Converting a Smith & Wesson 1917

[bigskyvideo]

I have always loved the "Bapty" .455 but couldn't afford the HE 2nd Models I found. I picked up this very nice 1917 that I would like to adapt as closely as possible to the coveted HE2. My biggest questions are whether the checkered grips from an HE2 will fit the 1917, (I'm assuming they will AND that I will find some for sale) and, where to find a baughman style ramp sight for my gunsmith to install after he cuts the barrel to four inches. The thing I like about using the 1917 is that I will actually be able to shoot it inexpensively with .45acp or auto rim. I would love some guidance because these are too expensive to screw up. I have a whip that I got from Glenn Randall, and I really want to add the revolver and an FN Hi Power to make the world's coolest shadow box for my office.

Here's what I have to work with:



I value all of the things I've learned as a lurker here over the years and I appreciate any input you may have.

Thanks,

Chip

[Oildale Jones]

I hate you already, Chip.

I'd save a search on gunbroker.com and start scouring the parts sites. Congrats and welcome!

[bigskyvideo]

Finding that gun was a total blessing. We barter video production for guns and ammo with a really nice local gun shop and I hadn't been in there for weeks. I decided to stop in at the last minute and someone had traded this in just hours before. The best part is that no actual cash had to exchange hands so I've got a little to play with on the modification. Do you know if all of the HE2 and 1917 checkered grips are interchangeable? I'd hate to spend big money on original grips and have them not fit the gun. Also, I haven't found any places that sell older style ramp sights but I'll stay on the quest.

Thanks for the reply and kind welcome.

[Oildale Jones]

Based on pictures of the original prop gun, which appears to have had its grips switched some time after the movie, I'd venture a cautious "yes" on the interchangeability. However, I'm sure one (or more) of the many members who are far more knowledgable than I will drop in shortly.

[Indiana Bond]

Do you know if all of the HE2 and 1917 checkered grips are interchangeable?

bigskyvideo,

Yes the grips are interchangeable. I suggest you keep an eye on my upcomming posts in the next week. I will be sharing something with everyone that will be of immense help to what you are trying to do. You may also want to check out my various posts here in the Gun section so that you will see were I'm comming from. Also search for "Bapty" as you will find a lot of info.

You may want to consider keeping it in it's original form as many of us here have done with the ones we own. You can purchase a longer 5 1/2 inch Indy holster from many of the various holster makers here on COW. If you do want to make the conversion I would suggest finding a replacement barrel to cut down to 4 inches and keep your original barrel as is. You have a very fine specimen there and by keeping the original barrel you can always convert it back to original thus not losing out on it's potential future value. This is what most of us here also have done.

Like I said though, keep an eye on my upcomming post!

Stay tuned my friend!

[bigskyvideo]

I'm not very savvy with forums so I'm not sure how to follow your posts. Is there a way to "subscribe" to your posts?

[Indiana Bond]

I'm not very savvy with forums so I'm not sure how to follow your posts. Is there a way to "subscribe" to your posts?

Not sure if you can "subscribe" to a members posts, but you can "subscribe" to a thread. I also PM'd you some additional info.

[Indiana Bond]

Here is the link to my Bapty conversion thread:

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=57568" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Trebor]

Bigsky video,

check your PM's

Rob

[M1917]

If you have an original U.S. M1917 that's in good shape, I'd leave it as is. With the upcoming 100th anniversary of WWI, there's getting harder to find and more expensive. I did a Stembridge conversion on a Brazillian Navy M1917. Any comptent gunsmith can cut the barrel and recrown it for you. The military grips are a one-to-one swap for the checkered civilian grips. Hope it helps.
R/S
Fritz