Remington 1917 Enfield Project Completed

A while back the good folks here on THR gave me good information on choosing between the .35Whelen and 9.3x62 for this project gun. The bore was actually ok but I didn't need another 30-06. When I got it home I did more research before deciding. I chose the .35Whelen. With Africa not on my radar an American historical round in an American historical rifle just felt right. I had it on good authority from folks here that recievers are prone to crack (mostly on Eddystones from the research I did) when removing barrels, so to save possible heartache I sent the barreled action off to JES REBORING in Oregon. Heard a lot good things about him and nothing bad. The rumors are true. Nicest person I ever spoke to over the phone and as you will see in the target photo, good at what he does.

That sight in target is actually an 8" target shot at 100yds. with Lyman peep rear sight and a williams fire sight fiber optic front. The last two shots in the diamond after adjustments made my day. More testing will follow when i have more time but it looks very promising for accuracy. It was with 200gr Hornady Superformance factory ammo. I had intended just to shoot it up for the brass and reload my own 250gr Hornady Spire Points for an everything load. I got my work cut out for me to best the 200gr factory load.
I'm very pleased with the little project and I thank all of you for your insight into both of the clamberings that were discussed. I now have a .35Whelen and I did not before. I also learned reboring is a proven option.
Just wanted to share, comments are welcome.
Happy shooting friends!

GooseGestapo said: What is the barrel length? Original 1917 is 26”.

It was cut down to 22" when I found it.
Not really upset about that for what I have imagined using it for in the thick.
I haven't chronographed any load yet but now I am curious enough to set it up. I'll get back to you later.

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Gorgeous! Love that you saved the original barrel. My Dad has a really nice vintage 1917 Sporter and I have a mint original one, great rifles.

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I am glad I could salvage as much history from it as possible and still get what I wanted from it. It was done tastefully but it was sporterized quite a bit when I found it.

Jim Watson said:

Straightened floor plate, too. Pretty much a Model 30.

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After much research I found it to greatly resemble the model 30. At least one variant to that model. I'm pretty much loving it so far.

Thanks all for your comments! Got to go shoot it again today
Happy shooting friends.

Laphroaig said:

Did you go with the standard 3 groove? That's some great accuracy.

Also, what was the turn around time?

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I did go with the 3 groove at Jes's suggestion. He does offer a 5 groove at added cost but he advised it wouldn't be needed. I had a 14 twist done also at his suggestion after we discussed bullet weight intended.

It was almost exactly 3 weeks from the day I sent it off till the day I got it back.
He put a note with the box taped to the outside. It read " Seems to shoot good. Jes". That was an understatement I do believe. Lol.
Happy shooting!

Archie said:

I have a (ordered and built) rifle in 35 Whelen on a M1917 action as well. Had mine built in 1989 or 1990 - I think.
I do not use it as much as I had planned. Plus I'm older and less tolerant of recoil. (Not to mention I don't like being up early or out in the cold.) But I still think it is a marvelous choice for general hunting.

For those horrified at altering an 'old rifle', I obtained it second or third hand. It was already altered and rather ham-fistedly. But it does have a decent after-market stock of the post WW2 era to about 1960 or so. So it has a pretty good wood stock and not a composite something or other.
Nice cartridge, strong and simple action.

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Archie, I agree it is a wonderful cartridge. From all the written comments of hunters from its heyday, it is a very capable round for most anything on this continent.
The recoil is evident from the bench. More of a heavy push than a snap but after 20 rounds I'm ready to shoot 22lr. However from a standing or kneeling position it's not that pronounced. That Hornady Superformance stuff I'm shooting produces pretty stought recoil but not painful, I haven't shot any 250gr through it yet. We shall see.

As far as altering old rifles goes, I get the collector value thing and the preserving the history thing. Everyone has their own opinions and ideas on that. Me personally, I don't buy rifles or firearms in general as an investment or as historical pieces primarily. I certainly don't need another rifle, but i want almost every one i come near. I buy them because i want the experience of something i have a desire to have. If a person wants to make his own unique piece out of something tough as nails and dependable then by all means let it be done. The monetary value of the piece be danged. Old military actions or designs can be made into absolutely gorgeous personalized works of art I would never take to the woods. Take a look at Holland and Holland rifles that are custom made on 98 actions. Cost a fortune but are works of art.
So don't fret over what others think, it is afterall your rifle my friend. Enjoy it and be glad you can.
Happy shooting !