Need some schooling on a M1917 Eddystone

[crazy]

A friend has one that he wants to sell. This is one rifle that was never on my radar. I only found out about them after he told me about it. He didn't know what it was. He bought it at least 50 years ago. He showed me a few pics.

It seems from what I read on the interweb is that they are a solid rifle. They don't have the same heat treat issues as early 1903 rifles. I am looking for a good shooter. As I get older(go figure), I appreciate old battle rifles more.

What are your opinions on this rifle?

[IrishJoe3]

Great rifle. Smooooooth bolt.

[hollowpoint67]

They're neat, but I find them a little too chubby / unwieldy for my tastes and i'm a big guy.

Much rather have a 1903 / 03a3.

[God Bless America]

That's what Alvin York shot. Love tjem. Sights are far superior to the 1903.

[Father Ted]

Love the Model 1917. Eddystone marked parts with E, R for Remington, and W for Winchester. Stocks will be marked at the tip. Typically found in a mix of parts, so an all E is a bonus. Hefty stock, considerably more pleasant to shoot than a 1903 in both the recoil department as well as sights (although 1903 sights are neat once you become accustomed). Is it still in military configuration? Nothing sadder than a 1917 with its poor ears ground off.
Cheers

[Milsurps]

"good shooter" Can't promise that, depends on condition.

Great rifle. My Wife has one and very fun to shoot.

[Enfield47]

The M1917 is a solid choice. As Father Ted stated, they were made by Eddystone, Remington, and Winchester during WWI. I have the original design, a P14 in .303 British and it is an excellent rifle. Hopefully the one you are looking at is still in it's original configuration. Do you have a muzzle gauge, if so see what it reads? If not, use M2 ball ammo (like HXP) and see how far the bullet goes into the muzzle. Hopefully you still see a lot of the bullet.

[crazy]

They're neat, but I find them a little too chubby / unwieldy for my tastes and i'm a big guy.

Much rather have a 1903 / 03a3.

I have a 1903. Maybe I will find a 03a3 someday but this 1917 is here now.

[Garand Hunter]

Heavy and awkward to some, I have held the sporterized versions and they
seem less awkward, but my 03s where my favorites. If you like it, buy it. I
hunted for 10 years with a M1 Garand, heavy but better feel.

Psalm 1

[Not that bright]

Wasn't there some kind of receiver issues that could happen on Eddystone rifles that have had the barrels replaced? IIRC I heard that some stress cracks could develop around the threads in the receiver.
That being said, I have a Remington and I enjoy shooting it more than my 03A3.

[Capybara]

I almost bought one at a shop in Kingman, they are sweet rifles. Couldn't agree on a price for my budget so I bought an 1894 Winchester instead as a consolation prize. Would still love to own one someday. But it!

[mosinnagantm9130]

Heavy, but IMO far superior sights to the M1903. If it's not sporterized, and the price is right, I'd jump on it.

[crazy]

I watched a bunch of youtube videos on the rifle. I think I decided to buy the rifle. I might see the guy tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I can get a decent price.

In some of the videos, the shooters seemed to hang up the bolt on the close. No matter how hard they tried to be smooth. I think they were trying too hard to cycle the bolt quickly and look smooth while doing it.

[DesertWalker]

Please send us some pix when you can.....and maybe a range report.

[kendog4570]

A morph of the Brit P14 rifle. Very British in its design. Somewhat clunky when compared to a smooth M98 or US1903. Own/drive/fix a Land Rover from the 1950's and you will get what I mean. Cocks on closing. Built like a Mack truck. If the bore is worn (quite a few are) try .311 Match Kings before you toss the barrel, they have been known to tighten the group significantly.
Eddystones were built by Remington under contract to Uncle Sam at the Baldwin Locomotive plant in Eddystone, Penn.