History of WWI Primer 104: S&W 1917 Documentary

Published on July 30, 2019
Duration: 31:29

The S&W Model 1917 revolver served as a crucial US emergency sidearm in WWI, chambered in .45 ACP and utilizing innovative half-moon clips for reliable ejection of rimless cartridges. Despite production challenges including labor disputes and nationalization, over 163,000 units were produced, seeing service through WWII and export. The S&W 1917 is often compared favorably to its Colt counterpart for ergonomics, though Colt was easier to refurbish.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver was a crucial US emergency sidearm in WWI, chambered in .45 ACP and utilizing innovative half-moon clips for reliable ejection of rimless cartridges. Over 163,000 units were produced, seeing service through WWII and export.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W 1917
  2. 00:42Technical Specifications
  3. 00:59Historical Context: US Entry into WWI
  4. 03:16The .45 ACP Challenge in Revolvers
  5. 04:50Invention of the Half-Moon Clip
  6. 06:33Adoption and Production Contracts
  7. 07:28Design Features and Early Variants
  8. 08:23Shooting Demonstration
  9. 09:24Labor Disputes and Nationalization
  10. 13:24Post-War Production and Service Life
  11. 18:16Comparison with Colt 1917

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the S&W 1917 revolver used for?

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver was adopted by the US military as an emergency big-bore sidearm during World War I, chambered in .45 ACP to utilize existing ammunition stockpiles.

How did the S&W 1917 handle rimless .45 ACP cartridges?

It used innovative half-moon clips, developed by Joseph Wesson, which held three rounds of rimless .45 ACP ammunition. These clips facilitated faster loading and reliable ejection, overcoming a major challenge for revolvers with rimless cartridges.

What were the key technical specifications of the S&W 1917?

The S&W 1917 revolver weighs 2.25 lbs, has an overall length of 10.8 inches, and a swing-out cylinder holding 6 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition, typically fed via two three-round half-moon clips.

How did the S&W 1917 compare to the Colt 1917?

While both served similar roles, the S&W 1917 is often praised for its more natural ergonomics and superior cylinder latch placement. The Colt 1917, however, was generally considered easier for the military to refurbish.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from C&Rsenal

View all →