M-1917 Bolt Bodies

[30 Caliber Mag Fan]

Friends-

How can you tell the difference between a bolt body for a M-1917 Enfield and a P-14 Enfield?

What are the identifying characteristics between the two?

Your comments would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Calif-Steve]

I don't have aphoto. But, the .303 bolt face of the P14 has a very thin rim on it. This is due to the large .303 rim. The '17 has a bolt face with a thick rim. Also, the 17's will have a US Ordnance bomb on the bolt handle. Many P14 bolts will have a serial number stamped on to the bolt handle. Hope this helps.

[LMDawson]

My Pattern 14 had the S/N on the bolt handle and an *. I will have to get back to you later after I do some reading and see what the books say about differences.

Best Regards
Lisa

[30 Caliber Mag Fan]

Friends-

Thank you for your responses. They were extremely helpful. I did examine the bolt face of my bolt body and it does look to me to have the thicker rim that you mentioned, Steve. I then got out my dial caliper and measured the distance from the rim on one side to the protrusion of, what I would call the "left" lug and it measures approximately .473 inches which would be the case head diameter of the .30-06 round. Based on that, I think I can conclude that it is a M-1917 bolt body.

In terms of markings, it does not have the U.S. Ordinance bomb marker or a serial number. However, it does have "E" stamped on the bolt handle. That would lead me to believe that this bolt body is an "Eddystone."

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Best regards,

30 Caliber Mag Fan

[Dan Wilson]

Yep, the E would signify Eddystone.

Dan

[Tom Doniphon]

If the "E" is on the underside of the bolt handle rather than on top, then yes, it's Eddystone.

[Mk VII]

Comparision of .303 and .30 bolthead , borrowed from Stratton.

[30 Caliber Mag Fan]

Mk VII-

Thank you for posting the picture or diagram above. However, I am more confused than ever.

I have two M-1917 Enfield sporters. I pulled the bolts on both of them and they both look like the top drawing with the lug angling towards the breech. The bolt body I was asking about is the same way too.

So, I am a bit confused. Any other thoughts out there?

Thanks,

[jamie5070]

Itook a look at three of my '17s and they look like the top picture.
john.

[Calif-Steve]

The drawing is wrong. The sharp angle belongs to the M1917.