]

Interesting

 

[BigBlue 94]

As early as 1915, S&W was redesigning the 455 Hand Ejector to handle the 45 ACP cartridge. Chambering and firing the cartridge was really no problem. The hitch was ejection. The extractor slid right past the rimless case. S&W came up with two fixes, both clips. One held six rounds and the other held three. The Military realized Colt’s could not produce enough 1911s to satisfy the demand and turned to S&W to help. Given their choice, the Army board accepted the 45 ACP Hand Ejector and the 3 round clip. S&W allowed Colt’s to use the clip without royalty or infringement. (During the ACW S&W controlled the bored through cylinder patent and would not allow it’s use without suit. This, in the opinion of U S Grant extended the length of the war and caused more casualties. He held that against S&W. When President, Grant was not kind to S&W. S&W did not want to repeat history.).


Initially Colt’s did produce some revolvers with bored through cylinders. Not many and the majority had the cylinder replaced with a proper one either at the factory or by Unit Armorers.

Kevin

Thats the story I remember!

I read a snipet the other day that many M1917s went to the USPS in '29 or '30 due to a rash of robberies. Most sat in the safe till they were reclaimed and surplused with the rest of the M1917s that were reissued in WWII. When reissued for service in WWII, guns that were rebuilt got parkerized. The ones that weren't rebuilt, were left with the original dull blue.

Some M1917s were used in Korea, and a few by the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam. The M1917 certainly has a storied history.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Some, perhaps not all, Colt 1917 revolvers have the chambers bored all the way through with one diameter only. So those will require moon clips to prevent the rounds from falling directly through the chambers. I really do not know if yours can be fired without moon clips, curious if you have ever tried.

Only the earliest Colts lacked the chamber step -- the later revolvers can be shot without the half moon clips, although occasionally you have to poke an empty out of the chamber.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Only the earliest Colts lacked the chamber step -- the later revolvers can be shot without the half moon clips, although occasionally you have to poke an empty out of the chamber.

Mine is a 1919 made Colt and 45acp drops way into the cylinder. 1919 was the last year of production wasn't it?