Eddystone 1917 American Enfield .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle 1917-1919Our Assessment: The UK urgently needed rifles during WWI and could not produce enough. Contracts for the new Pattern 1914 (P14) Rifle were placed with arms companies in the United States. The rifle was chambered in .303 for convenience of supply. Winchester, Remington and Eddystone Arsenal (a subsidiary of Remington) produced the P14 chambered in .303 British. When the U.S. entered WWI, it had a similar need for rifles. Rather than re-tool the Pattern 14 factories to produce the Model 1903 Springfield, the P14 was modified to accept the U.S. .30-06 cartridge. Remington Arms Co. altered the P14 design for the .30-06. The new rifle was formally adopted as the U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1917.This example is an Eddystone Model 1917, made between 1917 and 1919, it has been rebuilt and refinished. The WWII era High Standard barrel appears to have been installed during the rebuild. It has nice markings on the nose of the stock, bolt handle, receiver and other metal parts. This bolt action rifle is chambered for .30-06 Springfield and remains in Very Nice condition. This 1917 has a well preserved wood stock, a great bore, and strong mechanics that should keep you smiling at the range. This well preserved U.S. Military bolt action rifle would go well in any historical collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
Make: Eddystone Arsenal; a Subsidiary of Remington
Model: 1917, American Enfield
Serial Number: 277254
Year of Manufacture: Production ran from September, 1917 to January 1919, C&R (page 129 of Charles Stratton's book, British Enfield Rifles Volume 4 - The Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model 1917 Rifles).
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle Fed By Internal Fixed Magazine
Barrel Length: 26"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is also set between 2 protective ears. It is a fixed aperture when down. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder that uses a sliding aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a semi pistol grip, cutout for the bolt handle & safety, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug, stacking loop, two sling loops, barrel band, through bolt, reinforcing pin, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The wood shows some scattered scrapes and light handling marks as well as sanding marks. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good to Fine overall condition, as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue and Parkerized, the receiver and bottom metal have been treated with cold blue.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and has deep rifling. The grooves are light gray. There is erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves. The bore has an M.E. of 1. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 8.5 out of 10.Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950's.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 90% of its current finish. The parkerized receiver and bottom metal have been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, areas of thinning, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The barrel has oil residue on it. The screw heads are sharp, some show light tool marks. Most markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA DEALER Transferable: YES
RIFLE