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11/8/2019 11:13:55 AM
 
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Section 8: Handguns Subject: M-37 Msg# 1060493
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Interestingly the initial shipment in 1937 were all made from new parts but the second shipment in 1946 was made up of some left-over, some new parts. The frame cut for the rear sight notch was wider on post-WWII frames but the Brazilian contract guns made from leftover frames in 1946 had the narrower rear sight notch indicative of the WWI frame.
You're right that the contract with Brazil was for 25k pistols, but they were not supplied in serial number order and can be found all the way from 1 to 210000. Guns made after S&W added the new style hammer block in 1947 has an "S" prefix added to the serial. Shipments were completed in 1948. I used to really love these guns. I like the looks of the Colts better, being a Colt revolver guy in my heart, but the S&Ws fit the hands better. I'd still love to own a Colt M1917, but they're pricey. Owning the S&W Hand Ejector Target I do makes having a Smith M1917 superfluous. |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: I have had numerous Brazilian Contract as well as non-Brazilian models. I keep coming back to them, and I decided to actually keep the 5 inch barreled one this time. You've seen the snub-nose variant that I stupidly traded for. Will probably send it, along with the parts I bought from you out to get re-worked by a custom smith after Christmas. As for the Brazilian contracts, IIRC some of the sources said the contract was met with parts on hand from WWI. I'm not sure if I really believe that, but I can for the initial run. I'm thinking the total contract was for 25,000 model 1917 revolvers. They sure are fun to shoot. Hell, my 625-2 is simply a later version of that venerable revolver, made with a different steel, with an underlug on the barrel. Image below from TJ Parmele - Image Title: Model 1917 and 625-2  |
