Thank you for all the research you do! This is one of the best channels for information on fire arm history. The videos are long(and I like that), but I watch every second, because I don’t want to miss any important details! People like you are just naturally gifted and are wonderful to watch. Whenever I’m interested in a firearm, I look for a video on your channel. After watching your videos I feel like I am well informed. Your excitement for older guns comes through on every video.
This revolver was and is a great design. It served in WW I, and also in WW II. In the interwar years, the Model 1917 (along with other arms) was issued to U.S. Marines who were assigned to guard Postal facilities during the occurrence of multiple armed robberies of the Post Office. It is interesting to consider that due to the half moon, and later full moon clips, the Model 1917 could be reloaded as fast as the 7-round Model 1911 and 1911A1. It is a very capable handgun today - 106 years later.
Nice. Wear and weathering around grip frame is real common on these. Carried around a lot in open top holsters. The 1917 Colt I have is in a lot worse shape than this is as far as the finish and the grip frame has been heavily buff. All the markings on the butt are completely gone. But it still locks up tight and shoots good.
Great video, I love the old S&W Revolvers! I have a S&W M&P model of 1905 1st change chambered in 32 Winchester (32-20) near as I can tell it was made about 1908. Still nice and tight works great.
I've had several M1917 (S&W) revolvers. You don't want to push one over the other, the S&W double action is head and shoulders over the Colt. For current use, I find a 4" barrel quite handy. The one major problem is the original 'service' stocks as you show. I always replaced them with aftermarket grips of the type similar to but not exactly the same as the later S&W 'target' stocks. Oh, there was not much 'designing' to do with the revolver. The main frame and lock work is all the same for all N frame revolvers. The only part different between the .44 Hand Ejector and the M1917 is the inside dimensions of the barrel and chambers of the cylinder. I now have a modified (prior to my ownership) M25. The barrel is very correctly (crowned and all) cut back to four inches and I believe the trigger action has had words said over it. I shoot .45 AutoRim cases with 250 grain SWC (.45 Colt) bullets and loads from the Lyman book. Marvelous.
You need a Schofield in 45 colt. Not the same but similar if opened right. Kicks out all the shells in one motion. Little slower to reload, but still very cool.
My Model 1917 has a 6-1/2” barrel, but started life as .455 cal and went to England during WW1. It has numerous British proof marks and stamped “Not English Made”. When it was returned to the US, its cylinder was shaved and is now in .45 ACP and requires moon clips or .45 Auto Rim. The original military grips are gone, replaced with S&W walnut diamond grips. Big heavy gun, but fun to shoot.
Sounds like it’s had an interesting history…..imagine if you could see what it has seen. Amazing, this hobby. It’s having a relaxing retirement now having that kind of fun with you.
Would get something like that for a newer production revolver.....I see EZ makes them for Ruger and Taurus revolvers, but for an old historical guy like this I’m sticking with the steel. I actually like how a tool is needed to get them detached....they can knock around and stay together nicely.
There was a gunsmith in the 50’s ,60’s who would modify the frame,lengthen the cylinder to chamber .410 shotgun shells and cut the barrels down to the ejector rod. The shotgun shells show no rifling to match to the 1917 so this was known as “North Jersey Hitters” hint hint
All I can say is TK dose some extremely slick stuff will revolvers. I want to send them my Sectury six cylinder. Or buy another Sectury six cylinder and have them do their magic.
Thank you for all the research you do! This is one of the best channels for information on fire arm history. The videos are long(and I like that), but I watch every second, because I don’t want to miss any important details! People like you are just naturally gifted and are wonderful to watch. Whenever I’m interested in a firearm, I look for a video on your channel. After watching your videos I feel like I am well informed. Your excitement for older guns comes through on every video.
Very nice of you! Nice to hear that in the current day of the short attention span. You are definitely the viewer I am making these videos for!
This revolver was and is a great design. It served in WW I, and also in WW II. In the interwar years, the Model 1917 (along with other arms) was issued to U.S. Marines who were assigned to guard Postal facilities during the occurrence of multiple armed robberies of the Post Office.
