Version User Scope of changes
Mar 18 2011, 12:05 AM EDT (current) chitoryu12 424 words added, 188 words deleted, 2 photos added, 1 photo deleted
Mar 17 2011, 11:25 PM EDT chitoryu12 182 words added, 51 words deleted

Changes

Key:  Additions   Deletions
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:
 XX.45 ACP
.45 Auto Rim
Action:
 XXDouble/single action
Muzzle Velocity:
 XX760 ft/s (XX( 231.7 m/s).m/s)
Effective Range:
 XXX50 yd (XXX(45 m).
Feed System:
 DesignSwing-out +cylinder. Capacity.6
Sights:
 IfFront blade, rear applicable.notch.
Geenral Page Seperator.
Where to find

WhereProduction tohas findbeen theended gun;for howmany commondecades, isbut itthey incan stores,still averagebe found priceas range,a userssurplus (military,weapon police,for andabout civilian.)$300.


Geenral Page Seperator.
Complexity

HowWhile the revolver difficultitself is ita good, solid design, it's best to useget thissome gun?moon Discussclips anyor complexhalf-moon mechanisms,clips averageif reliability,.45 anyAuto particularRim problemscartridges (firingaren't pinsavailable oftenin breaking,large fornumbers. example),Without difficultya usingclip, (controls,.45 unusuallyACP heavyrounds triggercan pull,only etc.) Controls Listbe allextracted controlsby inshoving athem bulletout pointthrough format,the withfront theirof locationthe andcylinder howwith toa manipulatepencil, them;punch, whator doessimilar what,object. basically.Early Examplemodel below. Safety:Colts Locatedhave onno bothshoulder sidesmachined ofinto the receivercylinder, behindwhich risks the trigger;rounds pushslipping upforward forin SAFE,the downcylinder forand FIRE.being unfireable.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Controls

  • MagazineCylinder release:latch: Located behind the triggercylinder on the left side.
  • BoltHammer: release: Located above the magazine on the upper receiver on the left side; press in torear closeof the bolt.gun.
  • ChargingEjector handle:rod: Located on the right sidefront of the upper receiver.cylinder.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Loading

Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
    Step 1 StepCannot 2 Stepbe 3done.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

  1. StepPoint the weapon in a safe direction. 1Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. StepPush the cylinder catch and push the cylinder to the left with your fingers 2from the right side.
  3. StepTake the appropriate number of cartridges and push them all the way into the chambers in the cylinder.
  4. Push the 3cylinder 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. StepPoint the weapon in a 1safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. StepPush the cylinder catch and push 2the cylinder to the left with your fingers from the right side.
  3. StepTake 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 3at the top and push it closed, leaving the hammer resting on an empty chamber.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Unloading

How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
  1. StepPoint the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally 1discharges!
  2. StepPush the cylinder catch and push the cylinder to the left with your fingers from the 2right side.
  3. StepPush 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 3the cylinder.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Field Stripping

How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list. Step 1 Step 2 StepThe 3ReverseM1917 toand reassemble.Model (Editor's22 note:can ifboth therebe arecleaned extrawithout stepsdisassembly beyondand merelyshould performingbe thetaken aboveto backwards,a listtrained themgunsmith in anothercase numberedof list.)disassembly.