The WWI Sidearm You Didn't Know About: The Smith & Wesson 1917

Published on November 3, 2024
Duration: 19:41

This video provides a detailed look at the Smith & Wesson 1917 revolver, a WWI-era sidearm chambered in .45 ACP. The presenter demonstrates its use with and without moon clips, highlighting the functionality of the ejector. Various ammunition types, including Federal Hydra-Shok, Federal Syntech Defense, and Norma Monolithic Hollow Points, are tested against reactive targets like baked beans, a papaya, and mini cans, showcasing their terminal performance.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 1917 is a .45 ACP revolver used in WWI. It headspaces on the case mouth, allowing it to function without moon clips, though they aid ejection. It features a heavy double-action trigger and a lighter single-action trigger. Various .45 ACP ammunition types were tested for terminal performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to the S&W 1917
  2. 00:15Comparison to the 1911
  3. 00:27Introducing the 1917 Revolver
  4. 00:31Caliber and Year of Manufacture
  5. 01:17Shooting at Okoboji Shooting Sports
  6. 01:22Moon Clips Functionality
  7. 01:37Using Half Moon Clips
  8. 02:00First Shots with the 1917
  9. 02:10Double Action Trigger Feel
  10. 02:24Smoothness of the Revolver
  11. 02:38Sponsor: Walker Earmuffs
  12. 03:03Moon Clip Loading and Unloading
  13. 03:14Moving to Silhouette Target
  14. 03:31Hitting the Silhouette Target
  15. 04:14More Shots with Half Moon Clips
  16. 04:35Quick Reloading Demonstration
  17. 04:53Reactive Target: Baked Beans
  18. 05:13Ammunition: Federal Hydra-Shoks
  19. 05:30Shooting the Baked Beans
  20. 06:24Reactive Target: Bert the Papaya
  21. 06:39Ammunition: Federal Syntech Defense
  22. 07:08Shooting Bert the Papaya
  23. 08:06Reactive Target: Almond Breeze Carton
  24. 08:59Ammunition: Norma Monolithic Hollow Points
  25. 09:34Shooting the Almond Breeze Carton
  26. 10:40Reactive Target: Mini Cans
  27. 11:10Shooting the Mini Cans
  28. 12:25Reactive Target: Case Face Connor (Pineapple)
  29. 13:33Sponsor: Olight Sphere
  30. 13:35Shooting Case Face Connor
  31. 15:50Grand Finale: 2-Liter Soda Bottles
  32. 16:33Attempting to Catch a Bullet
  33. 17:32Bullet Caught in Papaya
  34. 18:16Final Thoughts on the S&W 1917
  35. 18:48Shoutout to Kentucky Ballistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson 1917 revolver?

The Smith & Wesson 1917 is a .45 ACP revolver that served as a sidearm for the U.S. military during World War I. It's known for its robust design and ability to function with or without moon clips, headspacing on the case mouth.

How does the S&W 1917 work with moon clips?

The S&W 1917 headspaces on the case mouth, meaning it can fire without moon clips. However, moon clips, particularly half-moon clips, significantly aid in the ejection of spent casings by allowing the revolver's ejector to work effectively.

What ammunition was tested in the Smith & Wesson 1917?

The video tested several .45 ACP ammunition types, including Federal Hydra-Shok, Federal Syntech Defense, and Norma Monolithic Hollow Points. These were used to evaluate terminal performance against various reactive targets.

What are the trigger characteristics of the S&W 1917?

The Smith & Wesson 1917 has a distinct trigger feel. It features a heavy double-action pull, which requires more effort, and a much shorter and lighter single-action pull for more precise shots.

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