It has been said that the steel used in M1917s is "unusually soft." For this reason, some authorities recommend the use of cast bullets rather than jacketed ones, if the gun is to be fired much. Some contend that its shallow rifling, however, tends to give better accuracy to jacketed bullets.
In summary: The Colt 1917 Army is a 6-shot double action revolver, chambered for the 45 ACP cartridge (45 Auto). It's a variation of Colt's New Service Model, and is often listed under that heading in firearms reference books. Sporting a 5.5-inch barrel, it's big, heavy, and reliable. Accuracy varies, so try both cast and jacketed bullets. If you plan to shoot it much, lighter loads are preferred, to prevent undue stress on the gun.
This gun's fixed sights generally preclude very much serious target shooting, but accurate handloads can often be developed to match your gun's sights. Its reliability, ease of use, and caliber make this gun a formidable self-defense tool, and its 45 ACP cartridge has a well-earned reputation as a man-stopper.
- Russ Chastain
