M1917 Winchester Sporter Find

Hi Guys,
I picked up a sporterized M1917 Winchester that looks to be untouched except for a shortened stock and a new soldered on non-military front sight. The blueing appears to be original and probably about 85 percent. I would like to return it back to it's military configuration. My question is could the front sight be replaced and a military sight put on or should I look for a replacement barrel instead? I'm not looking to make a museum piece out of it, I just want it to look right and am anxious to shoot it. I have another Eddystone and really love these rifles.

Rovin32

more info is needed, did they grind the sight ears off? is the barrel , 26 inches long?? and so on

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for replying so quickly. The sight ears are intact and the barrel is full length. I can't make out on the barrel where the barrel date is located because the new front sight covers it. When I say "new" it's probably from the fifties or sixties. Everything on the action appears to be there and not modified in any way. That's really all I can tell you about it. Do you think it's worth it to have the front sight taken off?

rovin32

may have to heat it to get it off, but id bet the sight keyway is there..iv done many times..