S&W 1917 ftf

[tapman]

I have a 1917 that I finally got to shoot. Out of 6 shots, I will have 1 or 2 ftf. I am not using moon clips. Should I try to find either full or half moon clips and try to shoot it, or should I take it to the gunsmith? Thanx, Tapman

[1blindref]

I would trying using the moon clips first.
If that doesn't work, have it checked out by a smith.

[Pizza Bob]

Assuming you are using .45 ACP, chamber dimensions on older guns may vary widely from current standards. The hammer is just driving the round forward in the cylinder. Your 1917 will probably work 100% with .45 ACP and clips (half or full moon) or use .45 Auto Rim ammunition without clips. Headspace in these guns is on the rim or clip - not the case mouth.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

IMHO

If the use of half moon clips doesn't solve your problem there are two other things I would check before paying a gunsmith a penny.
Check to insure that the firing isn't broken or chipped. If the firing pin is good condition.
The next obvious thing to check would be the main spring's strain screw, I have tightened the strain screw on many S&W revolvers over the years and that solved the problem of light firing pin strikes.

oracle

[Steve_NEPhila]

I just checked the modern version of the Smith and Wesson revolver manual (coming with the revolvers) and it says to never use non-rimmed ammo (like the .45 ACP) without moon clips.

[brian]

try clips first. they were not intended to be fired without, but were designed that they "could" be fired without them in a pinch.
i have a new version and a vintage sample, neither one will fire a complete cylinder without the clips or auto rims.

[tapman]

Thanx folks, I will try it with the clips and see what happens. Tapman

[Plain Old Bill]

Don't forget that the .45 Auto Rim exists- it is essentially a rimmed version of the 45 acp. I gave up those PIA moon clips awhile ago....

[1832]

Roger on the .45 Auto Rim. I've got a 1917 Colt and gave up on the half moon clips some time ago. Although, if you roll your own, the Auto Rim brass can be a bit hard to come by sometimes.

[brian]

Roger on the .45 Auto Rim. I've got a 1917 Colt and gave up on the half moon clips some time ago. Although, if you roll your own, the Auto Rim brass can be a bit hard to come by sometimes.

auto rim is the way to go, but only works if you roll your own.
clips are ok, but the AR is so much easier to use.