Club Obi Wan

lostinperiphery wrote:

modernindy wrote:

lostinperiphery wrote:I’ve posted elsewhere, but clearly this belongs here too

That has to be THE best looking Indy gun I have ever come across! And amazing photos do it justice!

Thanks! It was definitely a labor of love, and I wound up putting far more attention to detail into it than I originally intended when I started down this road hahaha. But four m1917’s later, here we are. Haha.


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4?! What happened to the other 3?

First was a 1917 commercial that was too nice to ruin its collectible nature. Second was a US army m1917 with a barrel swapped in from a 1950, but it shot too well. Third was a Brazilian, but the action was too worn.

Fourth one was the perfect Hand Ejector II, the exact model used in Raiders. But it’d previously been converted to 45acp, which both ruined its collectible relevance while also making it more appealing as a practical shooter! It was cosmetically worn very much like the original, but the action was still nice. Just the perfect host for what I had in mind.

The Brazilian I cut down and installed a sight as a “practice run” before attempting the HE2. I’m trading it to someone for a ‘roo whip! The US Army and Commercial I still have, and plan to keep at least for a while.


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lostinperiphery wrote:First was a 1917 commercial that was too nice to ruin its collectible nature. Second was a US army m1917 with a barrel swapped in from a 1950, but it shot too well. Third was a Brazilian, but the action was too worn.

Fourth one was the perfect Hand Ejector II, the exact model used in Raiders. But it’d previously been converted to 45acp, which both ruined its collectible relevance while also making it more appealing as a practical shooter! It was cosmetically worn very much like the original, but the action was still nice. Just the perfect host for what I had in mind.

The Brazilian I cut down and installed a sight as a “practice run” before attempting the HE2. I’m trading it to someone for a ‘roo whip! The US Army and Commercial I still have, and plan to keep at least for a while.


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Any chance you could do a photo shoot for all 3, really highlight the differences?

modernindy wrote:
Any chance you could do a photo shoot for all 3, really highlight the differences?

Here’s all 4 before I began any modifications to them.



From top to bottom:
M1917 commercial: A few army markings indicate the receiver was built for the US Army contract, but at the end of the war, was bought back by S&W and completed as a commercial gun. It has the “stembridge” style grips with no medallion.

1937 Brazilian Contract m1917: manufactured in 19137 under contract for the Brazilian army. It had a few minor differences. The trigger is serrated instead of smooth, the rear sight notch is square instead of semi circular, and it has the Brazilian crest stamped on the right side of the frame. Grips have a silver medallion instead of brass. Also, the finish, while rather worn on this one, is a dullish parkerized instead of the shinier blueing of the others.

US army m1917: produced for our troops during WWI, as Colt was having trouble supplying enough m1911’s. This one originally had smooth, uncheckered grips, but I had sourced these brass medallion grips when planning to use this as the Indy gun. This particular gun had also had its original barrel replaced by one from a model 1950.

.455 Hand Ejector 2: while the others were all chambered in .45acp, this was originally chambered in .455 webley. This one was once converted to 45acp, by shaving a few ten-thousandths off the back of the cylinder to accommodate 45acp moonclips. Unlike the other 3 which have 5.5” barrels, the HE2’s had a comically long 6.5” barrel. It is also the only one to feature the large S&W logo prominently displayed on the right side of the frame (where the Brazilian crest is on the 1937). A few other small British proof marks adorn the frame in a few spots.




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I no longer have the Brazilian, but here they are again, from both sides. I threw in .38 model 10, as it’s a popular “close enough” revolver. It certainly looks the part, however, the difference in size between the N frame m1917’s and the K frame model 10 is MUCH more apparent in person than it is in a photo.

Top to bottom: Commercial m1917, US Army m1917, Hand Ejector 2 (Bapty mod), .38 model 10





.38 K frame on the left .45 N frame on the right. In the hand the difference feels like a Ford Ranger vs an F350. Haha.


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Man, those are some NICE looking guns you have there! Thanks for the pics. Have you / do you shoot any of them? Curious to know which one wins in the accuracy department!

Nice collection lostinperiphery !! I have a WWI HE2 .455 shaved cylinder to .45 ACP as well. I can't cut this beauty down to a 4" as it served at the Somme in 1915 but I did have a Raider holster made for it. Thank you for showing the differences in the fames between a K frame and an N frame in these revolvers.. there is a difference ( no harm or opinion on those that prefer either or). Thank you for sharing.

modernindy wrote:Man, those are some NICE looking guns you have there! Thanks for the pics. Have you / do you shoot any of them? Curious to know which one wins in the accuracy department!

