ltwguns.com

I find that collecting "new in the box" pieces exceedingly boring. I prefer period pieces, especially those gun that have been customized as I would have done at that time.

I found this 1917 Colt at a gun show at a reasonable price. Some one with not a little talent had installed S&W adjustable sights -- and not ordinary sights, but those that has checkering rather than the usual groves (ala Model 27). The barrel had been chopped to 4" and a ramp fron sight with a white insert was installed. The whole piece was rather well nickled. To to it off, a set of mother of pearl staock were fitted. Normally, I don't care for pearl, but these were tapered at the bottom and fit my hand like a glove once I added a T-Grip adapter.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.











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very nice gun...what a great find. any idea if the frame is larger then a python??? and how is the action?-cam

The 1917 or New Service frame is the largest DA frame that Colt made. The Python frame is smaller.

The action was obviously worked on because it is very smooth -- not real light, but smoooth.

ML

Man is that one nice find! I have a soft spot for the old revolvers like this...and have been looking for years for a ratty but servicable 1917 to have a "Fitz Special" conversion done on. Don't worry...I'll try not to chop too much of a collectors piece (I know ALL of these are to some extent) but maybe would grab one of the Brazilian Police guns that came in 15 or so years ago.
I know there was a great post on here about a year and a half ago about Fitz Specials...anybody else have any good photos of one laying around?? I'd love to see them!--John

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

Me too. In fact, I was at that gun show looking for a beater 1917.

There is a nice picture of a Fitz special on the cover of the book "The Snubby Revolver" by Ed Lovett. The gun belonged to Rex Applegate.



And, on page 38 of Chick Gaylord's "Handgunner's Guide", there is a photo of a great looking cut-down Colt 1917. I'll try to scan it.

ML

Cool gat! Wish he would've used Colt sights instead of the S&W M27. Gives the gun a little too much of a Smithy-look. Overall, from the pics, it looks have pretty good workmanship. Does the barrel rib look to have been handmade? I sure wish the old guys hadn't been so fond of dropping the triggers and hammers in the nickel tank with the other parts!
How does it shoot?

I don't know if I would have chosen the Smith sights, and I definitely would not have nickeled them. But, they do give a cleaner sight picture than the original ones. I've gotten used to the Smoltish look.

The revolver shoots great. The action is heavier than a Smith, but very smooth. The white ramp in the sight is good against a black target. It does not like to fire w/o moon clips. Sort of like bang-click-bang-click.

The rib looks like it was hand made and it is very well done considering this was the pre-Ned Christiansen, et al days when metal just didn't flow seamlessly in metal.

ML

Well, gotta disagree with the old timers not being up to snuff compared to the new kids. Take a look at any pre-war Brit or German double rifle (H&H, Simpson), custom American bolt rifles (G&H), or even an old King's Gun Sight Co. revolver. Outstanding craftsmanship via a lot more hand work and fitting with smoke lamps and files. All the guys of today have their feet firmly planted on the shoulders of the guys before them and I think they would say the same.

that is a very nice revolver!

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Thanks very much,
Robert (13.45)
NRA Benefactor Life member

I thought you might like this JR:

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showfla ... #Post56185

ML

Mushinto...thanks for posting those links, etc. I think I have read all of them a million (and now a million and 1) times in dreaming of owning a Fitz! Hope you have a great weekend!

_________________
"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

howdy , that is a real gem , great things can be found at gun shows , the last one I was at I bought a mint set of factory Colt target grips for my 1953 vintage Colt .357 for $20 ,another time I pickup a very rare Florida Highway Patrol .357 with a un-cataloged barrel of 5 inch and factory nickel finish , its also a great shooter. gun shows can be funn, good luck with your new sixgu, robbt