Make: Colt

Model: Custom U.S. Army M1917, New Service Model

Serial Number: 238235, Army number 95593

Year of Manufacture: 1917

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single/Double Action Swing-Out Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 8", Custom Replacement

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall, serrated, ramped blade pinned to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The blade is notched, apparently for an insert that is missing. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base slotted and screwed to the topstrap. The sights are not original to the gun.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in oval at their tops. The backstrap has been custom checkered for additional grip. The grips have even light handling wear with a few nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished. The barrel is not original to the gun, the hammer has been altered and/or replaced.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There is light finish wear at the muzzle on each side. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. The barrel's finish shows a slight plum hue. There are marks on the sides of the trigger consistent with a previously installed trigger shoe. The frame and sideplate finish has some minor disturbance that appears chemical in nature. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, a few are worn and incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: With America's entry into WWI, it was found that Colt could not produce enough Model 1911 pistols for the U.S. Army. Some .38 revolvers were distributed to rear echelon troops, guard, and the Navy, but the Army also wanted some commercial revolver production to be used for a revolver capable of using the same ammunition as the 1911 semi-auto. Both Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector and Colt New Service revolvers chambered for .45 ACP were approved as substitute standard and designated the Model 1917. Colt's M1917 was built on the same large frame as the Colt New Service revolver, making for a very rugged service revolver. There were many still in inventory when the United States entered WWII and, for much the same reasons, they were once again pulled from inventory and issued out as a substitute standard. Most of those which were issued during WWII were arsenal refurbished and given a parkerized finish.

This example made its way into the commercial market and has seen some extensive customization for use as a target revolver. It now sports a replacement 8" barrel, adjustable target sights, and a hammer with a custom profile spur, extending out to the left to make it easier to cock for precision single-action shots. The result should prove to be a very capable target revolver that uses the common .45 ACP cartridge, known for being quite capable for precision shooting, especially when loaded with lead semi-wadcutter projectiles. This custom M1917 revolver should still prove to be a great shooter, but is also an interesting example of a service revolver adapted for a sporting purpose. Please see our photos and good luck!