1917 Springfield or Enfield

[wdmorgan52]

I'm a new member to this blog or thread so please tell me if I'm out of line or doing something in error.

I'm having difficulty identifying a rifle my grandfather had then passed to my father and now I have. I have located some research on the rifle but it seems to have a stock that I cannot find any pictures. The serial number is 35614. I have attached two photos of the rifle if that helps. I would like to know if there is a place I can go to find out more about the rifle history based on serial number, perhaps?

Information

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[Merle]

The stock has been "sporterized" which is why you aren't able to easily identify it.
It is either a US M1917 Enfield, or a British P14.
The US rifle chambers the 30-06 and the Pattern 14 chambers the .303 cartridge.

Searching for the original model should give you plenty of info.

[wdmorgan52]

Merle,

Thank you very much for the input. That makes so much sense about the stock. It appears so old that I didn't know if they had mad changes or not. I will continue the research. Thanks again for your time and information.

[Merle]

Merle,

Thank you very much for the input. That makes so much sense about the stock. It appears so old that I didn't know if they had mad changes or not. I will continue the research. Thanks again for your time and information.

FYI: this was probably modified back in the 50s or 60s, and was often called an "economy sporter" or something similar. Mostly cut down the fore end to the shorter length you found desirable, then discard the upper hand guard - and "voila" you have a hunting rifle.....

I've had several similar - some I cut down & some I bought that way.
Not hard to do with a rifle you paid $9.95 for......

[Sunray]

"...continue the research..." The Pattern 14 and 17(AKA P-14 and P-17) were designed at Enfield, but made in the States. The Pattern 17 was an alternate standard rifle for the U.S. during W.W. I due to them not having enough 1903 Springfields. It's known as The American Enfield for that reason.
Read this. American Rifleman | The Model 1917 U.S. Enfield
To determine the calibre you can slug the barrel. Means you hammer a .30 calibre cast bullet or suitable sized lead fishing sinker through the barrel using a 1/4" brass rod and a plastic mallet, preferably from the chamber end, with the rifle in a padded 4" bench vise. Then measure the bullet/sinker with a micrometer. The .303 Brit used a .311" bullet. The .30-06 a .308" bullet.
It's far easier to do than type. Also assumes you have the vise.
If you have any doubts about doing it yourself, take it to a smithy.

[fjruple]

Pictures of the top of the receiver and top front of the barrel would be helpful. I am suspecting that your rifle is a M1917 Eddystone in .30-06. I remember these rifles being given away at Sears for $9.95 US back in the late 50's and early 60's.