1917 enfield sporter accuracy (part 2)

Hello All,

Thanks for all the advice so far. I've disassembled the rifle and found some interesting things. First aof all, the barrel has no clearance between itself and the wood. The forend tip was about 1/32 higher than the channel, exerting an upward pressure on the barrel.

The barrel was thoroughly cleaned. Its an original winchester (12/17)
and is bright and shiny with no noticeable pitting. it mikes out to .3087.


The main problem that I found is that the trigger guard rocks noticeably following Patrick's suggestions. The inletting is very deep at the front guard screw. The trigger guard that came with the rifle was straightened with the step removed. If I take an original 1917 trigger guard with the step, it fits perfectly.


Apparently this is a fajen stock with the 95% inletting that was never properly fitted. I would think that the whole rifle was cobbled together from parts to either make a quick buck, or be passed on once the original owner found out its accuracy. I also think once I open the barrel channel and properly shim the trigger guard, I should see a dramatic change in accuracy.


I agree with Chuck that its very hard to diagnose over the internet without actually seeing the rifle. I further feel that some of the great deals out there arent always what they seem. "Buyer beware" would be significant in the case.

A poster on another forum some months back reported that his M1917 had shot two to four inch groups with several brands of sporting ammunition but when he tried some very old milsur .30/06 groups shrank to around one inch.

Could be that the Enfield pattern rifling of the M1917 barrels requires a tougher jacket for best accuracy.

Hi Alfred,

Yes, I've considered the fact that trying different ammo might help, but until I correct the stock issues, the point is moot. This rifle does shoot
150 gr. Remington slighty better than 180 gr. however (factory loads)


It would seem to me that the trigger guard, stock issue is causing the problem, plus the tight barrel channel. We'll know in a short while.

fit the stock correctly, remove tang bushings if someone added them,
and glass bed free float.. works like a charm.
if you cant do this, your welcome to contact me for my rates.

Hi chuck,

Thanks for the kind offer. You can be sure I'll be sending it out to you if the stock mods suggested dont work out.