I've shot each of them, the US Army with its 1950 barrel shoots the best of all of them. I originally planned to use it as my Indy conversion, but it shot so well, I couldn't bring myself to cut it haha.

Because the screen accurate dimensions of the Bapty sight are about .100" shorter than the factory sight, the HE2 shoots about 9" high at 10 yards, unfortunately. It's still fun though

I can't cut this beauty down to a 4" as it served at the Somme in 1915 but I did have a Raider holster made for it.

I had major hesitations about cutting any historical gun, and so finding one that'd already been modified in someway became a driving criteria during my hunt. I'm not sure the specific history on my HE2, but the fact the cylinder had already been cut helped ease my conscience into modifying it further. Even still, it did feel strange taking a bandsaw to it...

The S&W and Colts that went overseas to Britain/Europe/Allies ( lend lease) whether in .45LC or .455 did see machining ( cutting the cylinder down) so these revolvers could fire .45ACP ( with half moon clips three to side/two clips to a full cylinder) which was in abundance for manufacturing in the US for the Colt 1911 Automatic but Colt/Manufacturers could not produce the guns fast or materials to make enough so they incorporated this idea. My HE2's cylinder was cut down back in the day, your revolver could've had the same mods done for the same reason, you don't know. Run your serial number and see what it says, mine was slightly easier as I had my serial # and an inscription on the side plate that the officer had personally inscribed. Just saying, not judging by any means.

micsteam wrote:The S&W and Colts that went overseas to Britain/Europe/Allies ( lend lease) whether in .45LC or .455 did see machining ( cutting the cylinder down) so these revolvers could fire .45ACP ( with half moon clips three to side/two clips to a full cylinder) which was in abundance for manufacturing in the US for the Colt 1911 Automatic but Colt/Manufacturers could not produce the guns fast or materials to make enough so they incorporated this idea. My HE2's cylinder was cut down back in the day, your revolver could've had the same mods done for the same reason, you don't know. Run your serial number and see what it says, mine was slightly easier as I had my serial # and an inscription on the side plate that the officer had personally inscribed. Just saying, not judging by any means.

No kidding? I assumed they made the 45acp m1917's take up the slack from Colt, and that the .455's used in the war stayed .455's, and only got converted by civilians after the war. I'll try to look up the serial number, do you have a reference? The book I've always used to date S&W by SN is particularly vague during those early years...

I FINALLY replaced the spring and plunger in the frame. After 5 years owning it I’ll be shooting it for the first time here soon.

Walther P38 numbers matching (minus a plunger, spring, and magazine). No import marks.

For the occasion I dug around in my “Indy stuff pile” and pulled out the helmet. If only I could find the keys to Michaelson’s motorcycle....

I also recently put my Mauser into a new stock, as the old Russian-capture one was a little dry and brittle. This stock is a repro. In addition to the stock I replaced the extractor, as it had a crack. If anyone is wondering, for old parts check out Numrich Gun Parts online.


So, anyone else have any Indy gun news or the like?






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Merry Christmas, Chris! Glad to see you enjoying those great war trophies.

Recently picked up another surplus M1 Carbine. Found a reasonable deal on an arsenal-rebuilt Inland and since surplus guns aren't getting any cheaper, now was as good a time as any. No pic to post at the moment, will update when I have one.

For those unaware, part of the the M1 Carbine's intriguing history includes it's diverse manufacturers, to include the Inland division of General Motors, IBM, the Underwood typewriter company, the National Postal Meter company, and the Rock-Ola jukebox company.

Speaking of prices, I thought you and other surplus aficionados might find this vid interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhBccRHeMmw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I chose a Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 Special as my first "real" Indy-style handgun.

Yeah, I know it's only a .38, but .38 was good enough for military and law enforcement use for over 80 years. And I know it's only a Model 10, but the Model 10 has been in continuous production since 1899 with only limited changes, so it is a proven, dependable, classic design.

And worst of all, I know it's a new Model 10 (10-14 for those of you who wonder about such things), not an authentically old Victory Model or Hand Ejector or M&P; but I needed this revolver for practical as well as collecting and costuming reasons (too many rattlesnakes already this year), so I did not want to run the risk of investing in one that may have been tinkered with by amateur gunsmiths over the years. Even a glance at firearms websites reveals that pretty much everyone who purchases a firearm seems to have a compulsive need to change out grips, to "do some trigger work," and do all manner of tweaking and adjusting and "improving"... before turning around and selling or trading it. I did not want to run that risk.

