Cleaning a M1917

**kc8wvw** · 08-27-2013 10:55 PM

Hello,

I have not had much experience with old firearms. I was poking around my grandparents basement and discovered in the rafters a disassembled rifle. I looked over the markings and discovered it was a M1917 Eddiestone. the action and barrel had been removed from the stock. The only thing missing appears to be one of the screws for the stock. I asked my grandfather about it and he says he picked it up years ago as a deer rifle. He says at the time the NRA or some other organization was selling them for somewhere between $7 and $14. When he moved he disassembled the rifle and it was put in the rafters. That was something around 40 years ago. He told me that if I wanted it I could take it.

My question for all of you is, what do I need to do to get it in fireable condition? I do not see much rust (plenty of dust and grime) and everything moves that's supposed to. I should be able to order the missing screw someplace online. It will most definitely need cleaning and lubricating. Is there anything else? I've heard some things about headspace. What is this and how do I check it?

Thanks in advance

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