The Ugly Duckling, revisited

[Ken C.]

In early March I posed some questions regarding a 1917 Enfield, and subsequently purchased the rifle and have now restored it, except for the buttplate which was also somewhat "modified" by the original owner. I will attempt a little "readjusting" on that and hope for the best. Not much about the restoration went easy, but it did go together, and was well worth the effort. Thank God I still have some tools and a little patience left. Thanks to all here who offered advice, as well as to Neil in Germany, Mike in Minnesota, and Sarco, Inc. Ken C.
Before
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/Ken1450HD/th1236397007_US20Enfield.jpg
After
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/Ken1450HD/003-8.jpg

[jjroth]

for giving a tired, faithful veteran, a final happy and appreciative home for services rendered.

[Col. Colt]

Great Job! Another piece of history rescued from the shade! Congrats indeed! CC

[Ken C.]

The nice thing about this rifle is that, having purchased it from the original owners son, I know a little of its history. (and will endeavor to learn more) It was carried in combat by Charles A. Cornyn of Pittsburgh, PA. who was wounded in action and discharged as a sargent.
After coming home, he modified the rifle and used it for deer hunting up in PA. It has spent a lot of years sitting in the closet (and no doubt getting knocked around from place to place) in FL, where I purchased it.Coincidentally, his name was Charles, as was my Dads, and they were both wounded in the leg. Maybe in the same country. (Belgium in Dads case)I still need to learn what outfit he was with, I think PA has the 28th Div.

[Dan Wilson]

Looking pretty good there.

BTW what the heck is up with the sporterized stock? Jeez it looks like it was rectal probed by aliens!!

Dan

[jabshooter]

Nice job! I had a similar rifle which had ben the victim of a Bubba over 40 years ago. After a long search this old Vet resides in an original stock which it seems to like because it still groups better than I can hold!

[Ken C.]

Looking pretty good there.

BTW what the heck is up with the sporterized stock? Jeez it looks like it was rectal probed by aliens!!

Dan
Dan, we will never know why he did that. All his son could say was that he used it for deer hunting after he returned from the Army. It puts me in mind of some drawings I have seen of ancient matchlocks which also had severly drooping stocks. I do know that when brought quickly to bear, the rifle as it was lined up very well. I dont know that the stock had to be so drastically altered to accomplish that however. Ken