Smith 1917 Conundrum

[browningautorifle]

Perhaps it’s had an entirely different cylinder dropped in that has a different spacing.

I agree, can you find a number stamped on the cylinder rear that should also match one on the bottom of the barrel. Get a .45 ACP cylinder and the cartridges go in and stay. The clip makes it so they eject. I doubt the clips are to blame but can't say as I haven't used them. Mine came from Brownells and were full moon. I only have one single half moon clip... We should be able to give you a measurement for a cylinder in .45 ACP and one in .45 Colt. The thin rim of the long cartridges have the cylinder sitting far back to the recoil shield...

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[jakebevt48]

I thought about it more, and realized I have one moon clip that drops in very easily. It is loaded with self defense ammo, whereas all the other stiff ones were loaded with some remanufactured brass case ammo. I’ll blame that remanufactured ammo for some of the problems.

The number on the cylinder does not match the frame. But like I said it will close and shoot with 45ACP in the clips. The cylinder has a couple H looking marks on it, as well as a serial number and a eagle head or something with S24 under it.

Also, I realized the ejector rod is slightly bent. This thing is looking worse by the second.

[rcathey]

Ejector rods can be straightened but unless you have the tools (I use a metal lathe and a dial indicator) it probably makes more sense to buy a new one. I wouldn't think it would cost any more than $20 for just the stripped rod. You'd have to add parts from yours on to it.

The mark on the cyclinder you describe is appropriate. Sounds like a correct cylinder to me. Maybe your ejector rod is the root of the problems.

[browningautorifle]

Maybe your ejector rod is the root of the problems.

Agreed, it will turn the cylinder out of true...first thing a pistol smith checks is frame straightness and discards those simple parts for replacement. Your centerpin will be bent too...just a bit.