P14 With Diopter, I'm Getting Crazy...

[Ovidio]

Hi to all,


now that I have blocked a P17, 40 km from here a guy puts this on sale...
What do you think about it? I'm no expert on these rifles, so I would probably not be able to see if there is anything "suspicious".
Does it look ok?
700 € with the diopter is really interesting.
The general conditions are allegedly very good (bore, and other mechanical parts), while the furniture is a bit dinged, but not bad at all.
I'm not worried about recognising a good rifle, it's the collector's side of the business which strains me normally...

I'd really appreciate any suggestions.


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Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[oldfoneguy]

It appears to be an average looking Winchester Pattern 14 with a Parker-Hale rear sight added to it and a matching bolt. That looks to be the PH-5B rear sight. It has the target sling swivel front action screw as well. Possible former military target rifle? The sights are available used in varying conditions. I've seen prices ranging from $250us-$1000us depending on condition and completeness. Sometimes the P-H sights go for double what the rifle itself sells for.

[Ovidio]

That is exactly what I was thinking. The bolt should be marked W isn't it? There is some sign, but I don't know if it is a W.
What intrigues me ist having a .303 on a Mauser action, which is my all-time favourite.
And the diopter....
I must find the "guts" to call also this guy and then go home and tell...

[oldfoneguy]

The rifle is priced at around $800us. I would go look at it. If it seems just average you can remove the sight and sling swivel set and sell them as a complete package. You'll recoup the selling price and still have the rifle for free. Before you do that try and verify exactly what the rifle is.
I have to say the .303 round in a rifle that size and weight is more of a plinking gun especially when compared to the Model 1917 in 30-06 which is also well mannered for that round.

[oldfoneguy]

I just looked it up the cross on the butt stock indicates emergency use only. That rifle may be a pre December 1916 manufacture date that hasn't been updated to a MkI* status. Somewhat rarer than most that were in British stores prior to WWII and received the Weedon refurb to bring them to the MkI* standard. Check the bolt, reciever and stock for any * stampings. If none then it is somewhat rarer than most however the original rear sight was stamped with the rifles receiver number. Without the original matching rear sight it actually brings the value down some.

[Ovidio]

Emergency use in what sense? To be issued to front-line troops only in case of lack of SMLE, or does it have another meaning?

[oldfoneguy]

Not to be issued to front line troops unless an absolute emergency.
There was a percieved feed issue which was remedied with a larger bolt lug. The ones made 12/16 and after came from the factory with the larger bolt lug were known as the MkI*. The change came in December 1916. All rifles built prior to that were given to the rear echelon. At the outbreak of WWII Britain was in dire need of rifles so all the pre MkI*'s they had in stock were converted to the MkI* standard by the Weedon refurb process which replaces the original bolt and force matches the serial number on it. They also had to machine the barrel face for the larger bolt lug to fit.
Having one that didn't have that done to it means either it wasn't in British possession in 1938-1939 or was in a far flung colony away from any armory.

[Ovidio]

I definitely have to go look at it...

[oldfoneguy]

I sure would. If there's any chance the original sight and it's hardware come with it then it's a great deal. I highly doubt the original sight is anywhere to be found though.

[Ovidio]

Got in touch with the guy. He still has it and no further requests at the moment.
Unfortunately tomorrow I have to go to Germany, but I told him next Thursday I’ll go see the rifle.
Hopefully it will still be there.