Smith & Wesson Model 1917 parts? Is this a collector?

[JimmyJoe69]

A friend of mine brought in a handgun that his father gave him years ago. It is a Smith & Wesson Model 1917. On the underside of the barrel it is stamped "United States Property". The side of the barrel is marked "S & W DA45". I have done some research and found out that the weapon fires the .45 ACP round. The pistol is missing the thumbpiece for releasing the cyclinder. Are there any local dealers that deal in parts for this old weapons or are we going to have to do the "online purchase"? And by the way.... would anyone know the value of said pistol? It appears to be fully functional but the finish is extremely worn. It also has a leather holster that bears a "U.S." logo on one side and "G&K 1917" on the other. Thanks to all that reply.

[Moped]

Those are pretty cool revolvers! Collectable too!!!

For the part, you might try here.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Or here.

http://www.sarcoinc.com

There is also some good info here about the 1917. It's down in the pistol section.

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/index.php

[VERO1]

Depending on its condition, it could be worth a couple grand. It is worth making sure you get the correct thumb latch for that model. You might find one at a gunshow, but you need to know if it's correct for that gun, and not something that just fits. Some of the guys on the Smith & Wesson Forum are really into older Smiths and may have some parts.

[DaveTN]

These are collector’s items, but they are not real rare. They bring from around $500 for average to pushing a grand for one in excellent condition.

The Smith & Wesson factory should always be your first contact for repair or parts. These guys are a tremendous help with stuff like this and if they don’t have the parts they will usually point you in the right direction.

If you can post detailed pics and info on the Smith & Wesson forum, they can give you an idea of what its worth.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums

[Guest rj8806]

I agree with DaveTn. You should check Smith & Wesson first for your repairs and or parts. You might try joining and posting over on the smith&wesson forum. Bunch of great people on that site. In fact, it was someone over there that told me about this great forum as well. If I am not mistaken, they even have a board over there dedicated to older collectibles like yours.

Richard

[JimmyJoe69]

Thanks for the info guys. I have shown it to my friend and he is going to join TGO based on ya'lls information!!

[DMark]

Your friend's 1917 is an N Frame S&W. The factory no longer works on older S&Ws but the good news is that most "pre-MIM" N Frame parts will work.

The "thumbpiece" you are looking for is the same one found on Model 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, etc., etc. (well you get the idea).

Brownells, Midway & Numrich carry the part as does the factory. "N29" in the picture below is the part you are looking for along with the "nut" N30.

Tell your friend that the "Blue Steel & Wood" folks hang out at the S&W Forum. Alot of knowledge there - - - I get educated all of the time on that site!

http://smith-wessonforum.com

Edited April 23, 2008 by DMark