What are your thoughts on a M1917 that's been butchered?

[crazy]

The stock has been cut. The barrel has been chopped down. The top of the receiver has been cut to mount a scope. With this receiver be a good starting point for a custom rifle if I scored it for cheap?

[thetruecheese]

I have 2 sporters, wouldn't mind a 3rd with a cut down barrel. dont have the heart to do it myself.

[Ora Serrata]

If you get it cheap and it's a good shooter why not? Just don't expect it to go up in value. Enjoy it as a shooter. I have a couple.

[crazy]

I wouldn't dare to butcher a rifle that's probably been to war. I have several rifles from World War 1 & 2 and I would never ever do what the previous owner did to this rifle. That being said, if I could pick it up for less than a couple hundred dollars, do you think it would be worth getting? I know there would be no appreciation in value but that's not why I would buy it.

[thetruecheese]

Gonna need more details. It's not really worth more than 200 dollars or so even if its in better shape than i imagine it to be.
Why would you buy it? I'd say it's good to buy, clean up and shoot. Custom 1917's are cool too but i don't know much about them, besides it'd be expensive to smith into a true custom and perhaps not much than a modern rifle in many regards.

[Ora Serrata]

If it shoots and you can get it for well under two bills why not. I recently picked up a sporterized 03 Springfield for $130. Barrel was shortened by 2 inches but it shoots fine. I've got a spare 03A3 stock that it'll still fit in. I won't be able to fit a bayonet on it, but I've got an original 03A3 for that.

[Grendl]

Personally, I'd rather save the $200 for something I really want. When I've passed on a purchase like that, I keep a tally so it's like I'm saving for the next purchase ;-)

[robertmneal93]

Why not?
If it's a project rifle, you could even find a beat up old wood stock or repro stock, and make a bubba jungle carbine. As long as it shoots good, go for it!

[DennisCA]

If you get it cheap and it's a good shooter why not? Just don't expect it to go up in value. Enjoy it as a shooter. I have a couple.

Agreed

[blackrat]

The m1917 is supposed to be a very accurate rifle. If the work of turning it into something comparable to an off the shelf bolt action in 30-06 has already been done and it's cheaper than why not?

[God Bless America]

The 1917 action is looong and some big cartridges fit in them.

375 H&H, 500 A-Square, 585 HE, etc.

[mosinnagantm9130]

If the rear sight wings have been ground down, the 1917 is a good choice for some larger cartridges, it’s a strong action.

If the rear sight wings haven’t been ground, I’d be tempted to restore it.

[echo1]

Are you sure it's not a Model 30? PAX

[crazy]

Are you sure it's not a Model 30? PAX

I had to look that model up. I don't believe that's what it is. Next time I go to make it payment at the gun store, I will take a second look if it is still there.