S&W Model 1917 Hand Ejector .45 ACP Commecial, Good w/Original Finish Stag Horn Grips Pistol Rug

Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Model of 1917 “commercial” 6-shot revolver with 5 1/2” barrel in .45 ACP. Blue, large-frame, square butt revolver with pinned barrel in (NRA modern) Good condition. Allen padded pistol rug and trigger lock included as extras. Adapted from the company's successful large-frame 2nd Model .44 Hand Ejector, S&W developed the Hand Ejector Model of 1917 at the behest of the US War Dept. just before our entry into WWI to augment lagging production of the M1911 .45 Auto Pistol. A unique feature of these revolvers was the shoulder machined into each of the cylinders to properly head space the .45 ACP cartridge on the case mouth. This specimen is probably post WWI commercial production based on serial number, finish and markings. These revolvers are still renowned for their accuracy, smooth double action, and crisp single action let off. This gun (s/n 1707xx) is built on S&W's large square butt frame with a 5 1/2-inch tapered and pinned barrel and S&W period fixed sights, which consist of a fixed heavy front blade and a rear notch. Serial numbers on the cylinder and butt match. Other markings include the maker's mark on top of the barrel (“SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC 17, 1901, FEB. 6, 1906, SEP 14, 1909”), the caliber on the right side of the barrel (“S.&W. D.A. 45”), and the S&W trademark on the left frame. A 5-digit assembly number (“49147”) is stamped inside the crane. Original finish consists of S&W's trademark deep, rich, high-polish blue and case-colored hammer and smooth-faced trigger. The serial number range, gloss finish, and lack of “US” markings indicate that this is a post WWI “commercial” model built probably between the mid 1920's and mid 1930's. The chambers are milled with a shoulder to head space the .45 ACP round. The stag-horn grips are an after market enhancement to the gun. They are deeply textured and fit the gun perfectly (the original S&W grips are not available). The butt is fitted with a lanyard ring. The brown Allen pistol rug has a fabric exterior and is padded. The action on this gun is still in top notch condition—smooth, positive, and tight. In one family's possession for several generations, this revolver is clean, and the bore is in Excellent condition: shiny with well defined rifling. Chamber condition is also Excellent although there is a trace of very light pitting or caked-on fouling on one of the cylinder walls just behind the cartrige shoulder. Finish appears to be original. All markings, including serial numbers, makers mark, frame trademark, and caliber, are deep, crisp, and even. The case hardening colors on the hammer and trigger have faded considerably and have become mottled. Just a hint of color remains. The blue on body of the gun has started to thin on the barrel, cylinder contours, and, to a lesser extent, the frame. Overall, original finish is estimated at about 50% with light blooms of rust occuring over most of the exterior surface. Areas of more extensive pitting occur on the butt strap, lanyard loop and muzzle. Most sharp edges (for example, cylinder flutes) are shiny, as is the forward part of the barrel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions extending back 2-3 inches from the muzzle. The usual S&W bolt drag ring has developed around the cylinder notches. The top strap just behind the forcing cone shows some erosion from firing. The action on this revolver is strong, precise and positive. Lock up is tight with very little side-to-side play. The cylinder gap is close (~ 0.006") with almost no end shake. Cylinder timing appears correct as the bolt locks in all notches just before the hammer reaches full cock. There are no apparent push-off issues and the double action is smooth. The grips are in Excellent condition--no dings, chips or splits although considerable rust has built up on the grip screw and bushing.