M1917 bolt questions

[Flowjoe]

I started with cleaning the bolt before breaking the rifle down. Everything went smoothly until I reassembled. I threaded the bolt sleeve clockwise until it was snug up against the bolt body. So far so good. When I tried to insert the bolt assembly into the receiver the cocking piece is at the 9 o'clock position instead of 6 o'clock. I rotated it counter clockwise and the bolt slid home. But now there is a .025" gap between the bolt body and the bolt sleeve - is this acceptable? And no, I did not notice if that gap was there when I began disassembly - idiot that I am.

[echo1]

Can't say with definity, but if that how it fits, must be OK. It won't take another turn. PAX

[Enfield47]

I don't own an M1917 but I do own a P14 and I believe the bolts are the same operationally. There is a small gap that you will have but I don't have my rifle out to measure how much.

Here are the directions for disassembly and reasssembly of the bolt in case you want to retrace your steps. http://web.archive.org/web/201009070...mble/index.asp

[Flowjoe]

I did folow that guide...and disassembled and reassembled the bolt half a dozen that times (in case I messed up or had something clocked incorrectly). I got the same result each and every time.

I suppose the end result might be lighter strikes by the firing pin - yes? It does not impact the bolt locking up or the extractor, just the amount of spring tension on the firing pin and its travel.

[rdfact]

I checked my M1917 bolt and it has a gap just like your pic.

[Flowjoe]

I checked my M1917 bolt and it has a gap just like your pic.

OK, that is good news, thanks for checking that.

[rdfact]

[Flowjoe]

Oops. Well, it's only in pieces right now but once cleaned and reassembled I'll try to get right on that.

[Flowjoe]

OK, here are some photos of the M1917. The target was my second run of 6 through the gun at 100yds. The outlier was me not getting the hold under right and the other two are me not doing my part.

[rdfact]

^^^ Wow a low 6 digit SN. Mine is in the 1.3 million range. **Edit, but mine in Eddystone.
Looks good.

[Flowjoe]

^^^ Wow a low 6 digit SN. Mine is in the 1.3 million range. **Edit, but mine in Eddystone.
Looks good.

Thanks!

The serial number comes back as May of 1918 for build date and the barrel is stamped "04-18" so those would seem to match but other than that it is mix master...no Winchester parts but lots of Eddystone (including the stock and the bolt...but not the whole bolt assembly). Perhaps a few rebuilds over the last 99 years. Over all it is in really good condition, shoots well and I'm pretty happy. I gave $799 for it at a LGS...perhaps a little high. What do you think?

[rdfact]

Thanks!

The serial number comes back as May of 1918 for build date and the barrel is stamped "04-18" so those would seem to match but other than that it is mix master...no Winchester parts but lots of Eddystone (including the stock and the bolt...but not the whole bolt assembly). Perhaps a few rebuilds over the last 99 years. Over all it is in really good condition, shoots well and I'm pretty happy. I gave $799 for it at a LGS...perhaps a little high. What do you think?

I think you did just fine. I paid less 2 years ago. Everything seems to be increasing. Mine is all Eddystone except the bolt which is Remington.
This is mine: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1056376

[Enfield47]

Congrats, that's a nice looking M1917.

[Flowjoe]

I think you did just fine. I paid less 2 years ago. Everything seems to be increasing. Mine is all Eddystone except the bolt which is Remington.
This is mine: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1056376

I checked out your link...very sweet, especially the stock cartouches. Maybe we should swap bolts

[Flowjoe]

Congrats, that's a nice looking M1917.

thanks