My new addition to my 'gun' collection - S&W M1917

[bearbeast]

I cannot own firearms in my country so airsoft replicas is the best I can do. So for a while I've been interested in getting Indy gun replicas.

I got a Webley around two years ago, a nice Colt 1911 a year ago (not screen used, we all now why... ) and now I wanted a S&W M1917. I discovered the Tanaka replicas, but the airsoft version didn't appeal to me as the bullets could not be removed. I investigated a bit further and saw that Tanaka also makes a 'model-gun' version. But of course all models were unavailable/discontinued...

Finally I found one site that had in stock the Tanaka S&W M1917 British Army version. This is not exactly the Indy version, the barrel is too long and the sights not accurate, but it was good enough for me.

The plastic is nice, but unfortunately the replica is very light. It only weighs around 400 grams without the "bullets". The bullets themselves add to the actual weight about 150-200 grams.

The bullets are the nicest part of the whole thing: sturdy brass bullets quite heavy and nice. Amazing for taking pictures and playing around with.

The markings are also very nice. And the double-action is very crisp and incredibly precise.

Here are some pics:











You can see an album with more pictures here:

https://imgur.com/a/Qx2tRW0

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers,
Bear

[Glenville86]

Nice replica!

Glad I live where I can purchase and collect functional ones.

[NicholasDrake]

Looks great

[bearbeast]

Nice replica!

Glad I live where I can purchase and collect functional ones.

Thanks! Wish they'd loosen the laws in my country in that direction... But for now I settle for airsoft and model-gun replicas.

[bearbeast]

Looks great

Thank you!

[Wotalark]

Looks great Bear!

Did you know the Tanakas buff up well, as the plastic resin contains metal particles. Don't know how brave you feel but I have seen these buffed up and they come up with a gunmetally look.

[bearbeast]

Looks great Bear!

Did you know the Tanakas buff up well, as the plastic resin contains metal particles. Don't know how brave you feel but I have seen these buffed up and they come up with a gunmetally look.

Thank you, Wotalark! I don't think I am brave enough to age it... It was quite an expense compared to my income....

But it does have a nice matte finish which looks as it will age well, though...

Cheers,
Bear

[Wotalark]

Fully understand Bear. I don't think I'd be that brave either, unless I had one I could afford to experiment with. You might find it naturally wears on the contact points and weathers down naturally once you get it into a holster.

Be interested to see how it turns out.

Is it a plugfire cap gun ?

[Indiana Jeff]

That's a nice replica and if you don't mind mixing movies too much, should fit very well in a webley holster.

Or I think Make it Jones has made custom Raider's style holsters to fit longer barrels.

You likely won't mind the lighter weight if you carry it around for a day of cosplay.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Nosirrah]

That's a nice replica and if you don't mind mixing movies too much, should fit very well in a Webley holster.

Check out the Webley holster for the CO2 replica at Pyramydair:
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Webley_M ... istol/7978
Currently out of stock, but taking pre-orders.

[bearbeast]

Fully understand Bear. I don't think I'd be that brave either, unless I had one I could afford to experiment with. You might find it naturally wears on the contact points and weathers down naturally once you get it into a holster.

Be interested to see how it turns out.

Is it a plugfire cap gun ?

It already seems to be getting nice 'wear' marks from me playing with it. The plastic does indeed seem to have some metal powder mixed into it. Just wish it was a bit heavier... I might add some weights into the handle....

And, yep, it is a plugfire cap gun! It is quite fun and I had never expected such small charges to be that loud...

Cheers!

[bearbeast]

That's a nice replica and if you don't mind mixing movies too much, should fit very well in a webley holster.

Or I think Make it Jones has made custom Raider's style holsters to fit longer barrels.

You likely won't mind the lighter weight if you carry it around for a day of cosplay.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Thanks, Indiana Jeff! It actually fits perfectly into my Webley holster. They seem to be "size-brothers".

And I definitely do not mind mixing movies, or pieces of gear, at all! Always enjoy putting my touch and taste onto my Indy-gear!

[bearbeast]

That's a nice replica and if you don't mind mixing movies too much, should fit very well in a Webley holster.

Check out the Webley holster for the CO2 replica at Pyramydair:
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Webley_M ... istol/7978
Currently out of stock, but taking pre-orders.

That was the holster model which inspired my Indy - Webley holster:

https://imgur.com/gallery/mLIn7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers,
Bear

[gbrandwood]

This is nice to see. I've just ordered a similar Tanaka (4" version) and I'm also in the UK, so waiting patiently to see if it lands. But assuming it does, if it looks half as good as yours, I'll be very happy indeed

[bearbeast]

This is nice to see. I've just ordered a similar Tanaka (4" version) and I'm also in the UK, so waiting patiently to see if it lands. But assuming it does, if it looks half as good as yours, I'll be very happy indeed

I really hope you enjoy it. It's very well made overall, but I ended up selling mine... It really looked the part, but it was too lightweight. It was almost half the weight of my airsoft Webley...