S&W 1917 - My first ever gun

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:45 pm

Well, I ordered one of Shorty's FBI .38 airsofts. Between the time I ordered it and the time I received it, I saw this beauty at a gun shop for a ridiculously low price. I can only justify the low price for two reasons. The back of the hammer, you can see, if broken off. This makes single action firing near impossible, but double action is not affected. Also, since the gun is so old (I still haven't figure out just how old it is yet), the rifling in the barrel is quite worn down, but I didn't get this gun for home defense. I got it as a collector's piece and for the occasional afternoon at the firing range. I shot a box of ammo off with two of my friends as soon as I got it. It's a great gun to shoot, and on top of all that, it screams "Indiana Jones!"

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:33 am

Sweet! You could probably have the hammer replaced. But I'd seriously take it to a qualified gunsmith to look it over before shooting with it anymore, just in case. Especially due to the age and condition of the gun, it's best to play it safe than sorry. Still, I love the patina!

sithspawn · Post by **sithspawn** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 5:45 pm

The hammer can be easily replaced. Try Numrick Gun Parts. They always have parts for the 1917's. You are so lucky you got the correct grips. Still looking to replace my vintage medallion grips for the correct style ones.

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 2:36 am

Beware! One purchase will lead to another! "Hmm. That's a nice lookin' Webley,
but I really like that P-38....." Great pistol you've got. I'll parrot what my fellow
members have said - get a new hammer ( because you'll be itchin' to cock it by
hand sooner or later ), and have it checked out thoroughly by a good gunsmith
for general safety, worn parts, etc.

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:16 pm

As much as everyone talks about distressing their gear, I think this is one piece that needs to be care for and maintained. I stripped the gun and reblued it. Now all I need is a couple of parts for the gun, and a competent gunsmith.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/ ... C01431.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/ ... C01429.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/ ... C01430.jpg

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 2:36 am

Looks great!

Did you use cold blue?

ryan_289 · Post by **ryan_289** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:02 am

rebluing a gun can hurt its value. However I have altered guns I dont intend to sell as well. It looks good. I have a mid 20's military/police model that I have chosen to leave in the patina look.

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:49 am

I actually didn't know it could hurt the value of the gun. Not that I care - It'll work just as well, and I'm keeping it anyway. I had a very limited selection of blue available. In the entire city, there was one tube of Birchwood Casey Perma Blue paste. In the mean time, I'm just waiting for the new parts to arrive. Speaking of... I'm off to the gunsmith.

191145 · Post by **191145** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:25 pm

I tell you what, that's a pretty smooth job for cold blue at home. Of course, you don't want ANYTHING in your IJ stuff to look that good!

Brody: Great find! I think it looks perfect. The additional weight of a complete hammer will also help with more reliable firing. You should be able to find one quickly.

hocfutue · Post by **hocfutue** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:44 am

For a replacement hammer, check with

http://www.e-gunparts.com/
http://www.gun-parts.com/index.html

I've had good luck with them in the past finding most everything I've needed for repairs and refurbishing.[/url]

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:12 am

Very nice!!

NIBS