1903/1903A3/M1917/Eddystones & Winchesters

[Mustang]

Hard to say...it has a sporter stock, target sights and a short barrel.

The $64,000 question is has it been re-chambered to a different caliber. Do you know if it is still in 30.06? If so, the barrel is probably the original, just cut down. Could be a very nice, accurate rifle.

[pitbuljake]

Hard to say...it has a sporter stock, target sights and a short barrel.

The $64,000 question is has it been re-chambered to a different caliber. Do you know if it is still in 30.06? If so, the barrel is probably the original, just cut down. Could be a very nice, accurate rifle.

I did go onto a website and ran the serial number, it returned as being produced in 1918. I assume its an original barrel. How can I tell for sure?

[Bobby Ricigliano]

That is an interesting rifle. Besides the stock the rear sight looks like something other than what they came with. From what I have heard, finding original wood to unsporterize them can be costly. Might be better off just to shoot and enjoy it.

[smle-man]

That story of the swastika is fascinating. I am somewhat of a student of military history but I had never heard about that. I think it is fair to say that adolf pretty much guaranteed that the symbol will never be used again.

Many of the old street light bases around city hall in Glendale CA have the native American swastika in a pattern cast into the metal. The first time I saw them I did a double take.

[smle-man]

Yes sorry about that. They are both 1903a3's. That front aperture with the hood is really small. It would seem to be easier to shoot with just the exposed blade, but I can see where it could get damaged under hard field use.

It is intended to be removed before shooting the rifle.

[NOTABIKER]

Based on what I've read it seems we have a Sporterized MODEL 1917 Eddystone 30-06. My mother in-law (deceased) gave it to my wife. We have been sitting on this Eddystone for about 15 years, We have never fired it. Though we would like too once I get it checked out. It's a keeper though!

Based on the photographs, can anyone provide some insight regarding this rifle?

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A local pawn shop has one of these, that rear sight must have been a popular item because they both have the same sight. they want 400 for it. i offered 325 and they did not take it. that was a month ago.

[highpower]

I did go onto a website and ran the serial number, it returned as being produced in 1918. I assume its an original barrel. How can I tell for sure?

Ordinarily, there would be a date on the barrel behind where the front sight would be on a stock barrel. Since it now has a ramp front sight and the barrel looks to have been shortened, I would bet that the date is forever going to be a mystery. It really doesn't matter as the rear sight ears have been removed in order to install the Redfield rear sight. What it has become is a military M1917 that will forever be a nicer than average conversion to a hunting rifle.

[Mustang]

A local pawn shop has one of these, that rear sight must have been a popular item because they both have the same sight. they want 400 for it. i offered 325 and they did not take it. that was a month ago.

The rear sight is a Redfield 80. They turn up on ebay for $50 to $100 dollars fairly often. They were popular precision sights back in the day.

I have several 03 and 03A3's with Lyman and Redfield target sights that are similar.

[Mustang]

I did go onto a website and ran the serial number, it returned as being produced in 1918. I assume its an original barrel. How can I tell for sure?

Determining whether the barrel is original is probably impossible. First thing is to determine caliber. Look over the rifle and see if there is any reference to caliber on the barrel or receiver. Also look for any proof stamps or other markings on the barrel. If you can find no reference to caliber, you may have to do a chamber cast to determine what caliber it is.

Unfortunately, many of the barrel markings were at the end near the bore, which has been cut off on your rifle.

Thje good news is that the 1917 action, in good condition, is an enormously strong action. A buddy of mine hunts in Africa and has a Remington 1917 converted to .458 Lott, which is a Winchester .458 Magnum on steroids.

In addition to the barrel being cut down, a fair amount of grinding on the the receiver has been done on yours to allow for the rear sight to be mounted.

The original receiver had an enormous rear sight base with sides to protect the rear sight.

I've got several 1917's, both sported and unsported. Here is an Eddystone that was sported just by cutting the stock.



It has an almost pristine High Standard barrel on it and I intend to restore it one of these days. You can see the rear sight base that had to be ground off to make room for the Redfield sight on yours.

I also have a Winchester that someone ground the rear sight off of to make room for scope bases. They left the stock alone and took about 1/4" of the end of the barrel.


.

Alas, this can not be restored, but it makes an interesting rifle to shoot in the "open" category at a vintage military rifle silhouette match that my sons and I shoot in.

[pitbuljake]

First let me say thanks for all the responses, you folks have a wealth of knowledge regarding these types of rifles. Your input is much appreciated.


Unfortunately I have not seen any markings indicating the caliber ..... I am going to take it to my LGS and see what they can determine. My intention is to have it restored it as it appears now and keep it for personal pleasure. My wife and I watched a few videos including one with Hickok45, man these rifles pack a punch!


BTW, can any of you folks recommend a good shop where I can take this beauty in and have work done on it in the Corona area?

[Flyin Brian]

I haven't, but I have looked at the area on the side of the bolt closely. It appears to be finish wear that is consistent with the other area like the mag plate and trigger guard.

As Mustang noted, the grinding marks on the receiver near the magazine cutoff are a clear indication of a former drill rifle that previously had the cutoff welded. If it was just wear, I don't see how it would be so concentrated in one spot, and the cutoff itself is not worn. It looks like the grinder went up onto the left side of the rear sight as well. Also, that appears to be a Smith Corona cutoff.

Measure the (P) proof mark on the bottom of the wrist, is the circle 1/2"?