Would This be YOUR Choice for a Go-To-War Revolver?

Published on June 27, 2025
Duration: 10:43

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolver, chambered in .45 ACP, served as a crucial sidearm during WWI and WWII due to M1911 production shortages. While using rimless cartridges required moon clips for extraction, its manageable recoil and intuitive operation made it a reliable choice. The video highlights its historical significance, range performance, and legacy, even appearing in films like 'Fury'.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is a .45 ACP revolver adopted by the US military in WWI and WWII. It required moon clips for extracting rimless cartridges and offered manageable recoil, serving as a reliable supplement to the M1911 pistol.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Go-To-War Revolver?
  2. 00:39Technical: .45 ACP & Moon Clips
  3. 01:21History: Revolver vs. M1911
  4. 03:51Range Demo: Shooting the 1917
  5. 05:22Ergonomics & Training
  6. 07:39Legacy & Pop Culture (Fury)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 1917?

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is a .45 ACP revolver that served as a military sidearm during World War I and World War II, often used to supplement the M1911 pistol due to production demands.

Why does the S&W Model 1917 need moon clips?

The Model 1917 uses the rimless .45 ACP cartridge. Moon clips (half or full) are required to hold the cartridges together and facilitate proper extraction of spent casings from the revolver's cylinder.

Was the S&W Model 1917 a good combat revolver?

It was considered a reliable auxiliary firearm. While not the primary issue like the M1911, its manageable recoil and intuitive operation made it a dependable choice for soldiers familiar with revolvers.

What caliber is the Smith & Wesson Model 1917?

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). This allowed it to use the same ammunition as the standard issue M1911 semi-automatic pistol.

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