US Model of 1917 Launching rifle

[wheaty]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/62956/DSC00007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/62956/DSC00009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/62956/p14butt.jpg
US Model of 1917 with wire wrap for launching. Very rare......

[Stevo]

Was it for use in grenade launching or as a line launcher? I'm assuming grenade with the cup on the end.

[wheaty]

Most line throwing rifles did not have sights on them. The Long Branch No.4 for example. Line throwing rifles were usually used by Naval personnel to fire lines from ship to ship to pull a heavier line for the "bosun's chair" or transfer of lines and cables. The line throwing rifles were also wrapped, and most were wire wrapped. There was a cord wrapped SMLE used for grenade launching during WW I, but I have only seen two or three examples on the loose. The stock wrapping was to prevent injury from the stock splintering. The recoil in firing a No.23, or 36 mills bomb was quite violent, as was the recoil from the rodded grenades. Being a "Bomber" in WW I was not for the faint at heart.

[Skippy]

You've got a nice set of goodies judging by your last few posts.

THanks for sharing.

[A square 10]

its interesting to note this rifle is fitted with commonwealth web sling and is painted with the red indicating 3006 ammo - both consistant with non-US use

[sdh1911]

Very cool rig. Is it possible to shoot tennis balls out of it? Just a passing thought-SDH