Smith & Wesson Revives the 1917 in Two .45 Revolver Models
Smith & Wesson is back in the wheel gun business with two .45 revolvers built on its blued N-frame. The Model 22 of 1917 Classic recreates the company's wartime service revolver chambered in .45 ACP. The companion Model 22 Classic adds .45 Colt to the lineup. Both are hitting the market now from the Springfield, Massachusetts manufacturer. The timing matters. Ruger has announced it is ceasing production of most of its revolvers, which leaves a gap in the market. Smith & Wesson is stepping into that gap with six-shot, moon-clip-fed revolvers that look like they came out of a 1917 armory.
Key Details
Both revolvers share the same core platform, but the specs split on barrel length and sighting. Here is what the spec sheets show:
- Model 22 of 1917 Classic: .45 ACP, 6-shot cylinder, 5.5-inch barrel, blued N-frame, authentic half-moon front sight, original-style lanyard loop, smooth walnut stocks.
- Model 22 Classic: .45 ACP and .45 Colt through a multi-caliber cylinder, 6-shot capacity, 4-inch barrel, serrated ramp front sight, original-style lanyard loop, smooth walnut stocks.
- Cylinder design: The 1917 Classic uses a moon-clip cut cylinder that accepts both half-moon and modern full-moon clip patterns. The Model 22 Classic also accepts moon clips.
- Target audience: Smith & Wesson aims the 1917 Classic at collectors, military history fans, and revolver purists. The Model 22 Classic targets shooters who want practical handling and caliber flexibility.
The 1917 Classic keeps the half-moon front sight that defined the original. The 4-inch Model 22 Classic swaps that for a serrated ramp, which gives a faster sight picture. Smith & Wesson says both guns preserve the look of the originals while using modern manufacturing methods. Ruger's decision to halt most of its revolver production gives these two models extra visibility in a shrinking field.
Background
The Model of 1917 was Smith & Wesson's answer to a wartime demand for large-frame service handguns. The U.S. Army needed a sidearm that could use the new .45 ACP cartridge, and Smith & Wesson built its revolver to chamber it. Because .45 ACP is rimless, the cartridge needs a moon clip to headspace in a revolver cylinder. That is why the half-moon clip became part of the 1917 story. The gun served as a major issue handgun during the First World War, and it remained in service in various forms afterward.
The .45 Colt cartridge is much older. It dates to the 1870s and was the chambering for the Colt Single Action Army. Pairing .45 Colt and .45 ACP in one cylinder is a practical nod to that history. A revolver that accepts both rounds gives owners two ammunition paths from one frame. Ruger's exit from most of its revolver lines leaves fewer modern options for buyers who want a double-action, large-caliber wheel gun with this kind of heritage design. Smith & Wesson is betting that buyers who want that combination will pay for a new run.
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
If you own a Ruger revolver or have been eyeing one, this news changes your shopping list. Smith & Wesson just put two large-frame, moon-clip revolvers on the table at the same time Ruger shrinks its catalog. Expect pricing and availability to shift as dealers stock these models and as used revolvers gain value. Check your local dealer before the first wave sells out.
Moon clips deserve attention. A moon-clip revolver only works smoothly with clips and the right ammunition, so budget for clips before you buy the gun. Confirm the clip pattern you need, since the 1917 Classic accepts both half-moon and full-moon styles. If you plan to shoot .45 Colt, verify that your ammo matches the rim and pressure specs you intend to run.
Check your state's handgun rules too. Several states maintain approved-handgun rosters, and new models often need a listing or a clearance before a dealer can sell them to residents. California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have roster or approval processes that can delay new models. Confirm the status of any model you want before you put down a deposit.
DownRange Analysis
A revolver in .45 ACP or .45 Colt sits squarely within the arms Americans have always kept in common use. Under Heller and Bruen, a government that tried to ban these guns would face a steep historical burden. No court has seriously questioned the constitutionality of a six-shot double-action revolver, so the legal question is settled. The real fight is over the access and paperwork that surround new models.
The market story is more interesting. Ruger's retreat from most revolvers creates a vacuum, and Smith & Wesson is filling it with retro-styled guns that carry strong brand recognition. Buyers who want a classic look will pay for it. Buyers who want a defensive carry gun should look elsewhere. The 1917 Classic's half-moon sight and 5.5-inch barrel make it a range and collector piece. The 4-inch Model 22 Classic makes a more balanced case for a duty-style revolver, but the sights still matter for fast work.
What should you do right now? Visit a dealer and handle both models. Feel the trigger, check the sight picture, and see how the walnut sits in your hand. Buy a moon-clip set and test it with your preferred ammunition before you commit. If you are a revolver fan who has been waiting for a reason to buy, this is that reason.
