M-1917 Bolt Bodies

[Jim K]

Yes, the drawing is wrong.

The reason for the bolt lug difference is that the M1917 has the same cone breech as the M1903, something the U.S. Army wanted for more reliable feeding; the P-14, made for a rimmed cartridge, has a flat breech. So the front of the M1917 bolt lugs conform to the cone breech. Also the extractors are quite different, the P-14 having a claw only about half as wide as the M1917 claw.

Jim

[Mike Josephic]

Since we're on the topic of bolts -- I've just purchased my first
P 17 and cannot figure our what the trick is to removing the bolt.
Perhaps this sounds like a dumb question. I do have a book (mostly
collector info) that says: "Draw bolt back, put safety on and then
push bolt home. The safety lock will hold it back about 1/4 inch.
Then place a penny between cocking piece and sleeve (?) and then
open the bolt catching the coin between teh cocking piece and sleeve
and remove the bolt.

Darned if I can make sense out of this.

[Doug Rammel]

What you described is to take the bolt apart once you have it out of the rifle. go here:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/
On the left side of the page is a list of rifles.
Go to the bottom of the list and you will 1917 enfield.
Click on it and it will take you to a describtion of the Model of 1917 rifle.
The right side of that page at the top has a teardown and buildup of the Model of 1917.

By the way, Don't use P17 to describe the rifle. US designation is the Model of 1917

[Dan Wilson]

To remove the bolt, open bolt all the way back until it stops moving
pull out the lever thingy on the left rear side of the receiver (bolt stop) and hold it out while you finish pulling the bolt to the rear and out with your other hand.

Dan

[Calif-Steve]

By the by. That "lever" will break if abused. Be careful!

[Jim K]

That "lever" (bolt stop) and its spring are not likely to break. What breaks is the ejector spring (part of the ejector) and unless it is really abused, no amount of care will prevent that from breaking if it is going to.

Jim

[Mike Josephic]

Thanks guys for your advice. Finally had it apart today for cleaning and inspection. No problems. Like most things, once you learn the "trick" to doing it the rest is easy. Thanks again!!



Mike