IMHO one of the best buys out there today is the Brazilian Contract Smith & Wesson 1917s. these were made for Brazil in the late thirties, just before WWII. They are chambered in 45acp and are great shooters.They work well with either moon clips or free loading (some say I'm very good at the later but only Howl at the moon). The ones I have have all been super reliable, and down right scary accurate.

The Brazilian Contract Smiths are C&R eligible and if you look around, can usually be found for under $300.00.

Where can you get one?  I have a C&R.

Just got to keep your eyes open. Watch th auctions and GunsAmerica. the seem to come up pretty regularly.

Correctamundo! Great guns and very few have been shot much although finish wear will usually be there. I found one in excellent mechanical condition at one of those evil weapons bazars (gun show) sitting on a table for $200 while the unwashed show-goers were drooling over more modern, hi-cap autos, etc. It called out to me...I rescued it...it has loved me ever since. Some full moons and SXTs and it's good to go.

sig_230, the Brazilian kinda of makes you feel like "Indiana Jones" doesn't it? I had one and traded it away but I really liked the revolver. I currently have a US military 1917 but I screwed it up by having it hard chromed. Oh well, it makes one hell of a boon docking gun. regards, Richard:-)

Richard, I know what you mean. One of my Colt 1917s was chromed at sometime during it's life. Fortunately my S&W 1917 looks and feels like it just came from the factory.