Brazilian contract S&W M1917?

Here's a couple of old warhorses... well I don't know if the Brazilian went to war, but it sure looks like it spent time in the Amazonian sticks

A 2nd model S&W looks exactly like the 1937 Brazilian.

Here's a picture of both.

2nd model in .45 Colt...



Here is the Brazilian in .45 acp...





Jim

I saw a Brazilian at $400 recently. Strangely I couldn't see the import mark, maybe under the grips?

Import mark? We don need no stinkin' import marks!

Import mark requirements have changed several times over the years, the current marks (company name and location) are a fairly recent change. Prior to that only the country of manufacture was required, and prior to that no markings were required, and since the Brazilian's were made in the US, and already so marked, any that came back before the most recent requirements would not have import marks.

No import marks

I bought my Brazilian Smith in 1987, shortly after they began to be returned to the US. No import marks.

The only thing I've ever seen stamped on the Brazilian was their National seal on the right side of frame, and the S&W logo on the left side of frame.

They also stamped an ID numbers on the back strap of frame handle.

Jim

Brazilian, on the upper right.



Here the upper gun.



Not all Brazilians have an importers mark. Mine does not. Depends on who imported them and when. The numbers on the back of the grip frame are Brazilian unit numbers. There were several shipments to Brazil. The order was an important one for S&W.

tipoc

There were some that came in prior to 1968. So you will occasionally see one without the stamps. I was lucky enough to get one my grand dad had.

One more...

Here's my "Latin" Smith & Wesson. It cost me $199 in 1987. Very accurate and powerful with 200 grain LSWCs over 7.0 grains of Unique. At 50 feet they center about 1" from the point of aim at 9 O'clock. The gun held up well to those loads, but my hand didn't, so I switched to a lower charge of Bullseye.

I foolishly traded off the original grips on this gun, but I think the stag grips go well, and with the T-grip are much more functional than the old factory stocks.



Here he is again with his younger cousin, who's been on steroids, but eats the same ammo: