Barrel for a Colt 1917

[sublime167]

Hey guys, I'm looking to make a snub nose 1917 and I'm trying not to chop the original barrel, I'd rather replace it with a spare. On gunbroker, right now, there is a New Service barrel in 45 Colt. Would this fit and work fine or do I need a 45 auto barrel?

 

[6_gunner]

I think it would work, but I'm no expert. One thing you might consider, though, is that there may be a significant difference between the finish on the 1917 and the new barrel.

 

[rcmodel]

Can't speak for all Colt barrels, but:
I think you would be better served with a .45 ACP barrel.

Back then, .45 Colt barrels often ran .454" groove diameter or even larger, with deep rifling lands & grooves for lead .45 Colt bullets.
Factory .45 Colt bullets were all hollow-base, so they would slug up to fit whatever the rifling turned out to be.

A .45 ACP barrel would have proper .451" shallow rifling intended for .45 ACP FMJ-RN GI bullets.

rc

 

[sublime167]

Can't speak for all Colt barrels, but:
I think you would be better served with a .45 ACP barrel.

Back then, .45 Colt barrels often ran .454" groove diameter or even larger, with deep rifling lands & grooves for lead .45 Colt bullets.
Factory .45 Colt bullets were all hollow-base, so they would slug up to fit whatever the rifling turned out to be.

A .45 ACP barrel would have proper .451" shallow rifling intended for .45 ACP FMJ-RN GI bullets.

rc

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep looking for a 45 ACP barrel. Anyone got one laying around they'd like to sell me?

 

[stu454]

Not sure the threads match between Colt and S&W, but could be wrong.

The barrels are out there; it'll take a lot of bush-shaking to find one, I'd guess.