Was Indy's gun an S & M .45 or .44?

'Ohio' Erick · Post by **'Ohio' Erick** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:49 pm

I found these two pictures of a Smith & Wesson 44 Hand Ejector - 2nd Model (top) and the Smith & Wesson Commercial Model 1917 .45 ACP (bottom) on the Internet at http://www.juliaauctions.com/firearms/3-03/catalog/. The similarity between the two is unbelievably close. How sure are we that Indy's revolver wasn't actually a .44 Hand Ejector (2nd model)?

Warm Regards,

Erick

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:59 pm

REAL SURE!!! The guns for the trilogy were well documented. They either came from Bapty in London or Syd Stembridge. Our own Lee Keppler actually went to Stembridge and actually fired the Raiders gun. You should check out the gun faq on the main Indygear website:
http://www.indygear.com/faq/gunsfaq.shtml

-Sergei
p.s. Other mods please add anything else I missed.

'Ohio' Erick · Post by **'Ohio' Erick** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:10 pm

Sergei,

Sorry!

I must have missed that faqs sheet. Still, the similarity is incredible. Wouldn't you agree?

Has anyone here ever owned or fired one of the .44's?

Warm Regards,

Erick

IndyMac · Post by **IndyMac** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 9:21 am

The 2nd Model Hand Ejector is basically the civilian version of the 1917. The gun is on the same frame and all parts interchange.
The .44 Special is an excellent round, accurate in good guns, soft recoiling in factory loadings, and very versatile if hand loaded. I have a 3rd model Smith in .44 and would't part with it for anything.

'Ohio' Erick · Post by **'Ohio' Erick** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:27 pm

IndyMac,

Do you know if the .44 is an easier, less expensive model than the 1917 .45 ACP to get a hold of, about the same, or harder & more expensive?

IndyMac · Post by **IndyMac** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:52 pm

There were approximately 17,510 2nd Models made and 163,476 1917s, so the 1917 is easier to locate. 2nd Models are generally more expensive but you might find a bargain and also might locate a 2nd with a 4in. barrel which could save a trip to the gunsmith to make it more indyish.

Peacock's Eye · Post by **Peacock's Eye** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:43 am

I have seen 2nd Model .44 H.E.'s for as little as $300 and as much as $650 at gun shows, depending on condition. Shooting a .44 Special revolver is similar to shooting a .45 ACP revolver, because the ballistics are similar.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:19 am

I love the picture of the 1917. Those grips are very attractive.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:56 am

They're dead ringers for each other, Eric. Personally I prefer the .44 special round myself. Regards. Michaelson

'Ohio' Erick · Post by **'Ohio' Erick** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:42 pm

They really are very handsome pistols. Personally, I can't decide which grips I like better - the ones on the .44 or the ones on the .45. That 1917 is the one I am trying to purchase right now. Someone else is currently reviewing it and if they pass on it then I get it. I'm "holding my breath" & hoping they don't buy it, but I hope they reach a decision soon because my lungs are starting to hurt (y'know, being a smoker & all).

Warm Regards,

Erick

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:33 pm

I'll just add that those grips are rare and highly sought after. Good luck on it.

'Ohio' Erick · Post by **'Ohio' Erick** » Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:56 pm

I'll just add that those grips are rare and highly sought after.

Really? Please forgive my ignorance here, but...why?

Warm Regards,

Erick

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Feb 11, 2004 12:25 am

They are missing the S&W medallion from them. You see the Medallion version (Gold & Silver) and the Military version (non-checkered wood) at most of the gun shows and guns for sale.

Very rarely have i seen a checkered grip missing the medallion.
The Smith & Wesson .45 ACP seems to have these grips.

RonC · Post by **RonC** » Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:15 am

Pyro, et al: The "non-medallion" S&W grips are from commercial models of S&W revolvers in the 1920's, I do believe. I have seen them on S&W Commercial model .45s as well as .38's from the same period.