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

Published on November 18, 2021
Duration: 27:54

This guide details the process of loading and firing the Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers, emphasizing the use of moon clips for the .45 ACP cartridge. It covers historical context, physical comparisons between the two models, and practical shooting demonstrations. The content is presented with high authority by hickok45, a recognized firearms expert.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1917 and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers were military sidearms adopted during WWI due to M1911 pistol shortages. Chambered in .45 ACP, they required moon clips for loading and extraction of the rimless cartridges. While similar, the S&W is lighter and thinner, whereas the Colt feels more substantial. Later models allow firing without clips via cylinder chamber shoulders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt vs S&W 1917
  2. 01:23Moon Clips and Cartridge Extraction
  3. 05:25Similarities and Historical Context
  4. 08:28Physical Differences: Weight and Frame
  5. 09:40Smith & Wesson Lineage and the Triple Lock
  6. 12:30Colt Lineage: New Service and Model 1909
  7. 14:15Cylinder Shoulders and Headspacing
  8. 15:55Final Shooting and Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers used for?

The Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers were adopted by the U.S. military during World War I as sidearms. They were chambered in .45 ACP and served as a supplement to the M1911 pistol due to a shortage of that model.

How did the Colt 1917 and S&W 1917 revolvers handle the rimless .45 ACP cartridge?

Both revolvers used moon clips (half-moon or full-moon) to hold the rimless .45 ACP cartridges, enabling them to be loaded and extracted efficiently, similar to how rimmed cartridges are handled in traditional revolvers.

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

The S&W 1917 is slightly lighter (approx. 2.25 lbs vs 2.5 lbs for the Colt) and has a noticeably thinner frame and grips. The Colt 1917 feels more substantial in hand due to its thicker construction.

Can the 1917 revolvers fire .45 ACP without moon clips?

Yes, later production models, particularly S&W, feature cylinder chambers with a shoulder. This allows the .45 ACP cartridge to headspace on the case mouth, enabling firing without clips, though spent casings must be manually ejected.

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