We continue our WWII Small Arms Series. Jeremiah and Mike Venturino discuss the history, care, loading and shooting these old WWII small arms. This episode is on the 1917 .45 caliber revolvers used in WWII.
4:13 Yes, that reminds me of a story. My father was in one of the first two squadrons assigned to Chu Lai when it was built in 1965. Of course it was VERY rough and they didn't yet have frivolous luxury amenities like a secure perimeter fence with landmines, or guard towers. My father tried to get a 1911 from the armorer, but they REFUSED on the grounds that he was medical personnel, who are not supposed to be armed due to the Geneva Convention (funny I don't remember North Vietnam being a signatory). So he went to the PX and purchased the only firearm available there: a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum! And it's a good thing too because that base was later attacked I believe in October 1965.
That is an amazing story very glad to hear he was able to arm himself. That is very interesting, I feel that stories like that really add to these videos we greatly appreciate you taking the time to share them here we greatly appreciate it! --Jeremmiah
I've really enjoyed this series on WWII small arms. I had the good fortune as a novice BPCR shooter to shoot with Mike a few times. He was always willing to answer novice (stupid) questions and was a pleasure to be around. Thank You!
Glad to hear that you are enjoying the series I know I speak for Mike as well when I say thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! I can't tell you how much Mike has helped me over the years! I would not be the bullet caster I am today if not for him! He is a genuinely nice guy and very humble for a man of his credentials. --Jeremiah
I think we are one of the very few who have actually gotten him on camera and we couldn't be more grateful for him allowing us to do so. Thank you for the kind words and the continued support of this series! --Jeremiah
Another excellent video, as always. Also, another great gun I've let slip through my fingers due to the financial fragility of youth. If I'd have known how hard and expensive they were to find eventually, I certainly would have kept it. Wonderfully made and buttery smooth. S&W seems to have made them to commercial grade for the military.
Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment. I can completely understand that. At least you had the pleasure of owning one! I do love the S&W revolvers they are very nice. I agree they were commercial grade for the military. --Jeremiah
Great video! I get the impression from what little I've read, that the Marines put about anything they could put their hands on to good use. I think soldiers, regardless of nationality wanted handguns badly in the trenches. I'm also a big fan of Trail Boss.
I don't doubt that at all, I can say the same based on what I have read. I don't blame them either I would want a handgun in the pacific especially given the close encounters that were often recited during that war. I love Trail Boss Powder It is nice to hear from a fellow Trail Boss enthusiast. Thank you for watching! --Jeremiah
Lately I have been using the plastic full moon clips. they seem to work well... forgot who makes em but you can easily moon and demoon em with your fingers.
I love those 1917 Smith & Wesson revolvers, they actually feel better in my hand as well! I was pleasantly surprised with the fit and finish on Mike's Smith. --Jeremiah
Great to finally see Mike on video. I have read his articles in Handloader for decades. A real inspiration to shooters. I am sorry there have been so few views when idiots out there do stupid things with firearms and have thousands of views.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video I know it means a lot to both myself and Mike. I honestly don't have enough nice things to say about Mike he has helped me so much over the years with casting and shooting I owe him a great deal of my knowledge. That is okay I have no doubt it will grow, especially when folks realize the amount and quality of information we are putting out there. That is why we are so grateful to those who do watch and comment and help support us by sharing our content it means a lot to us and we appreciate it! --Jeremiah
Nothing much more fun than a 1917! Brian Pearce’s article in 306 was the catalyst that finally got me handloading. I like the Colt, but Mike’s right, the Smith is just so nice. Smooth action and a great trigger. I shoot cast bullets only, and my Smith really likes 5.4-5.5 grains of Unique with the 255 grain Lyman 452664. It goes right around 800 fps, and I’d be happy with it as a trail companion.
