Before I go to bed I wanted to share with you a special milestone for me. Although I still have a few odds and ends on my now 19-year-long gear quest, I have finally and with great joy achieved the final big hurdle.
In my journey I have acquired a jacket from Wested (with a second one now on the way nine years after the first one), belts, bag and holster from Noel Howard (1999), Aldens from Fritz himself before his death, a 10' David Morgan bullwhip (2001) and my Adventurebilt (the last of a nine-fedora journey in January 2005 which retroactively became yet another purchase from a "man who made them for the movies").
There was always something thrilling about acquiring the real items from the real people and although I secretly strive for screen accuracy, I get a bigger kick out of obtaining something from the original providers (even if the whip handles are a little different now or the shoes are a different shade of brown). The only exception is the hat - the item I wear most and had to get "Raiders" and get durable (thanks again Steve).
Well, the LAST hurdle was finally accomplished thanks to a good move by Smith and Wesson and the re-release of the M1917. I know that some have said it costs more than an original, but for me originals come with their own baggage. I have a 1917 Webley MKVI for example, and it needs some serious TLC despite my care.
Yes, it has a 5.5-inch barrel, like the majority of the originals, and as Michaelson so smartly suggested, I am hunting for a spare barrel to cut to 4 inches but the 5.5-inch look is acceptable to me also - It has that turn of the century military look that is impeccably Raiders Indy. I can't describe what a speechless thrill it was to get home, open the case, remove the trigger guard and, with fedora on, pull the hammer on that beautiful M1917 and hear that signature click and lock. Now, I'm a Tennessee boy so I know how to handle firearms so rest assured there was no dry-firing going on - just click and lock and a soft release.
Digging around in the case, I found the set of quick-loader rings also. It was a very nostalgic moment and one where I could finally say, "Hat, check. Whip, check. REVOLVER, check." The real beauty is, for all intents and purposes, it is 95% identical and ready to fire without any worry. Slim profile grips, lanyard swivel - I'm still speechless as I wipe the fingerprints from the frame and return the gun to its case (yeah, I take care of my firearms - you know what a cautious fellow I am).
My next purchase will be the Magnoli shirt and pants to finish off the whole quest entirely. When they arrive, expect pictures galore. For now, I have attached a link to a photo of the Smith and Wesson M1917. Thanks for listening. The old timers around here like me probably remember I was always "the Indygunless one." Well, not anymore. It's been a memorable day. I doubt Smith and Wesson will re-release this weapon again anytime soon. Grab 'em while you can.
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