Buying a p14, what are the points to check

[ssj]

Hi,

I want to pick up a P14 next month, so what are the things to pay particular attention to?

I am interested in any parts that tend to be a bit weak or wear badly (headspace and barrel are a given) and hence may cause me to walk away or bid accordingly.

thanks

Information

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[Promo]

Take a look at the barrel below the rear hand guard, the receiver, the bolt and the top of the backside of the rear sight - these are the places where the original serial number of the rifle should be. Also check the left side of the stock for any markings (IE, IR or IW in a circle). That is what I care about most when looking at a P.14.

[Kiwi]

+1 for what Promo noted.

Can't really go past an all matching serial numbered rifle. Also check hand guards for similar wear/aging to the main stock. Be aware though that if rifle went through the W R S then marking on the butt portion of the stock may have been scrubbed/sanded down. Also don't expect all parts on the rifle to be from the same manufacturer as in its almost 100 year life parts most likely would have been changed In service.

Good luck with your search. Never know what you might find. I've managed to find a P14 W MkI* (F) and a No.3 MkI* T (A) for under NZ$250 each recently. The No.3 MkI* T (A) is missing its mounts and scope unfortunately and it's sporting some crude aftermarket scope mounting holes on the side of the receiver, but hey they only made 421 of them!

[Ridolpho]

There are a few out there that have been fitted into Model1917 stocks so I would suggest knowing what distinguishes the P14 stocks before starting to shop. The Model1917 stocks never had volley sights installed whereas all original factory P14 stocks had them. There were some replacement stocks used at Weedon that did not have the volley sights but I have yet to see a photo of one. Incidentally, I have yet to stumble across a P14 with truly good bore but have two that shot very well with dark, rough bores.

Ridolpho

[Promo]

There you go Ridolpho ....

However, note that the finger grooves are still shorter than on the M1917 model!

[ssj]

There you go Ridolpho ....

However, note that the finger grooves are still shorter than on the M1917 model!

Yes I know that one, but that wouldnt bother me too much as its not that hard to replace. That MkII is a stock made in Glasgow during WW2 as a replacement during Weddon repair I believe.

---------- Post added at 07:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 PM ----------

This one is described as having volley sight parts so it sounds like a complete No3, no pic of it so I will have to go see it. I wouldnt mind a P1917 as well in due course so I can shoot it in the "best of american" SR field day(s).

---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 PM ----------

+1 for what Promo noted.

Good luck with your search. Never know what you might find. I've managed to find a P14 W MkI* (F) and a No.3 MkI* T (A) for under NZ$250 each recently. The No.3 MkI* T (A) is missing its mounts and scope unfortunately and it's sporting some crude aftermarket scope mounting holes on the side of the receiver, but hey they only made 421 of them!

wow.....in NZ as well and very cheap. I'd love an (F) for service rifle shoots, but pigs might fly. I have been looking for a half way decent P14 for 18 months now, yeah I might need a bit of luck, LOL.

regards