Smith model 1917.

[Nameless_Hobo]

I was at the pawn shop recently, they've got one of these for 250 bucks.
I believe it's an original, it's in pretty rough shape though, the finish seems worn and the grips are missing a chip, and are very dark.

So, I ask you guys, what should I look at on this pistol?
Also, how strong are they? Can they stand up to modern .45 loads, or would one have to use downloaded rounds?

 

[buttrap]

I have always used GI and new commercial ammo in the things with no problems.

 

[Majic]

it's in pretty rough shape though,

If that means more than just cosmetics then pass on it. You could spend as much as you paid for it getting it back in good working order.

 

[S&Wfan]

These were made years before S&W designed the hammer block feature on their revolvers.

Thus, a dropped gun that lands on its hammer could cause the hammer to strike a primer on a live round . . . causing a potentially deadly accidental discharge!.

Therefore, just like with the old Single Action Army Colt revolvers, NEVER have a loaded round in the cylinder under the hammer . . . only load five rounds!

A fella who works the flea market recently discovered this in Tallahassee . . . when his S&W M1917 slipped out and hit the ground . . . sending a 230 grain bullet through his leg!

T.

 

[44and45]

$250 is a bargain price for any condition for one of those old guns...providing it has full function and is safe to shoot.

That is, if the timing on the cylinder lock-up is good and tight it should be OK, but have a gunsmith confirm its OK. Try and make that part of the deal when buying that it will be inspected after you buy it.

Here's a 2nd model that was once a .455 cal. WW-1 contract gun, it had pits, nicks, dents on the outside, the finish was pretty well gone as someone put some ill gotten flat black paint on it.

But the barrel rifling was fine, the gun locked up really nice...my price was $250.00, and another $250 brought it up to this present standard.

The gun was also converted to .45 Colt sometime during the early 20th century, and an excellent shooter with great accuracy.

Let me ask you this, can you buy a new .45 revolver from S&W for $500.

Jim

 

[tinygnat219]

NICE find... if nothing else, it's a restoration project and a FINE FINE gun!

I have a Brazilian Contract S&W 1917. It's my favorite revolver. I don't put +P ammo through it, but it handles anything else just fine.

Enjoy!