Yeah, the new Model 10 has a heavier barrel than the 1930s version, and a smaller, squared-off front sight. While I have not found a photo of one, I have read that altering the barrels on the Model 10 .38 Special was common over the years, and that heavy-barrel modifications were sometimes done even in the early years, so while the heavy barrel design may not be "period accurate," it is at least "period plausible."

Besides, Indy's revolver features a modified barrel.

So for my purposes, close enough is good enough. Nobody other than a "firearms aficionado" (or a "gun nut") is gonna know the difference, and I'll feel secure firing it without having to worry about "trigger mods" or any other questionable or potentially unsafe alterations.

Plus, it looks pretty darn cool in this repro WWII era holster. Fits nicely in the canvas Webley holster as well.

Looks like you made a practical and function choice that meets your needs while adding a flourish of style perfect for any number of rugged peril adventures.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

The .38 is a good choice for the 1930'3 hero or for 2020's needs.
Although not as big as the .45 N frame, the vintage K-frame is still a peach..

Nice! One of these days, when I'm a little more knowledgeable, I'd like to get a nice vintage .38 with the lanyard loop.

KramStaar wrote:The .38 is a good choice for the 1930'3 hero or for 2020's needs.
Although not as big as the .45 N frame, the vintage K-frame is still a peach..

That looks amazing. The patina and wear on it...WOW!

This my 9-year-old Tanaka Smith & Wesson from Todd's Costumes. I sanded off the original finish and tried to blue the metal plating years ago. I just recently took some acrylic paint to it with a dry brush method. I really like the outcome.

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Wow, great job with that Todd's S&W. I'm on the fence with getting one and seeing how well you dressed yours up is making it more tempting to me.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

davidd wrote:

I chose a Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 Special as my first "real" Indy-style handgun.

Yeah, I know it's only a .38, but .38 was good enough for military and law enforcement use for over 80 years. And I know it's only a Model 10, but the Model 10 has been in continuous production since 1899 with only limited changes, so it is a proven, dependable, classic design.

And worst of all, I know it's a new Model 10 (10-14 for those of you who wonder about such things), not an authentically old Victory Model or Hand Ejector or M&P; but I needed this revolver for practical as well as collecting and costuming reasons (too many rattlesnakes already this year), so I did not want to run the risk of investing in one that may have been tinkered with by amateur gunsmiths over the years. Even a glance at firearms websites reveals that pretty much everyone who purchases a firearm seems to have a compulsive need to change out grips, to "do some trigger work," and do all manner of tweaking and adjusting and "improving"... before turning around and selling or trading it. I did not want to run that risk.

Yeah, the new Model 10 has a heavier barrel than the 1930s version, and a smaller, squared-off front sight. While I have not found a photo of one, I have read that altering the barrels on the Model 10 .38 Special was common over the years, and that heavy-barrel modifications were sometimes done even in the early years, so while the heavy barrel design may not be "period accurate," it is at least "period plausible."

Besides, Indy's revolver features a modified barrel.

So for my purposes, close enough is good enough. Nobody other than a "firearms aficionado" (or a "gun nut") is gonna know the difference, and I'll feel secure firing it without having to worry about "trigger mods" or any other questionable or potentially unsafe alterations.

Plus, it looks pretty darn cool in this repro WWII era holster. Fits nicely in the canvas Webley holster as well.

Great looking gear!!!

Been wanting one of these for years. Trying to find one in stock right now is not happening haha.

One day.

My 3D printed S&W Bapty, and a wooden holster-stuffer I made....





I'm working on a Webley now.

Rob

Dang! In all this time, I've forgotten to post my Close Enough™ Webley!!










It's an airsoft (so no needle like pin on the hammer), but it's glorious and I can use it in the garage.

Plus the shell ejector is a lot of fun!

I like it.

And I allude your sense of taking pictures with scenery.
Makes them look movie like.

Great job.

Croft

Indiana Croft wrote: And I allude your sense of taking pictures with scenery.
Makes them look movie like.

Croft

Well, that's the whole point, innit?

Yup.
I have to get the sand pit soon.

