Smith & Wesson 1917

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is a revolver born out of pure necessity and military urgency. Back in WWI, when the iconic Colt M1911 couldn’t be produced fast enough to meet demand, the Model 1917 stepped up to the plate. But here’s the twist: this wasn’t just another revolver. It was designed to handle rimless .45 ACP cartridges, a rare feature at the time, thanks to the clever use of half-moon clips. This made it a serious innovation for its era, blending the best of revolver reliability with the punch of ACP rounds. Curious to know what made this wartime marvel so effective—and why it’s still adored by collectors today? Let’s dig in!

Bottomline

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is packed with historical charm and solid performance, but it does come with a few quirks that today’s shooters might find a bit limiting.

Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Specs

Caliber	Capacity	OAL	BBL	Weight (Unloaded)
.45 ACP	6	10.875″	5.5″	36 oz

Smith & Wesson Model 1917 First Impression

The Model 1917 has got some serious weight at about 2.25 pounds and sits on a big, solid frame that just screams durability. Designed to handle the punch of .45 ACP rounds, this revolver’s perfect for anyone wanting a mix of history and muscle. The half-moon clips make loading those rounds easier—pretty clever for the time, though some folks might find them a bit tricky to deal with.

Smith & Wesson 1917 Features

Solid Construction

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 definitely brings some serious heft—at around 2.25 pounds, it’s not exactly the easiest revolver to carry around for long stretches. Built on the large N frame, it feels rock-solid and is more than capable of handling powerful .45 ACP rounds, which is a big plus for durability. But that same bulk can make it a bit unwieldy, especially if you’re used to lighter, more compact handguns. While it’s designed to be a reliable choice for both military and civilian use, the weight and larger frame may not suit everyone’s taste, and it’s not the quickest to draw or maneuver. It’s a powerhouse, for sure, but not the most practical choice if speed and portability are what you’re after.

Unique Loading Mechanism

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917’s loading system is definitely a cool feature—it uses half-moon clips to hold those rimless .45 ACP cartridges, making reloading and extraction a lot easier. This was a clever innovation by Smith & Wesson’s own Daniel B. Wesson, and it gives the revolver a bit of extra functionality compared to traditional revolvers. But, like with any innovation, there are a few catches.

The half-moon clips can be a bit fiddly to handle, and if you’re not used to them, they might feel more like a hassle than a help. Plus, keeping track of those clips and making sure they’re in good shape adds a bit of extra maintenance that some shooters might not love. So while the system is unique and practical in theory, not everyone will find it as convenient in practice.

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is one of those guns that’s hard not to appreciate, quirks and all. Its historical charm, hefty feel, and innovative design make it a standout, even if it’s not the most practical for every shooter. Sure, the half-moon clips can be a bit of a hassle, and the weight might be more than some people want to lug around, but that’s also part of its character. If you’re looking for a revolver that brings a sense of history and rugged power, the Model 1917 is one you’ll probably find hard to put down. It’s a piece of the past that still delivers today, and honestly, that’s a big part of what makes it special.