Not Sure What It Is...

[Soren]

I picked this up from a friend today. She said that it was her dad's in the Korean war. So I suspect it might be an 03 Springfield that has had the stock replaced and scope mounts added. But, I really have no idea. Any help identifying it would be fantastic.
Here are some pics I took of any marking I could find.

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[nextgenar]

Thats either a 1917 or 1914 "endfield" or possibly but not likely a 54 winchester is it a 30-06 or some other caliber?

 

[Soren]

Thats either a 1917 or 1914 "endfield" or possibly but not likely a 54 winchester is it a 30-06 or some other caliber?

It's 30-06.

 

[nextgenar]

Then it is a 1917 that has been sporterized if you take the front scope base off the action it should be marked right there. If it hadn't been drilled for a scope mount and had the receiver sight mounted it would be a good candidate for restoration, but as is, it's still a great hunting rifle.

 

[nextgenar]

About 2 million of the US rifle 30 calbiler model 1917 were made between 1917 and 1918. A majority of them that are seen have been "sporterized" to one degree or another. But still a great rifle.

 

[orygun]

Nice!
Yup, M1917. It's the "Enfield" that started out as the Pattern 14, but before too long the US decided they needed every rifle and it was changed to 30-06 from .303 and was called the M1917. That "dog leg" bolt handle is the big clue. This one looks like it's made by Winchester.
Probably not worth restoring, but they are very good guns.
Also looks like one of the Williams peep sights that were ever so popular in the 50's and 60's. I'm sure this rifle could tell us some stories.
I'd be surprised if it wasn't copper fouled, so I'd scrub the barrel well and shoot it. It's possibly a very accurate rifle.

As an aside, Remington, one of the original manufacturers, slightly modified these and put them into production as the Remington Model 30.

 

[erudne]

I had a GI issue 1917 and 2 Rem. Mod 30s. They are heavy but make a great 300 Win Mag w/little work.

 

[orygun]

I had a GI issue 1917 and 2 Rem. Mod 30s. They are heavy but make a great 300 Win Mag w/little work.

My dad has a CMP 03-A3 I tried to get him to let me do this to several years ago. Glad he stood his ground and didn't let me, but it would be fun in a gun like this... Except that I'm such a fan of the 30-06 these days I'd not do it.

 

[Soren]

Here is a pic of under the front scope mount.

 

[orygun]

That big "W" means one thing.

Winchester!

And those two screw holes mean another.

"Play with me"!

While it seems a bit silly, because it's been drilled and tapped for a scope base, it will never be worth much as a military collectable. But that doesn't mean you don't have a fine rifle.

 

[Soren]

I didn't pick it up for the collectability value. I got it for a couple other reasons. It was my wife's friends dad's rifle and it's pretty darn cool.

 

[nextgenar]

I didn't pick it up for the collectability value. I got it for a couple other reasons. It was my wife's friends dad's rifle and it's pretty darn cool.

I agree that is a very cool rifle and its almost 100 years old and i bet it still shoots great

 

[Soren]

I agree that is a very cool rifle and its almost 100 years old and i bet it still shoots great

I'm sure it will shoot well. I need to get it cleaned up a bit first. It's been packed away in a soft case (the one in the top photo) for a bunch of years.

Speaking of cases, the case that came with this rifle cost $6.95 at Bi-Mart a whole lot of years ago. I kind of have have my doubts that is a date on the tag (I don't know how long Bi-Mart has been in business). But it is an ancient soft case.

 

[Sgt Nambu]

Good solid rifles! I'm a sucker for the dog leg bolt handle!
I hope it shoots well for you!

 

[Qjay]

Show it off once you get the cleanup job done!

 

[Mark W.]

If you really want to improve its accuracy have the barrel trimmed back to right behind the front sight. Granted that would restrict it to scope only use.

I had one of these made by Eddystone that would shoot 1.25" groups at 100 yards all day long. Great beast of a rifle. And the actions are about as strong as any ever built.

 

[Qjay]

You could also counterbore it in a few inches, like is done on so many Mosins, then the barrel length is shortened, but the front sight is kept.

 

[DeanMk]

I agree that is a very cool rifle and its almost 100 years old and i bet it still shoots great

Nothing wrong with century old long guns, as long as they're in good shape.
I've got a 95 Mauser that was apparently made in 1896.
Wouldn't have a problem taking it out right now and shooting it.


Dean