It is interesting to consider that due to the half moon, and later full moon clips, the Model 1917 could be reloaded as fast as the 7-round Model 1911 and 1911A1. It is a very capable handgun today - 106 years later.
Interesting that you never hear that these were used much in law enforcement circles even though there were so many available after war time.
Nice. Wear and weathering around grip frame is real common on these. Carried around a lot in open top holsters.
The 1917 Colt I have is in a lot worse shape than this is as far as the finish and the grip frame has been heavily buff. All the markings on the butt are completely gone.
But it still locks up tight and shoots good.
Did you ever do a video on it? Can’t find it.
@@MilsurpGarage Yes, but it will not show up until around June of 2025.
I have more than 18 months worth of videos uploaded and scheduled 2 per week.
Great video, I love the old S&W Revolvers! I have a S&W M&P model of 1905 1st change chambered in 32 Winchester (32-20) near as I can tell it was made about 1908. Still nice and tight works great.
Nice.
The tool tube has space for six cases, you don't have to drop them.
Yeah, noticed that it did that unloading the clips AFTER the video!
I've had several M1917 (S&W) revolvers. You don't want to push one over the other, the S&W double action is head and shoulders over the Colt. For current use, I find a 4" barrel quite handy. The one major problem is the original 'service' stocks as you show. I always replaced them with aftermarket grips of the type similar to but not exactly the same as the later S&W 'target' stocks.
Oh, there was not much 'designing' to do with the revolver. The main frame and lock work is all the same for all N frame revolvers. The only part different between the .44 Hand Ejector and the M1917 is the inside dimensions of the barrel and chambers of the cylinder.
I now have a modified (prior to my ownership) M25. The barrel is very correctly (crowned and all) cut back to four inches and I believe the trigger action has had words said over it. I shoot .45 AutoRim cases with 250 grain SWC (.45 Colt) bullets and loads from the Lyman book. Marvelous.
Great info. Thanks and thanks for tuning in.
You need a Schofield in 45 colt. Not the same but similar if opened right. Kicks out all the shells in one motion. Little slower to reload, but still very cool.
I would be interested in a nice S&W Russian Model No. 3 if I saw one available.
My Model 1917 has a 6-1/2” barrel, but started life as .455 cal and went to England during WW1. It has numerous British proof marks and stamped “Not English Made”. When it was returned to the US, its cylinder was shaved and is now in .45 ACP and requires moon clips or .45 Auto Rim. The original military grips are gone, replaced with S&W walnut diamond grips. Big heavy gun, but fun to shoot.
Sounds like it’s had an interesting history…..imagine if you could see what it has seen. Amazing, this hobby. It’s having a relaxing retirement now having that kind of fun with you.
45s remind me of little blimps.
"Don't make me get the blimps!"
I always say.
They do look like blimps…..I cannot deny.
I learned a lot today! Thanks!
Nice! Thanks for tuning in!
When You Combine All That and You Have Awesome 😊❤️❤️😊
Thanks.
In 1917: "let's make the S&W tactical!"
MoonClip Designer: "Hold my Beer!"
In 1918: Colt “Why didn’t we think of that?”
Smith & Wesson: “Don’t worry, you can use it.....just supply us with beer.”
You can find new polymer moon clips that don't require a special tool to remove the cases. Its worth it.
Would get something like that for a newer production revolver.....I see EZ makes them for Ruger and Taurus revolvers, but for an old historical guy like this I’m sticking with the steel. I actually like how a tool is needed to get them detached....they can knock around and stay together nicely.
There was a gunsmith in the 50’s ,60’s who would modify the frame,lengthen the cylinder to chamber .410 shotgun shells and cut the barrels down to the ejector rod. The shotgun shells show no rifling to match to the 1917 so this was known as “North Jersey Hitters” hint hint
That sounds like something for the video game Borderlands.
Don’t know anything about video games but my son might.
All I can say is TK dose some extremely slick stuff will revolvers. I want to send them my Sectury six cylinder. Or buy another Sectury six cylinder and have them do their magic.
What would they do to it?
Why not just say 455 instead of 4.5.5..lol
What DID I say? Who knows.