The Crucible of War: The Genesis of a Military Need
The .38 Long Colt’s Shortcomings
The genesis of the 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 is deeply rooted in the realities of early twentieth-century warfare. The U.S. Army, having gained experience in the Philippine-American War, discovered a critical shortcoming: the standard-issue .38 Long Colt revolver. While the .38 caliber cartridge was deemed adequate for law enforcement, it proved woefully insufficient in the heat of battle against determined opponents, such as the Moro rebels, who were often high on drugs and possessed the motivation to fight with extreme aggression. Soldiers faced instances where the rounds failed to stop an attacker, leaving them vulnerable.
The Rise of the .45 ACP
The Army recognized the need for a sidearm with significantly greater stopping power. Simultaneously, a new round was gaining traction: the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol, or .45 ACP. This cartridge, designed for the new Colt 1911 semi-automatic pistol, offered a much heavier bullet and superior terminal ballistics. It delivered a powerful punch that was considered far more effective in incapacitating an enemy. The introduction of the .45 ACP was a turning point, as it delivered the kind of stopping power that the U.S. military sought.
The Necessity for Production
This was the backdrop when the United States entered World War One. The U.S. Army recognized the effectiveness of the .45 ACP, and had adopted the Colt 1911. The problem was production. The demand for sidearms far outstripped the available supply of the Colt 1911. With the U.S. already involved in a world war, the government faced the pressing need to rapidly equip its expanding military forces. It became immediately apparent that the Colt factory alone could not meet the escalating demand for .45 caliber handguns. A supplemental solution was desperately needed.
A Collaborative Creation: Bringing the 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 to Life
The Government’s Call to Smith & Wesson
To address this critical shortage, the U.S. government turned to a reliable and established firearms manufacturer: Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson, known for its high-quality revolvers, was contracted to produce a .45 caliber sidearm. The challenge was significant: Smith & Wesson needed to adapt its existing revolver design to fire the .45 ACP cartridge, a round that, unlike typical revolver rounds, had a rimless design. This design meant the cartridge had nothing to hold it in place for extraction.
The Moon Clip Solution
The engineers at Smith & Wesson devised an ingenious solution: the use of “moon clips.” These small, stamped metal clips held five .45 ACP rounds together, allowing the revolver to load and extract all five rounds at once. This innovation not only solved the technical problem but also significantly sped up the reloading process, a critical factor in combat. The incorporation of moon clips enabled the revolver to effectively use the .45 ACP cartridge.
The Design of the 1917
The resulting firearm, the Model of 1917, was essentially a modified Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector frame. It featured a six-shot cylinder chambered for the .45 ACP. The barrel length was typically around five and a half inches, giving it a good balance between accuracy and concealability. The finish was usually a blued steel, giving it a classic, robust look. The revolver was built to be reliable and durable, two critical features required by the military. The grips were typically made of wood, often checkered to provide a secure grip even in wet conditions. The overall design was functional and well-suited for the rigors of military service.
Examining the Form: Design and Distinctive Attributes
Frame and Cylinder Details
The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 presents an instantly recognizable silhouette. The frame is sturdy and well-proportioned, with a substantial grip that feels secure in the hand. The cylinder, the heart of the revolver, is designed to accommodate the moon clips. A distinctive feature of the 1917 is the half-moon cutouts at the rear of the cylinder, designed to enable the extraction of rounds.
Moon Clip Functionality
The moon clips are a defining feature of this revolver. They are simple yet effective. By using them, a soldier could load all six rounds simultaneously, and then eject them by the same means. This streamlined system was a significant improvement over older revolver designs and was invaluable during times of war. The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 was an advance in military equipment.
Sights and Accuracy
The sights are rudimentary, consisting of a simple notch at the rear and a blade front sight. While not as sophisticated as modern sights, they were adequate for the combat ranges in which the revolver was typically used. Accuracy was generally considered good, given the limitations of the sights. The 1917 was built to be a reliable tool.
The .45 ACP Cartridge
The .45 ACP cartridge is the heart of its function. The .45 ACP cartridge, with its large-diameter bullet and substantial stopping power, was a major advance over the .38 Long Colt. The cartridge was designed to have enough power to incapacitate an enemy, making the 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 an effective sidearm. The performance of the .45 ACP would be appreciated in the field by all those who used the weapon.
In the Trenches and Beyond: Service and Military Application
World War One Deployment
The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 saw extensive service during World War One. It was issued primarily to the U.S. Army, and it became a trusted companion for soldiers on the battlefields of Europe. Often times, the Colt 1911 was prioritized, and this revolver was used as a supplement. The revolver was used by support personnel, as well as officers who might not have had access to a standard issue pistol. The weapon was used in trench warfare, close-quarters combat, and other situations where a reliable handgun was essential.
Continued Service
The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 also proved its worth in other conflicts. It saw action in World War Two, during which the Army needed a large supply of firearms, and many units continued to rely on it. It also found its way into the hands of law enforcement agencies. The revolver was a workhorse, and its reputation for reliability made it a favorite among users.
Performance in Combat
The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 was designed for a demanding role, and it excelled at fulfilling it. The revolver was often praised for its ruggedness, its accuracy, and its potent .45 ACP cartridge. The Smith & Wesson 1917 .45 helped American soldiers feel safer in their role in combat.
The Legacy Endures: Collector’s Value and Heritage
Historical Significance and Collectibility
The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 holds a special place in the hearts of firearm collectors and historians. Its historical significance, the impact it had on the military, and its classic design have all contributed to its collectibility. Today, well-preserved examples of this revolver are highly sought after, and their value can range considerably depending on condition, markings, and provenance.
Factors Influencing Value
The prices of these firearms are influenced by several factors. The presence of original parts, the finish, the markings, the condition of the grips and the overall authenticity of the weapon are of great importance. The rarity of the weapon is also a consideration, as are any historical connections the weapon may have. A weapon known to have been used in a specific battle or by a famous soldier would be especially valuable.
Authenticity and Identification
Genuine examples are eagerly sought. The ability to accurately identify a genuine 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 is essential for any serious collector. Examining the serial numbers, the markings, the finish, and the overall condition can help determine the authenticity and value of the firearm. The importance of the .45 ACP is still recognized in the firearm world.
Remembering the Soldiers
More than just a firearm, the 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 is a reminder of the men and women who served in the trenches and other locations of the first World War and beyond. Its role in the military ensured its legacy.
Impact on Firearm Development
The lasting impact of the 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 on firearms development is undeniable. Its success demonstrated the viability of adapting existing revolver designs to accommodate rimless cartridges. It paved the way for future innovations in handgun technology, and its influence can still be seen in many of the firearms used today.
Conclusion: Echoes of the Past
The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 represents more than just a collection of metal and wood. It represents a time of conflict, and a testament to American ingenuity. Its contribution to American military history, the practical design, and the innovation of moon clips have secured its place in the annals of firearms history. The 1917 Smith & Wesson .45 is an important collectible for anyone interested in military history. The next time you see a 1917 Smith & Wesson .45, remember the story it tells.
