M1917 revolverThis is a featured page

Smith & Wesson M1917 revolverModel: Colt/Smith & Wesson M1917
The confusing name of this weapon that you see above is because the revolver was produced by both manufacturers during World War I. The M1917 was created to solve the problem of low supplies of the M1911 semi-automatic pistol during the war. As an interim solution the government asked Colt and S&W to adapt their heavy-frame commercial revolvers to .45 ACP. While both revolvers were made from different models by different companies, they look almost indistinguishable and are essentially the same gun when it comes to working them. The Colt revolver was based on the M1909 in .45 Colt, while the S&W revolver was based on their Second Model .44 Hand Ejector. While production ceased in 1920 the revolver saw service all the way until about 1954. Today Smith & Wesson produces the Model 22, essentially a modernized version.

The only real difference between the revolvers was that the S&W design always had a shoulder machined into the cylinder to allow for the rimless rounds to be fired without a moon clip, while early Colt models had a problem with them slipping forward away from the firing pin. To make up for the fact that moon clips were not always available to ease extraction, the .45 Auto Rim cartridge was created to allow for the extractor rod to work properly without needing moon clips; .45 Auto Rim is essentially a rimmed .45 ACP round.



Specifications:
Weight:
 2.5lb (1.1kg) (Colt)
2.25lb (1kg) (S&W)
Length:
 10.8in (274mm)
Barrel Length:
5.5in (140mm)
Cartridge:
 .45 ACP
.45 Auto Rim
Action:
 Double/single action
Muzzle Velocity:
 760 ft/s ( 231.7 m/s)
Effective Range:
 50 yd (45 m).
Feed System:
 Swing-out cylinder. 6
Sights:
 Front blade, rear notch.
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Where to find

Production has been ended for many decades, but they can still be found as a surplus weapon for about $300.


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Complexity

While the revolver itself is a good, solid design, it's best to get some moon clips or half-moon clips if .45 Auto Rim cartridges aren't available in large numbers. Without a clip, .45 ACP rounds can only be extracted by shoving them out through the front of the cylinder with a pencil, punch, or similar object. Early model Colts have no shoulder machined into the cylinder, which risks the rounds slipping forward in the cylinder and being unfireable.
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Controls

  • Cylinder latch: Located behind the cylinder on the left side.
  • Hammer: Located on the rear of the gun.
  • Ejector rod: Located on the front of the cylinder.

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Loading

Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
    Cannot be done.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the cylinder catch and push the cylinder to the left with your fingers from the right side.
  3. Take the appropriate number of cartridges and push them all the way into the chambers in the cylinder.
  4. Push the cylinder shut.

Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
This is not a true "Condition Three" but it works essentially the same.
  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the cylinder catch and push the cylinder to the left with your fingers from the right side.
  3. Take the appropriate number of cartridges and push them all the way into the chambers in the cylinder, leaving one chamber empty.
  4. Rotate the cylinder so that the empty chamber is at the top and push it closed, leaving the hammer resting on an empty chamber.

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Unloading

How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the cylinder catch and push the cylinder to the left with your fingers from the right side.
  3. Push down firmly on the ejector rod on the end of the cylinder with the barrel pointed up to push the rounds out of the cylinder.
  4. Check the cylinder for any ammunition remaining.
  5. Close the cylinder.

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Field Stripping

The M1917 and Model 22 can both be cleaned without disassembly and should be taken to a trained gunsmith in case of disassembly.



chitoryu12
chitoryu12 		Latest page update: made by chitoryu12 , Mar 18 2011, 12:05 AM EDT (about this update About This Update chitoryu12 Edited by chitoryu12

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Keyword tags: colt firearm gun handgun m1917 pistol revolver S&W smith smith & wesson weapon wesson world war 1 world war I ww1
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