Why Did Every Soldier Hate This One Type of Pistol?

Why did American soldiers hate the M1917 Revolver despite its accuracy, reliability, and powerful .45-caliber ammunition? The answer lies in the emergency that created it and the compromises troops faced when carrying it into war. When the United States entered World War I, factories could not produce enough M1911 pistols for the rapidly expanding Army. Colt and Smith & Wesson therefore adapted their large-frame revolvers to fire the same .45 ACP cartridge. Because this rimless ammunition was designed for semi-automatic pistols, the M1917 required half-moon clips for efficient loading and extraction. The revolver delivered formidable stopping power, but it was large, heavy, and slower to reload than the M1911. Soldiers also had to manage easily lost or damaged clips, while its bulky frame made it less convenient for officers, artillery crews, and support troops. This documentary explores the development of the M1917, its battlefield performance, and why some servicemen preferred America’s famous semi-automatic pistol. We compare the Colt and Smith & Wesson versions, examine their wartime service, and reveal how an emergency weapon remained in American inventories through World War II and later conflicts. #WWIIFighterPilots #WorldWarII #MilitaryAviationHistory