Smith and Wesson 1917(?) UK + photos.. feedback anyone?

Need help finding an Indy Gun, want to discuss film used guns...

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The Numenorean
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Smith and Wesson 1917(?) UK + photos.. feedback anyone?

Post by The Numenorean »

Hey guys.

Just thought i'd share my story of how i found a genuine S & W 1917 (?) (abeit a .38) here in Blighty.

I was discussing with my work mate Jim whose dad is a gunsmith, about my fascination with all things Indiana Jones. I had already discussed obtaining a pair of Colt Dragoons to sate my Josey Wales fetish (quickly quashed when i discovered how horrendously expensive that would be over here) so I mentioned in passing "hey, you think your dad might be able to track a 1917 down?" To which he replied "sure, no harm in asking"
The following week he txted me and said "guess what!! my dad knows a guy who has a load of them in his workshop. you want one?" Did i want one!!! so i emailed a load of screengrabs to Jim and he asked his dad to grab hold of one for me-not in too good condition though. for authenticity! Jims words.
A few weeks later it was done.. deactivated and ready for collection. When Jim handed it over i couldn't believe it. I had a real one in my hand... which to be honest i never thought would happen. like i mentioned its a .38 but to me it doesn't matter. Maybe later down the line i'll ask him to get it a bit more SA. On the subject of which my buddy told me that his dad handed it to him and said "what do you think?" Having a great eye for detail he looked it over and said "yeah, awesome... but the Raiders one had a lanyard ring" . His dad growled and snatched it back and promptly scavenged one for another 1917. Good skills there Jim and your dad.

Can't say how much it was cos i got it for "friends prices". It wasn't cheap but then it wasn't half as much as it should of been.
Once i suss out my camera i'll post some pics.

Hope some of my fellow Limey adventurers find this of interest and who knows..maybe i can point one or two of you in the direction of Jims dad... if he's cool with that

Catch you later

:TOH:
Last edited by The Numenorean on Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:45 am, edited 2 times in total.
sithspawn
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by sithspawn »

Sounds like a VICTORY model. The 1917's were 45.
The Numenorean
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by The Numenorean »

Bugger.. yeah. :-k

Thanks for the update bud.. still, its a pretty good "close enough" considering i'm in the gun-famined UK! :TOH:
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Michaelson
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by Michaelson »

Yeah, the outline of the 'Victory' pretty much replicates the 1917 Smith, though about a quarter smaller in size.

It's actually based on the pre-war Smith M&P model long action (now called the Model 10 in its current configuration and shorter action).

A nice acquistion either way. :M: :tup:

It's not a 1917, but it's close enough for 'our' needs....and a lot closer than some reproductions I've seen. ;)

Regards! Michaelson
The Numenorean
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by The Numenorean »

Cheers Mr M

Like i said i'll post some pics as soon as i can

:D
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binkmeisterRick
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by binkmeisterRick »

Sounds like it may have been a "lend/lease" gun, too. Are there any British proof marks on the gun, including a "Property of U.S. Government" stamp?
The Numenorean
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by The Numenorean »

Nothing like that Binkmeister

just the standard Made in USA and Smith & Wesson stamps. I'll ask my mate to check it with his Dad. He's bound to know its origins

Cheers
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Solent MKIII
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by Solent MKIII »

:WLWOP:
:) Image
interbak
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by interbak »

Is it marked 38 S&W CTG or 38 Special CTG on the barrel? Not that it's a big deal since it's deactivated, but the two cartridges are different and not interchangeable. 38 S&W or 38/200 as it was called in the UK would be a British contract gun.

Brian
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binkmeisterRick
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by binkmeisterRick »

Mine takes a 38 S&W CTG, even though it's not marked as a lend/lease gun. But yes, there is a BIG difference in cartridges. The 38 S&W CTG is a lighter round than the special.
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by The Numenorean »

Thanks for all the great feedback lads :TOH: . Will sort out some photos as soon as poss.
That'll hopefully help the pistol sleuths out there :D
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK... Now with PHOTOS!

Post by The Numenorean »

Hi guys.

Here are some photos of the offending aricle... Sorry for the delay


Comments welcome

Enjoy!! :TOH:

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb3 ... 131538.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb3 ... 131539.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb3 ... 131540.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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wild_weasel
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by wild_weasel »

I find your new treasure bitter sweet. It looks like your S&W Victory model would have been a great shooter before it was de-milled. I own an Enfield #2 Revolver chambered in 38/200 that I have a lot of fun with reloading for and shooting.

Cheers,
W-W
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mrkaboom
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by mrkaboom »

great find and good fortune there fella!

P.S any more left :P

best regards!

MK
The Numenorean
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Re: My Smith and Wesson 1917 UK

Post by The Numenorean »

wild_weasel wrote:I find your new treasure bitter sweet. It looks like your S&W Victory model would have been a great shooter before it was de-milled. I own an Enfield #2 Revolver chambered in 38/200 that I have a lot of fun with reloading for and shooting.

Cheers,
W-W

Yeah, it is a shame. The gun laws in Good Old Blighty are unfortunately a bit draconian to say the least.

Happy shooting bud :TOH:
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