History of WWI Primer 102: Colt 1909 and 1917 Revolvers Documentary

Published on July 2, 2019
Duration: 40:30

This documentary delves into the history and development of the Colt New Service revolvers, specifically the Model 1909 and Model 1917, adopted by the US military. It highlights the critical need for a .45 caliber sidearm, driven by experiences in the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars, and the subsequent adoption of these revolvers to fill shortages during WWI. The video details their technical specifications, production numbers, and post-war service.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1917 revolver was adopted by the US military during WWI to fill a shortage of M1911 pistols. It was chambered in .45 ACP and utilized half-moon clips due to the cartridge's rimless design, enabling faster reloads and proper extraction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Colt New Service Revolvers
  2. 01:31Early US Military Interest & Spanish-American War
  3. 03:36Philippine-American War & Moro Rebellion Needs
  4. 08:20Thompson-LaGarde Tests and .45 Caliber
  5. 10:05The Colt Model 1909
  6. 14:05The Colt Model 1917 and WWI Shortages
  7. 22:47Technical Differences and Production
  8. 24:18Post-War and WWII Service

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the development of the Colt Model 1917 revolver?

The Colt Model 1917 revolver was developed primarily to address a critical shortage of M1911 pistols for US forces during World War I. It utilized the robust Colt New Service frame and was chambered in .45 ACP.

What was the significance of the Thompson-LaGarde tests?

The Thompson-LaGarde tests in 1903 scientifically concluded that a handgun cartridge needed to be at least .45 caliber to possess sufficient stopping power for military effectiveness, influencing future US sidearm choices.

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

Because the .45 ACP cartridge is rimless, the Colt 1917 revolver required the use of half-moon clips. These clips held multiple cartridges together, allowing the revolver's extractor to function properly and speeding up the reloading process.

What are the key differences between the Colt 1909 and 1917 revolvers?

The Colt 1909 was chambered in .45 Long Colt and featured improved lockwork. The 1917, developed for WWI, was chambered in .45 ACP, had a bolstered barrel for strength, a shorter cylinder for clips, and was designed to work with half-moon clips.

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