S&W Model 1917: The Go-To-War Revolver Chambered in .45 ACP

The Smith & Wesson Model 1917

• 🎯 This video explores the Smith & Wesson Model 1917, a revolver that served in combat and is considered a favorite piece of steel and wood.
• 💡 The Model 1917 was chambered in .45 ACP and utilized half-moon clips for loading.

Historical Context and Military Use

• ⚔️ Many soldiers carried this revolver in World War I and World War II because there were not enough 1911 pistols to go around.
• ⚙️ Both Smith & Wesson and Colt offered their large-frame revolvers chambered in .45 ACP to meet military demand, adapting from previous models like the Triple Lock and New Service revolvers.
• 🌍 The design was simplified from the Triple Lock, becoming the Hand Ejector Model 2, and was produced for both British and American forces.

Revolver vs. Semi-Automatic in Combat

• 💥 While a downgrade from the 1911 in terms of magazine capacity and reload speed, the Model 1917 was not a massive disadvantage for soldiers who were not on the front lines.
• 👤 It served as an auxiliary handgun for officers, artillerymen, truck drivers, and others who needed a shorter firearm.
• 🧠 For many, especially those growing up on farms, revolvers were more familiar than semi-automatic pistols, making them easier to handle and more reliable in their hands.
• 🎯 The weight of the revolver helped manage recoil, and the .45 ACP cartridge offered a manageable shooting experience compared to the slide action and sights of some older semi-automatics.

Legacy and Modern Appeal

• 🎬 The revolver's authenticity was noted, even being chosen by Brad Pitt for his role as a tank commander in the movie "Fury."
• 👍 Despite the prevalence of the 1911, the Model 1917 was a crucial firearm that armed many men during wartime and remains a valuable piece of hardware.
• 🛡️ The .45 ACP Model 1917 is considered a great gun for defense, offering a reliable and comforting presence.