Croft

My Rook Webley

The Webley is nice, but the CS whip is a show stealer!

bearbeast wrote:The Webley is nice, but the CS whip is a show stealer!

Thanks,
It’s a Jacka 10’ from my collection.

Indiana Jones KotCS Gear

Clothes
Hat -Adventurebilt CS Brown 100% Beaver
Hat - Penman CS Train Grey 100% Beaver
Jacket - Nowak CS Cowhide
Shirt - WPG Indy XL-Long
Pants - Todd's Raiders
Web Belt - Strait City Trading Co. Khaki color
Buckle - WWII Army Original Solid Brass
Boots - Leather Soul HI Vintage Indy

Gear
Bag - WWII MK VII Gas Mask Bag Original
Bag Strap - Jake Johnson 7/8" CS
Backpack - MFH WWII German Army Alpine Rucksack
Backpack Additions - Pondhawk Leatherworks Label & Long Straps
Gun/Whip Belt - Wade Gear CS
Gun - Rook Webley WG Resin
Holster - Wade Gear CS Webley
Whip Holder - Wade Gear Super Long
Whip - Jacka 10' CS Kangaroo
Flashlight - Kaida Original circa 70s-80s
Various Vintage Items Indy may have used

Very nice, thanks for listing the gear. I like the general aesthetic of the pic as well.

Snakewhip_Sable wrote:Dang! In all this time, I've forgotten to post my Close Enough™ Webley!!










It's an airsoft (so no needle like pin on the hammer), but it's glorious and I can use it in the garage.

Plus the shell ejector is a lot of fun!

Ah, Sable, very cool! I've seen your adventures on IG as well. I would say 'take care out there', but I know 'what a cautious fellow' you are....

Here's my M1917 with the new site by Lostinperiphery (see thread: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=68984" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )
Had a couple issues with it regarding putting on the site, but eventually they got it done.

One of my SW 38 Victory.
And one of my favorite prop's. MP-40 bought when I was 16 for $50. and I'm 61 now.






In character, ol man Indy



Croft

Great stuff, Croft! How come the MP40 was so cheap?

PS: the whip has me drooling over here...

Greetings,
Bear

Well it’s like this young man, at 16 the year was 1976, and 50.00 was a lot of money for some who only work at dishwashing job, but ultimately I don’t think he knew what he had, and i never thought about it, just bought it. The gang and I loved the machine gun, because we watched a lot of WWII movie, specially Where Eagles Dare with Burton & Eastwood.

There was a company at the time called Replica Models, I have a 1911 in sad shape, but this was out holy grail and I was the only one with funds.
Man the things i used to do with thing, I been tased and thrown in jail today.
Heck if someone saw me with this, they’d freak.

Oh and the whip is a 8’ Strain in whiskey.


Croft

Great pieces.

Nice firearms, and nice looking gear! Do you live in a place where you can still go pop off a few rounds in the woods without getting arrested or fined?

Indiana Croft wrote:Well it’s like this young man, at 16 the year was 1976, and 50.00 was a lot of money for some who only work at dishwashing job, but ultimately I don’t think he knew what he had, and i never thought about it, just bought it. The gang and I loved the machine gun, because we watched a lot of WWII movie, specially Where Eagles Dare with Burton & Eastwood.

There was a company at the time called Replica Models, I have a 1911 in sad shape, but this was out holy grail and I was the only one with funds.
Man the things i used to do with thing, I been tased and thrown in jail today.
Heck if someone saw me with this, they’d freak.

Oh and the whip is a 8’ Strain in whiskey.


Croft

You put that very nicely into words!

The story gave me a very warm feeling, of a nicer, simpler time. You and your childhood (teenage-hood?) friends sound like the kids from Stranger Things: lots of imagination and really fun to be around!

Fantastic eye candy as always, Sable and Croft. Gear shots are a big part of COW's allure IMO.

Croft, I like the addition of the keffiyeh (shemagh, etc.) to the gear. A plausible and practical addition to the hero wardrobe. My metal replica 1911 saw lots of action in imaginary battles when we were kids as well. My buddy still has it in his gun cabinet as a matter of fact. And you're right, the stuff few adults blinked at back in the day.

Fingers crossed for another US-made pistol in Indy's holster for the new movie.

