Winchester M1917 in box of parts, looking for gunsmith, need barrel.

[waw44]

So the box of parts that had the FN49 actions in it also had everything to put this together. At first I thought all I had was the receiver and the sights and stripped bolt, but then I dug into the zip lock bag of small parts that was in the box and it gave up everything else! Winchester receiver, stock and bands, Eddystone bolt... Now, who could help me figure out whether this can be restored, reblued and made into a shooter once I find a usable barrel? Any recommendations?

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[ssgross]

new barrels are in stock at CMP https://estore.thecmp.org/Catalog/Item/065CRI/1917
They are a few months behind on fulfillment, so while you wait you can clean up your parts and work on smoothing out fit and function. A fine sandblasting and re-bluing will make it a pretty shooter. looks like you have some duplicate parts so you can be choosy .

chuckndenver does a great job at bluing or parkerizing, among other things. He usually has an ad on forum - warpath vintage llc.

[waw44]

new barrels are in stock at CMP https://estore.thecmp.org/Catalog/Item/065CRI/1917
They are a few months behind on fulfillment, so while you wait you can clean up your parts and work on smoothing out fit and function. A fine sandblasting and re-bluing will make it a pretty shooter. looks like you have some duplicate parts so you can be choosy .

chuckndenver does a great job at bluing or parkerizing, among other things. He usually has an ad on forum - warpath vintage llc.

Thanks! Already sent a note to Chuck. I have some trade fodder, so I'm hoping someone has a M1917 barrel they would wan to trade before I pay for the CMP one, but it's a good option.

[browningautorifle]

Is that left hand front band in the pic a 1903 front band? The stocks look like an M1917(bottom) and a DP P14 stock (top). Yes, I'd send it to Chuck with what you have, a Criterion barrel would be a good shooter. Out of stock but they'll be back... M1917 ENFIELD BARREL, 30-06 - Criterion Barrels

[waw44]

Is that left hand front band in the pic a 1903 front band? The stocks look like an M1917(bottom) and a DP P14 stock (top). Yes, I'd send it to Chuck with what you have, a Criterion barrel would be a good shooter. Out of stock but they'll be back... M1917 ENFIELD BARREL, 30-06 - Criterion Barrels

The band, maybe. The box came with some 03 parts as well. Yes, I got a P14 stock and metal in the same box of parts. I will be selling/trading it and some other parts to fund the m1917 restoration.

[tiriaq]

I used one of those Indian DP stocks in the restoration of a sported rifle. To repair the notches where the pin was inserted and welded through the barrel, I did armorer's style inlays. Simple rectangular blocks inlayed. I have seen stocks repaired with semi-circular patches. Doesn't work, looks bad, really obvious what was done.

[waw44]

I used one of those Indian DP stocks in the restoration of a sported rifle. To repair the notches where the pin was inserted and welded through the barrel, I did armorer's style inlays. Simple rectangular blocks inlayed. I have seen stocks repaired with semi-circular patches. Doesn't work, looks bad, really obvious what was done.

Yes, if you look at the P14 stock Liberty Tree had for sale they have arsenal repairs in exactly that style, rectangular patches.

[browningautorifle]

rectangular blocks inlayed.

That would look like regular repairs too...would look right.

[ssgross]

Out of stock but they'll be back...

I called CMP a while back...if their site says in stock, regardless of how long it takes to them to fulfill, they are in stock in their facility ready to ship, not backordered.
I heard rumors Criterion was going to stop making military barrels, focusing instead AR's and the like. Source of this rumor I'd say is reliable, maybe he'll chime in and post here where he heard it from...

[waw44]

CMP estore showed 4 in stock, I placed my order, now shows 3...

I called CMP a while back...if their site says in stock, regardless of how long it takes to them to fulfill, they are in stock in their facility ready to ship, not backordered.
I heard rumors Criterion was going to stop making military barrels, focusing instead AR's and the like. Source of this rumor I'd say is reliable, maybe he'll chime in and post here where he heard it from...