They are a whole lot of fun! Thank you for sharing that, it is always nice to hear folks enjoy the magazine and the videos we put out. I too love the Colt but there is something to be said about the Smith & Wesson 1917. As always thank you for watching and taking the time to share your experience it is always appreciated! --Jeremiah
@@HandloaderTV I forgot to mention that the load I referenced was one of Mike’s. He used 5.6 grains of Unique with the Oregon Trail version of the bullet. I just tweaked it slightly for a little less velocity. I also rely on Auto Rim cases.
@@876mpr That is really neat! Mike seems to have a load for just about everything! I can't tell you how much his loads have helped me over the years and how many of his loads I have used over the years. Thanks for the kind words and sharing that info with everyone! --Jeremiah
I never would put "45 Auto" and "Trail Boss" in the same sentence. But sure enough, Hodgdon's website says 3.5g to 4.5g will give you 658 ft/s to 861 ft/s velocities. I might have to make a small batch of those to try in my 45 Auto-capable revolver. Also, nice to see that even seasoned professionals flinch from time to time.
Indeed, it is an interesting powder choice but it works quite well in all honesty! I would highly recommend trying it out, it worked quite well for us while we were shooting and mike has a lot of experience with that powder. Oh yes indeed, I will be the first to admit I flinch and pull shots from time to time. The worst is when you have to watch it over and over again on camera! Thanks for watching! --Jeremiah
@@TomKeown If I am recalling correctly I believe it was 4.5 grains of trail boss at about 750 FPS, I know he said he got the load right off the Hodgdon website. Pretty impressive that he has found loads that work well and shoot to point of aim across so many different firearms. The guy really knows his stuff! -- Jeremiah
Thank you for another great video! I'm looking forward to watching you gents shoot the rest of those pistols and revolvers! My personal favorites are the Webleys. They don't lock up very tight, they're ugly (WAR FINISH, anyone?), and they're heavy for what they are, but they are the quintessential British sidearm, in my opinion.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching and your continued support of this series! We will have an individual video on the video on the webleys. I personally really like them as well I do think they are a bit ugly but they are a lot of fun to shoot! --Jeremiah
I love the clips for my 45 Smiths, but use Auto rim for rounds I don't want in my 1911, heavy bullet hunting loads in particular. The Revolver and the 45 ACP together are a great development.
I think you have to have at least a few clips to go with these revolvers regardless if you use them or not! I can understand that and that is a good idea to differentiate between loads for your revolvers and other guns. I love the 45 ACP in revolvers I think it is a great idea!! Thank you for watching! --Jeremiah
I know this comment doesn't really belong here, but the latest issue of Handloader magazine was fantastic. Please tell anyone involved that their efforts are appreciated and please keep up the great work!
You can leave a comment on any video anytime! We always appreciate the feedback and we greatly appreciate your support of both the print magazine and the videos we produce here so thank you! --Jeremiah
Hello Mike V.. Been reading your articles since my teenage yrs,in the 70s onward when I started reading magazines and started reloading 38's . I enjoyed your writing work very much. Best to You and Mom..Randy S..
I know I speak for Mike as well when I say thank you for all the support and the kind words and feedback we greatly appreciate it! Wish you all hte best as well! --Jeremiah
Reloading question: A little unrelated, but what is the maximum load for a 158gr LSWC in the .357 Magnum using Unique? Alliant currently lists 6.0 for a Speer LSWC, but that is not a max load. The old load was 8.0 grs. Is that still safe?
That is a good question the reason why they list 6.0 grains of unique is because typically the bullet is so soft it does not perform well at higher velocities and leading can occur, However with a hard cast LSWC 8.0 grains of unique would be a max load but still safe to shoot. I hope that makes sense if you have any further questions don't hesitate to reach out! --Jeremiah
Thank you for the kind words, the feedback is always appreciated! I know I speak for Mike as well when I say thanks for watching and your continued support! --Jeremiah
Glad you enjoyed this one so much! As far as adding one to the collection, we are in the same boat I have been watching the market ever since we filmed this episode! --Jeremiah
