First post and P17 sporter question

[NORTHOF60]

The biggest problem with the stock is the crap paint job - but I get your point. Fajen made a very nice sporter stock for the P14/P17 with the straightened trigger guard. It looks as if the stock was hogged out to accommodate a barrel mounted rear sight. Otherwise, looks like a nice sporter.

[fjruple]

Interesting to use an M1 Carbine rear sight on the rear of the receiver.

[rsu11]

Yep, very similar to the rear peep sight on my 03A3, so I considered it a plus. The ears were already gone , so not concerned with originality, just good iron sights that work well.

[jamie5070]

Love to see it when it's done...?

It's on the back burner as I have to rebuild my trucks motor. If you check the web site, I'm leaning towards a dual grip, thumbhole stock. I just haven't decided between walnut or laminate. It was my first rifle and I've had it for close to 45 years. So I figured, Why not.

[rsu11]

An update: I picked up a composite sporter stock as a testing platform and also checked headspace with a Forster field gauge for 30-06. Interesting results - the bolt nearly closes on the gauge. When I say nearly, I mean just a few degrees of rotation short of complete closing. I put witness marks on the receiver and bolt to show the 1/8" of difference - see the pics attached. Check was done with a stripped bolt using light finger pressure on the handle.

First pic shows completely closed bolt on empty chamber with safety engaged.
Second pic shows bolt just shy of closing on the gauge, about 1/8 inch between the marks. Safety will not engage.

I've read several other posts on this subject, one with the same issue but no pics. Most say the gun is safe to shoot, but hard on the brass. It seems like there is no more forward bolt travel around this point in the rotation, but there must be some slight cam action since the handle stopped just short of completely closing.

I'm inclined to shoot it once with a Garand load (lower pressure) and check out the brass measurements. If it checks out, I'll run some more Garand loads and look for consistency.

So technically it didn't close on a field gauge but it's within a gnat's eyelash. What say ye? Safe to shoot?

[browningautorifle]

So technically it didn't close on a field gauge

I'd say THAT...it didn't close.

[fjruple]

I'd say THAT...it didn't close.

Agree Jim, not closed. Probably needs a wicker of a turn on a final reamer or buy an additional stripped bolt and try it. Usually US Ordnance had a pile of bolts to try to fit probably not an option today.

[Salt Flat]

No reaming -- It should not close on the field guage and it didn't-- you should be good to go. Salt Flat

[browningautorifle]

No reaming

Right, the field gauge is the final hope. It's the gauge that matters. It shouldn't close on it.

[fjruple]

Right, the field gauge is the final hope. It's the gauge that matters. It shouldn't close on it.

Sorry Jim my Dyslexia kicked in. Too early in the morning for me. LOL!! I thought it said Go-Gauge.