Back in the 50's, S&W model 1917's and Colt New Service guns could be bought at Krasnes Hardware in San Diego for about 15 bucks. Krasnes had nail kegs full of them, u pick. We bought them, butchered them by bobbing the hammers, cutting off the bbls, sometimes cutting out the front of the trigger guards. Many of them went to Tijuana, traded to Mexican cops for whatever. We shot against them in "peace officer matches" about once a month. I still have one 1917, untouched...they are neat guns...