Colt 1917

[honey#1]

Colt 1917 45 acp built 1919 for US army. Is it safe with modern ammo ?

 

[RoninPA]

Without actually seeing/holding/examining it I would say it should be fine. Standard .45acp ammo really hasn't changed speed/pressure wise much in the last 100 years, still 230 gr bullet going sub 1000fps so it's not a "hot" load. Unless the revolver has been badly mistreated, and the bore and cylinders look good you should be fine.

If you're not sure, take it to a competent gunsmith and have them inspect it.

 

[sceva]

Yes; should be safe with any normal .45 ACP ammo but if it was me I would stay away from the hot stuff or +P

 

[beentheredone]

Assuming you know how to examine a revolver and determine if it is mechanically sound, then standard 230 grain FMJ, "ball", ammo is what it is designed to shoot. Have fun.

 

[BearBiologist]

I had both a Colt 1917 and a S & W 1917 (Preferred the S&W). I bought a bunch of 45 AR cases and loaded standard velocity with cast bullets (didn't want to mess with half-moon clips). The S & W was a really FUN gun.

 

[Yaworski]

I'm still kicking myself in the pants for not buying a few of the Brazilian re-imported S&W 1917s that were available for $100 back in the 90s.

 

[eveled]

While I can’t say it’s my Grail gun, I’ve always wanted a 1917. Enjoy it.

 

[Heliman]

My S&W 1917 is great! The only loads I shoot are factory ball FMJ ammo. If the Colt is mechanically sound it should handle the modern ball ammo.
My Smith is a 5 digit early 1918 revolver.

 

[Ray Newman]

I have a February 1918 5 digit S&w M1917. All matching numbers and the grips have matching penciled serial numbers. Not a WW II re-issue as it is still in the blue. Has grooves on the hammer to hold oil/lubricant to prevent the cylinder from seizing up from the trench mud. A few years ago, I found a GI-issue 1917 marked lanyard for it.

Back in the last century when they were available, I just never purchased a WW I brass NCO whistle, holster, belt and, half moon ammunition pouches for it. Now a days, those items are unobtainium at almost any price.

 

[Far North Collector]

here's my 1917. colt...I shoot it with moon clips. great old gun from WWII. great bore shoots like new. FNC

 

[blume357]

Shows how much I know... I thought Ron in PA had messed up in the first response when he said the 'revolver' would be fine with standard ammo.

 

[James also]

Without actually seeing/holding/examining it I would say it should be fine. Standard .45acp ammo really hasn't changed speed/pressure wise much in the last 100 years, still 230 gr bullet going sub 1000fps so it's not a "hot" load. Unless the revolver has been badly mistreated, and the bore and cylinders look good you should be fine.

If you're not sure, take it to a competent gunsmith and have them inspect it.

I think he is talking of an Auto .45acp

 

[eveled]

Most of the ones I’ve seen for sale locally have been cut down. Probably made a dandy ccw piece.

Much like all the modified 1911’s. Evidently there were plenty of 1911’s and 1917’s for cheap money and they were repurposed. Making the unmolested ones still left that much more special

 

[James also]

I think he is talking of an Auto .45acp

Sorry I got my years mixed as much my age.

 

[Hankus]

I have my grandfather’s S&W 1917, a bring-back from WWI. The steel they used to make these was a “softer” alloy than modern steels. It would be best to only use military ball ammo or low pressure, low flash self-defense ammo designed for ultra compact pistols. I wouldn’t trust it to even moderately hotter loads.

 

[Tv73]

I'm still kicking myself in the pants for not buying a few of the Brazilian re-imported S&W 1917s that were available for $100 back in the 90s.

I have a 1917 Colt da 45 in excellent shape that I would trade for short barrel 44 mag.

 

[Tv73]

Colt 1917 45 acp built 1919 for US army. Is it safe with modern ammo ?

Yes, I have one that gets shot a few times every year. Never any problems.

 

[Yaworski]

Thanks but I'm keeping my Dirty Harry gun. I spend my free time in diners waiting for the bank across the street to be robbed.

 

[Tv73]

Thanks but I'm keeping my Dirty Harry gun. I spend my free time in diners waiting for the bank across the street to be robbed.

Funny! If you hear of someone looking for one, send them my way. I love the forum, it has turned into a daily read.

 

[BearBiologist]

When I had my 2 1917s, I matched them up with a 1917 Enfield (also had a 1918 Colt 1911) and reproduction webbing.