+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 14

Thread: Comparison wanted, M1917 Revolvers

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Legacy Member BVZ24's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Last On
    Today @ 07:55 AM
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    170
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    08:16 AM

    Comparison wanted, M1917 Revolvers

    I'm looking into purchasing an M1917 revolver in the next few months and I'm looking for information on the differences between them.

    I have seen them both individually, but never side by side to make a comparison, and have only ever fired a S&W. My impression was that the Colt was mildly heavier and larger than the S&W, and had a hard trigger pull. I was also unable to compare the Colt's bulk to other large revolvers such as the 1873. I saw one comparison that it's the largest old Colt revolver, and I think an 1873 is big.
    I am not a revolver collector and am looking for a shooter grade example of either. I prefer the look of the Colt, but the S&W might be better suited.

    I would like to know opinions on reliability, replacement parts, and size compared to each other, and compared to the largest pistol I an familiar with, an 1873 replica.

    I am also looking for opinions on the subtypes of each, including, but not limited to;

    Colt M1917

    Colt New Service, someone else's 45 Acp conversion. These seem to be less expensive, but do they work?

    Colt Commercial M1917. These cost about the same and look like they can be in nicer condition.

    S&W M1917

    S&W 1937 Brazilicon. These look inexpensive and can be in good condition.

    The final factor in what I purchase will be based mostly on the opinions on size and shootability. If the Colt is "Not really that big", I am biased to it's appearance.
    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.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member rcathey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Last On
    03-27-2024 @ 11:56 AM
    Location
    St. Louis, MO Area
    Posts
    1,645
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:16 AM
    The two revolvers are essentially the same size. The Colt might be a tiny bit bigger.

    I prefer Smith and Wesson revolvers simply because of the cylinder release latch. On a Smith, you push the latch forward. On a Colt, you pull it back.
    The push motion feels much more natural.

    I’ll add, I have a Smith and Wesson 1917. Back when I was searching for it, I found the Brazilianicon models to be going for nearly the same price. Take your time and you’ll find a deal. I think I paid a little over $500 for mine.

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Today @ 12:49 AM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    29,839
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    05:16 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by rcathey View Post
    I prefer Smith and Wesson revolvers simply because of the cylinder release latch.
    Yes and I prefer the way the S&W index. They're both about same size. I'd prefer the S&W 1917, also had to settle for a Brazilianicon. Don't get a beater, it may not be right and parts could be hard to get.
    Regards, Jim

  6. #4
    Contributing Member Low & Slow's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 10:52 PM
    Location
    colorado usa
    Posts
    342
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    06:16 AM
    I concur with the guys. Plus, the middle finger on your shooting hand hand will thank you for choosing the Smith.

  7. #5
    Legacy Member Eaglelord17's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 08:26 AM
    Location
    Sault Ste. Marie, ON
    Posts
    1,257
    Real Name
    A.N.
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    08:16 AM
    I recall reading one of them (unsure which) apparently also has a small shoulder machined inside the cylinder to hold cartridges in the proper position without the moon clips allowing you to simply load .45 acp in the cylinder, though they need to be ejected by a pencil or similar item.

    I personally wouldn't get a shaved new service revolver myself, but thats just the collector in me. Practically speaking if done properly it shouldn't really be much different at all.

  8. #6
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    jonnyc's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last On
    03-26-2024 @ 10:25 AM
    Location
    PA, USA
    Posts
    653
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    08:16 AM
    For the full joyful experience, you need both Smith and Colt 1917s, and a shaved MkVI Enfield.

  9. #7
    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 08:59 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    4,314
    Real Name
    Robert Seccombe
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:16 AM
    I would not consider shooting factory 45 ACP in a shaved 455 revolver, maybe reduced loads of 45 auto rim

  10. #8
    Legacy Member Fushigi Ojisan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 07:57 PM
    Location
    Where the B&O and PRR cross in MD
    Posts
    79
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:16 AM
    Also out there, Colt and S&W models that originally took .455 but have been modified to shoot. 45 Long Colt


  11. #9
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    jonnyc's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last On
    03-26-2024 @ 10:25 AM
    Location
    PA, USA
    Posts
    653
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    08:16 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by RCS View Post
    I would not consider shooting factory 45 ACP in a shaved 455 revolver, maybe reduced loads of 45 auto rim
    FYI; All my .45 ACP revolvers get my calm reloads.

  12. #10
    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    Yesterday @ 08:59 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    4,314
    Real Name
    Robert Seccombe
    Local Date
    03-29-2024
    Local Time
    07:16 AM

    another variation S&W Model 1915 revolver

    I bought this S&W Model 1915 in 455 cal some years ago, bore was very good . I enjoyed
    shooting the 455 cartridge but got expensive and unable to reload. Along the way, I found an old FDL rear sight which is easy to install. Also decided to have the cylinder rechambered to the 45 Colt cartridge.
    I started using some factory 45 Colt and accuracy was not good, tried black powder reloads and reduced smokeless, still not accurate.
    then cut down some 45 Colt cases to the same length as 45 ACP and converted some lead bullets to hollow base. This proved to be the answer.
    Also found out later the Cowboy Action Shooter also use a "short" 45 Colt cartridge too

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. TM 9-1295 U.S. Pistols & Revolvers - M1911, M1911A1 and S&W M1917 (1942)
    By Badger in forum 1911/1911A1 Service Pistol
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 04-13-2010, 12:51 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
Raven Rocks