Hi there. I’ve seen a deactivated S&W .38, working firearms are harder to get in Europe than moon rock. It says ‘United States Proprty’ on the top, 3 patent numbers on the barrel dated 06, 08 and 14. It also has a serial number starting with a V and I think the number is in the low 100,000’s. I understand this is a ‘Victory’ model but was wondering if anyone could hazard a guess at its date of issue / manufacture.

I initially thought it was a Raiders, but now see it is a TOD. That’s cool though, as most people wouldn’t know the difference. I’m surprised at how similar they all look, after the Raiders guns had their barrels cut down, unless you see them side by side. I appreciate there will be a noticeable size difference, frame wise.

Thanks in advance.

I thought ToD was a 1917 Colt.
The gun I posted is a S&W Victory with parkerized finish.

But it sounds like a great holster stuffer.

Croft

Indiana Croft wrote:I thought ToD was a 1917 Colt.
The gun I posted is a S&W Victory with parkerized finish.

But it sounds like a great holster stuffer.

Croft

Thanks. I think to all but the keenest of eyes, ie most posters here, or without looking at both at the same time, it is essentially indistinguishable from the correct one. I took a peak at a site called ‘Indygear.com’ and on there it says -

‘ Information provided by the Hollywood prop company shows that there were only 3 handguns rented for the filming of Temple of Doom. A Colt .38 "Official Police " with a four inch barrel, a S&W .38 with a five inch barrel and lanyard ring, and a third gun that was not used in the filming....( a Webley Green)’

Were you able to date your S&W Victory? If so how did you do it?

Never dated only to say I think the parkerized finish dates back to WWII.
But I’m no gun offiacando.

Croft

Thanks Croft, no worries. It’s a shame there isn’t a way to easily find out. I saw one site that looked promising but I ended up totally confused.

I hope you don’t mind me saying. When ever I see your photos it makes me think Josh Brolin is now playing Indiana Jones....

Thanks, never been told that.

Wonder if there’s a site where you put in the SN.
This of course would have to a private search.

Croft

Broadly speaking here is the table for vintage S&W Model-10's

Pre-War Years:
1899-1902...........1-20,975
1902-1903...........20,976-33,803
1903-1905...........33,804-62,449
1905-1906...........62,450-73,250
1906-1908...........73,251-120,000
1908-1909...........120,001-146,899
1909-1915...........146,900-241,703
1915-1942...........241,704-1,000,000

War Years:
1942-1944...........V1-V769,000

The revolver only got the "V" prefix during the war so if yours doesn't have the Victory "V" (although it should be noted that not all early Victory models were stamped with the "V") then its probably a 1915-1942 model

Regards,
MARK

KramStaar wrote:Broadly speaking here is the table for vintage S&W Model-10's

Pre-War Years:
1899-1902...........1-20,975
1902-1903...........20,976-33,803
1903-1905...........33,804-62,449
1905-1906...........62,450-73,250
1906-1908...........73,251-120,000
1908-1909...........120,001-146,899
1909-1915...........146,900-241,703
1915-1942...........241,704-1,000,000

War Years:
1942-1944...........V1-V769,000

The revolver only got the "V" prefix during the war so if yours doesn't have the Victory "V" (although it should be noted that not all early Victory models were stamped with the "V") then its probably a 1915-1942 model

Regards,
MARK

Thank you so much for this. It’s really helpful. I think it has a V serial around 134,000, so I’m guessing it will be nearer the 1942 end of the dates. Unfortunately too ‘new’ to have been used in TOD.

Ok, I know what you’re saying. You’re saying, “wait a minute, I don’t remember seeing any M1 Garands in any of the movies”. Well, trust me, somewhere on that military base at the beginning of KotCS there must’ve been a rack full of them. Wink wink.

Anywho, I picked up this born in 42 Springfield Armory M1 off Gunbroker a few months ago.

It’s so purty! Much nicer than the 2 CAI repros pictured with it in the bottom pic. (I swapped out the stamped trigger guard for a forged SA one I had.)





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Ha... I remember back maybe in the mid to late 80's you could buy these Garands surplus for $25 in the ads in the back of Guns and Ammo and magazines of the sort. You didn't need a license because it was considered a rifle. Now they are gold. Just saying. Nice pieces everybody keep bringing them.

I picked up a nice S&W model 64 last year - it's the same as the model 10 but in stainless instead. It's close enough to close enough I guess

RX-79G wrote: ↑Fri Jul 22, 2022 4:33 pm

Beautiful! I still want an airsoft replica to complete my Raiders gear, but no full metal version exists yet...