GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The M1917 revolver, adopted by the U.S. military during World War I, was designed to supplement the M1911 pistol. It emphasizes ruggedness and firepower by chambering the powerful .45 ACP cartridge. Today, it holds a historic niche among collectors and military firearm enthusiasts.

Why It's a Top Choice

Chambers .45 ACP with moon clips for fast reloads
Durable steel frame built for military use
Proven reliability under combat conditions
Classic military design cherished by collectors
Simple, robust double-action revolver mechanism

Key Variants

Smith & Wesson M1917

Most common variant, used extensively in WWI and appreciated for durability and dependability.

Colt M1917

Issued alongside the S&W variant, prized for its refined craftsmanship and smooth action.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	M1917 Revolver	Colt Single Action Army	Smith & Wesson Model 37
MSRP	Varies (surplus and repro available)	$900 - $1,200	$500 - $700
Capacity/Size	6 rounds, .45 ACP	6 rounds, .45 Colt	5 rounds, .38 Special
Weight	~38 oz (steel frame)	~39 oz	~17 oz (lightweight alloy)
Optics-Ready	No	No	No
Trigger Type	Double-action	Single-action	Double-action
Notable Pro	.45 ACP compatibility with moon clips	Historical single-action classic	Lightweight and concealable
Notable Con	Heavy and less concealable	Requires manual cocking per shot	Lower caliber than .45 ACP

Best Use Cases

Historical military collections
Reenactment and display
Self-defense with robust .45 ACP rounds
Range practice for revolver skills
Traditional handgun shooting

FAQs

Can I use modern .45 ACP ammo in the M1917 Revolver?

Yes, with proper moon clips to hold the rimless .45 ACP cartridges securely for proper extraction.

What is the difference between the Smith & Wesson and Colt M1917 models?

Smith & Wesson models have a six-shot swing-out cylinder; Colt models often have a fixed cylinder and slightly different markings.

How does the M1917 compare to the M1911 pistol?

The M1917 revolver uses the same .45 ACP round but offers revolver simplicity over the semi-automatic platform of the M1911.

M1917 REVOLVER for Sale