M1917 Colt--45ACP in a WW1 Revolver

[@kevincollier4147]

Okay, kind of lengthy here, but I own several of these and the 1917 S&Ws and a WW1 1911. First, take the grips off the Colt 1917 and soak the whole gun in mineral spirits for a weekend. Remove the side plate and scrub the hardened grease out of it. This would be a good time to install a new set of Wolff springs and it should be MUCH better behaved. Wolff also makes a great spring pack for your 1911, I regularly shoot my 1917 built 1911. The halfmoon clips were primarily used so that the ejector star could have something to catch on so the rounds could be emptied using the ejector. S&W cut their chambers so that loose rounds would actually have a shoulder that the cartridge would catch on, so if no moonclips were available the gun could still be used. Colt did not do this at first, allowing loose rounds to fall all the way through the cylinder, the later produced Colts also had the shoulder cut into the cylinder. If using the gun without the moonclips you would have to pry fired cases out with your fingernails or use a pencil to poke them out, but it was better than nothing. After the war, the Colts were the ones the Army Ordnance would rebuild as the barrel did not have the ejector lug that S&W had on theirs so the barrels were much easier to space properly. And yes, they would have been Parkerized when re-arsenalled. Both the S&W and Colts sights were regulated for 230 grain FMJ at 25 yards. Both guns also have shallower rifling than their counterparts firing civilian rounds so reloading requires a larger diameter cast lead bullet if not using FMJ. The S&W 1917s were not built on the TripleLock action as it had already been discontinued due to the British orders in 1915 that the Triple Lock was too finely fitted for the trenches. So the 2nd Model was used, losing the 3rd lock and the enclosure of the ejector rod.

[@triplefshooting]

Thanks very much for all the info it's greatly appreciated! I did own a S&W Brazilian contract for a time and shooting without the moon clips was interesting and is definitely better than no gun in a severe pinch. I didn't realize the Colts were the ones to get rebuilt due to the lack of an ejector lug either.

[@ryanloveless5653]

I love the fact that there’s a gun tuber at my home range lol

[@Helm-w1q]

To lighten the trigger pull on these old war horses, change out the main spring with a main spring from a python. Springs are the same size, lighter tension. Primers were made of thicher metal back during WW1. The hammer needed a stonger hit. Also change out all the springs. They have been in your gun for a 100 yesrs. Springs and parts can be had from Jack First.good people.😢

[@triplefshooting]

Thanks very much for the info!

[@Rustebadge]

Combat firearms do not to have lighter trigger pulls, sir.

[@alligatorhorse]

They all have a heavy trigger pull. I have a 1909 in 45 LC, a 1917 in 45 ACP and a New Service (Made in 1920) chambered in 44-40 ... The trigger pull and cocking the hammer manually is identical in all three.

[@triplefshooting]

No kidding. I've had 2 new service pistols in 45 colt, both civilian production, and they have much nicer triggers

[@alligatorhorse]

@@triplefshooting Out of curiosity I checked all 3 of my revolvers and the 44-40 New Service is a bit lighter and smoother than the 1909 and the 1917. The finish on the 1920 revolver is also much nicer. My favorite revolvers.

[@triplefshooting]

@@alligatorhorse I love mine as well. Wish I could have found it in better condition but now I don't feel bad to shoot it

[@Helm-w1q]

@@triplefshooting shoot it anyways and enjoy. Let the next guy wish he would have got it in better shape. They where made to shoot

[@triplefshooting]

@user-ho4nw5sf3w collecting guns is kind of strange that way. Some people won't shoot them, others will piss on them and leave them out in the rain lol. To each their own I guess

[@christopherfranklin972]

Enjoyed it,especially your shooting which was very good! Have you tried a Smith & Wesson M1917?

[@triplefshooting]

Thanks! I have but only in the Brazilian contract model. It had a fairly terrible trigger if I remember it right

[@christopherfranklin972]

@@triplefshooting Interesting ..... only there used to be an old adage 'Colt for auto's (J M Browning designs) and S&W for revolvers'. S&W triggers and ergonomics were generally considered superior to Colt in the case of d/a revolvers and easier to 'adjust' by trimming the trigger return spring and easing the mainspring tension a tad. Personal preference,no slur intended!

[@triplefshooting]

@christopherfranklin972 I don't disagree! The S&W revolvers I own are wonderful. I have the sickness of wanting them all, so I end up enjoying them all for their own little details.

[@katana258]

45 auto rim rounds

[@oolooo]

Superior New Service Frame

[@triplefshooting]

The older frame is a bit strange looking

[@derricklandrum3513]

Not for headspace! It was for extraction!

[@MigueAngelAstra]

Son espectaculares los 2 en 45 acp verdaderas joyas. Pero 7 en la pistola con el riesgo de que una puede encasquillar y 6 en el revólver con clips. Los 2 se recargan muy rápido prefiero el revólver.. 👍👍👍👍👍🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