M1917 Star in Circle

[arnettme]

Hello all - first post - I just purchased my first M1917 Enfield Winchester Rec. serial number 630## with barrel number of 11-17. Bore is bright with 5 grooves and passes the bullet test. All parts have a W stamp with the exception of bolt handle has an O K or it might be a bomb with a K next to it, bolt remover lever has an E as well as the device on the rear of the bolt also has an E. The stock appears that it has never been sanded, looks great, it does have a P in box behind trigger, left side has boxed "G or C" SAA, can't make out the forehand stamp. One thing I can't get a handle on is a small star inside a circle to the right of the eagle's head on outside of the left receiver rail. Does anyone knows what the star means?

I bought this rifle to complete my WWll rifles. Being a reworked therefore isn't a problem for me. That's what was issued. I paid $600 for it. I searched all over southern California and Arizona to find this one. I hope that wasn't to much. What do ya'll think.

Information

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[arnettme]

Correction: The star is to the right of a bomb, not an Eagle's head.

[LMDawson]

Does the circle have a 6 pointed star in it or an asterick type star?

Best Regards
Lisa

[deano41]

The star in the circle was put there by Winchester. There are a couple of explanations in C.S. Ferris' book (an excellent book on the M1917). It indicated the receiver was acceptable for inter-changeability. The early Winchesters were stopped from being sent to France because they weren't made to specs, and parts for repair would not interchange. The barrel is within days of the receiver. Your rifle was rebuilt courtesy of the U.S. Government at San Antonio Arsenal.
"The price of culture is going up" especially here in So. Cal. If you like it, then it's fine. They just aren't making these anymore!

Dean (the other one)

[arnettme]

Lisa,

It's a five pointed star inside a 3/16" dia circle.

Mike

[arnettme]

Thank you Lisa and Dean for the information. I took the rifle out today for the first and shot it. I have to admit I was a little nervous about pulling the trigger on a 93 year old rifle. All went well. The older I get (49) the higher I shot on the target. I have to aim the M1903A3 and now the M1917 at the five o'clock on the outer ring of the target to come close to center. Is it just me or does the M1917 have less kick than the 1903?

Mike

[deano41]

The battle sight for the '03 was 547 yds. The m1917 was 450. Without checking the books, I'd say the M1917 might be a bit heavier than an '03A3.
So, depending on what distance you are shooting, a 6 O'Clock aiming point would probably be normal, using the battle sight (leaf down). At least it works for me.
Enjoy,
Dean (the other one)

[Dan Shapiro]

The Star/Circle indicates the receiver was one of the 'early' one's, and was manufactured before final spec's were settled. Although accepted into US service, the weapon could not be sent overseas due to the alleged 'incompatibility' issue. Winchester had to maintain it's work force while waiting for it's M1917 contract to be approved and almost lost it's shirt. When Erwin Pugsley was in charge prior to and during WWII, he made sure Winchester adhered strictly to it's contract and would not make changes unless compensated for them.

[arnettme]

Does the star increase or decrease it's value/rarity. I'm not in the market to sell, but just like to understand what I have.

Mike

[Dan Shapiro]

I doubt the star carries any 'extra' value. Just indicates it was one of the early rifles put out by Winchester. At the time (WWI) we were TOTALLY unprepared. That genius, Woodrow Wilson even forbade the military from drawing up contingency plans if we should get drawn into the war. And of course SA and RI were still working peace time 5/8 shifts.