From American GIs to Elmer Keith, large-frame, big-bore, double-action revolvers have a storied history as the first choice for hunting, competition and self-defense. For Smith & Wesson, these models started with the company's original swing-out cylinder Hand Ejector models and evolved into the company’s current lineup of wheelguns. New for 2026, Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45-caliber revolvers with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.
“Drawing inspiration from two of the most iconic large-frame revolvers in company history, these new offerings combine period-correct styling and heritage-driven features with the quality and reliability expected from a modern Smith & Wesson revolver,” the company states. Both new revolvers use Smith & Wesson’s large N-frame and are made of blued carbon steel with smooth walnut grips with a lanyard ring mounted on the butt. Neither have an internal lock.
The Model 1917 Classic replicates the .45 ACP-chambered revolver that Smith & Wesson produced for the U.S. Army during World War I, when production of the then-new Model 1911 couldn’t keep up. The company calls the original 1917 “one of the most historically significant military handguns ever produced by Smith & Wesson.” The revolver’s chambering of .45 ACP necessitates the use of moon clips, and five, full-moon clips that hold six rounds each are included with each revolver. In this original American Rifleman article from 1951, Keith stated, “For a defense gun against man, the 1917 S&W…is a fine, fast gun, and one can carry a couple of the three-shot clips loaded with .45 auto ammo…and have a very quick reload.”
Like the original, the Model 1917 Classic has an unshrouded ejector rod and a 5.5-inch barrel with a rounded “half moon” front sight and a rear “gutter” sighting groove in the frame’s topstrap. In a concession to modernity, the front sight is pinned in place, allowing for it to be replaced with aftermarket options. Weighing 36.6 ounces, it has an MSRP of $1,299.
The original Smith & Wesson Model 22 was an updated commercial version of the 1917, and its original designation was “.45 Hand Ejector Model of 1950 Army.” At the time, it was a rare model, with less than 4,000 made from 1951 to 1966. Smith & Wesson has re-introduced various versions of the Model 22 over the years and this latest version “is a revolver that honors its heritage while delivering practical shootability for today’s enthusiasts,” according to the company.
The new Model 22 Classic uses a 4-inch barrel versus the 5.5-inch length of the original. Instead of making the front sight integral to the barrel like the original, it has a pinned serrated front ramp sight. It also has an unshrouded ejector rod and lanyard loop, like the 1917. While the original was chambered for .45 ACP (with rim clips) and .45 Auto Rim, the new Model 22 Classic is chambered for .45 Colt and will also accept .45 ACP cartridges with the use of moon clips. Each revolver comes supplied with five full-moon clips. Weighing 34.6 ounces, it has an MSRP of $1,299.
For more information, see Smith & Wesson’s website here.
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