Club Obi Wan

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

Sounds like a VICTORY model. The 1917's were 45.

Bugger.. yeah.

Thanks for the update bud.. still, its a pretty good "close enough" considering i'm in the gun-famined UK!

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.

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

Cheers Mr M

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

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?

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

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

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.

Thanks for all the great feedback lads . Will sort out some photos as soon as poss.
That'll hopefully help the pistol sleuths out there

Hi guys.

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


Comments welcome

Enjoy!!

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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

great find and good fortune there fella!

P.S any more left

best regards!

MK

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