Thoughts on this m1917

[Malygris]

This is my first m1917 rifle. I'm still learning about them, and wanted opinions on this rifle. I haven't tore it down yet, so I only have photos of the outside. So far everything looks to match to me. The barrel has very strong rifling which I'll attempt to photograph soon. Thanks for any comments.

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

That looks like a fine example of an "Eddy".
The barrel date of 8-18 is appropriate for the serial number 970xxx.
See Ferris "United States Rifle Model of 1917" P.88
Get Ferris if you have not already got it. It contains a wealth of info on markings and inspection stamps.
I also recommend "The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model 1917 Rifles" by Charles Stratton, for help on disassembly/reassembly and parts variations.
If you can restrain yourself (I couldn't!) get the books before taking it to bits.
You can now have fun trying to find the little "E"s that will be stamped on most parts. First and foremos - the bolt and stock. Don't fret if a couple of parts are marked R or W. This was the second major production of a rifle with interchangeable parts from different manufacturers (it hadn't worked so well for the P14) and whatever happend in the factory, field armorers would grab what fitted.

If it is like my "Eddy", then it will be pretty "low mileage" inside, most of the dings having come from nearly a century of being shunted around the arsenals.
And they can outshoot most other milsurps.

Give it the usual checks for head clearance (which I have described several times before, so try a little searching...) and muzzle/crown condition. Test shoot it BEFORE taking it to bits.


Patrick

[Malygris]

Thanks for the book recommendation. The rifle appears outwardly nice and legit to me. I've already started scanning the dis-assembly instructions on the old Surplus Rifle site, looks like it's going to be fun learning about this piece of history!

[mannparks]

very good,and welcome to the ww1 world of rifles that stepped aside and let the springfields take ctr stage. your next problem will be wanting a R and W too go with the E .good luck.----charles

[mike1967]

Nice buy, I wouldn't be tearing it down in any hurry it looks spot on to me as is.

[303Nut]

That is a nice M1917. Should be a good shooter...

[Col. Colt]

Very Nice M1917!!

Stratton in his M1917/14 book warns against taking any US Enfield completely apart - some of the parts were factory staked and removing them may cause visible damage and reduce collector value - a lot. (Trigger guard screws and swivel screws on the bands, for example.) But it's your rifle. CC

[jamie5070]

The rifle has a rebuild stamp on it. I would bet that it has been torn down at least once in its life.
john

---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 AM ----------

P.S. That is a nice looking rifle.
john

[Malygris]

I believe it has been tore down. I noticed the stake marks mentioned on some of the screws, but the screw slots show signs of 'use'. I'm just going to clean what I can for now and leave as-is. I didn't get a 'smokin' deal' on it, but I paid less than what CMP asks for one, and I think its probably better than what would come from CMP's current offerings, which I've heard are pretty ratty. When I was there selecting Garands a few years ago there were racks of 1917s, I believe they were marked $325 or somewhere in that ball park. Maybe it was $375. It was in 2005. I put a reproduction Hoyt 1917 marked sling on it. That's all I'm going to do other than cleaning the bore, and wiping it down. Thanks for all the comments. I love this rifle!