Colt 1917 vs S&W 1917 : Two military workhorses of the 20th Century!

Published on November 18, 2021
Duration: 27:54

This video compares the Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers, both adopted by the US military in WWI due to a shortage of M1911 pistols. It details their shared use of .45 ACP with moon clips for extraction, explores their distinct lineages (Colt New Service vs. S&W Hand Ejector), and highlights physical differences in weight and frame size. The review also touches on historical context, shooting performance, and personal preference for grip and feel.

Quick Summary

The Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers were adopted during WWI due to a shortage of M1911 pistols. They fire the .45 ACP cartridge, requiring moon clips for extraction. Later models feature cylinder shoulders for headspacing on the case mouth, allowing use without clips, though manual ejection is then necessary.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt vs S&W 1917
  2. 01:23Moon Clips Explained
  3. 05:25Similarities & Historical Context
  4. 08:28Physical Differences: Weight & Frame
  5. 09:40S&W 1917 Lineage (Triple Lock)
  6. 12:30Colt 1917 Lineage (New Service)
  7. 14:15Cylinder Shoulders & Headspacing
  8. 15:55Final Shooting & Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the Colt and S&W 1917 revolvers adopted by the US military?

The Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers were adopted during World War I to supplement the standard issue M1911 semi-automatic pistol, which was in short supply. Both revolvers were chambered in .45 ACP to utilize the same ammunition as the M1911.

How did the 1917 revolvers handle the rimless .45 ACP cartridge?

Since the .45 ACP is a rimless cartridge, the 1917 revolvers required the use of specialized moon clips (full or half) to hold the cartridges together. This allowed the revolver's extractor star to properly engage and eject the rounds simultaneously.

What are the main physical differences between the Colt 1917 and S&W 1917?

The Smith & Wesson 1917 is slightly lighter (around 2.25 lbs) and features a thinner frame and grips compared to the Colt 1917 (around 2.5 lbs), which feels more substantial. Both typically have 5.5-inch barrels.

Can the Colt or S&W 1917 be fired without moon clips?

Yes, later production models, especially the S&W 1917, incorporated cylinder shoulders that allow the .45 ACP cartridge to headspace on the case mouth. This enables firing without moon clips, but spent casings must be manually removed as the extractor won't catch them.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from hickok45

View all →