WWI was on the horizon and it seemed certain that the United States would become involved. S&W people began to work with Springfield Armory to develop a hand ejector model that would fire .45-caliber Government cartridge. This was accomplished in 1916 by the use of half-moon clips. New revolver is quite similar to .44 Hand Ejector in appearance. It has a 5.5" barrel, blued finish with smooth walnut grips and a lanyard ring on the butt. Designation "U.S.Army Model 1917" is stamped on the butt. After the war broke out, the government was not satisfied with S&W's production and actually took control of the company for the duration of the war. This was the first time that the company was not controlled by a Wesson. Factory records indicate that there were 163,476 Model 1917s manufactured between 1917 and 1919, the WWI years. After the war, sale of these revolvers continued on a commercial and contract basis until 1949, when this model was finally dropped from the S&W product line.

25,000 produced for Brazilian government in 1938. Brazilian crest stamped on sideplate.

High-gloss blue and checkered walnut grips.

Designed the same as .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model, with no caliber stamping on the barrel. Barrel length 6.4 in. Of the 5,000 revolvers produced, only 100 sold were commercial guns, rest were military. Produced between 1914 and 1915. Commercial model worth a premium.

Similar to first model, without an extractor shroud. Barrel length also 6.5 in. Serial number range 5000 to 74755. Manufactured from 1915 to 1917.

Recent limited edition reintroduction. Chambered for .45 ACP cartridge. Fitted with a 5.5-in. heavy tapered barrel. High-profile front blade sight, with fixed rear. Checkered service grips, with lanyard ring. Offered in blue, case colored or military finish. Shipped in a S&W collectible box. Note: Add $60 for case color finish.