Barrel for M1917. Have you used this one?

[mickeydim468]

I found a barrel that is ready to install at Numrich's for my US Cal 30 Model of 1917 or M1917 for short. Have you any experience with this barrel? If so, is this a good deal? Here is the link to the part. M1917 Barrel @ Numrich's e-gunparts.com

I would eventually like to return this old relic to its original configuration. The action has not been cut or tampered with and there is only 2 parts that I do not have that is available at this same site. All of the rest are available at Numrich's site.

One is the original uncut stock and one barrel band. I am sure I can find those somewhere else, but I don't know where to look. Do you?

Thanks for your opinions and info.

Mikey!

 

[iamkris]

Bumping this up because I am interested in the answer as well. I have a CMP 1917 that is all original but unfortunately the barrel is a sewer pipe and sprays lead all over the place. The rifle groups about like a shotgun.

I'd like to see what it would take to get it shooting again.

It's the 5th rifle in the pic below



US military rifles - late 1800’s through WWII

1944 Springfield Armory M1 Garand, .30-06
1941 Springfield Armory M1 Garand, .30-06
1939 Springfield Armory M1 Garand, .30-06
Springfield Armory 1903A3, .30-06
Eddystone M1917, .30-06
Inland M1 Carbine, .30 Carbine
Springfield Armory 1898 Krag, .30-40
Springfield Armory 1873 Trapdoor, .45-70

 

[mickeydim468]

Hey Kris,

Nice collection you have there. I have only the one and it was sporterized before I bought it. I would eventually like to have mine look like yours. It currently has a 20" barrel and a sporter synthetic stock on it. I have a lot of parts to collect to get it going the way it was intended.

I am surprised this has not had an answer before now. The guys on here are usually "Johnny on the spot!" when it comes to stuff like this.

How about I raise another question to get some response?


If you had my rifle and wanted to do what I am suggesting, would this be an option you would look at or is there a better more proven way to go about it and still remain pretty reasonably priced.

I checked Pac Nor Barrels (They are located about 90 miles from me, and came highly recommended by someone who makes custom rifles) but, they wanted over $300.00 or more to make me a barrel and that didn't include installing it on my action. I have 4 kids and just can't justify spending that much on a barrel for this rifle.

 

[iamkris]

I'd like to know if anyone has a gunsmith that specializes in US military arms that would know how to install these correctly.

 

[mickeydim468]

Yes, that would be nice. How much work still needs to be done to this barrel to have it shootable?

Does anyone know?

 

[NCsmitty]

That Numrich barrel is not ready to install, if you read the text at the site.

Certain cuts need to be done before installing, and then you probably have to do a headspace chambering with a finish reamer.
I've heard that removing a 1917 Enfield barrel can be quite a project too. Many had the barrel over-torqued at installation and some actions may crack if the wrong procedure is used to remove it.
A barrel change is not a DIY thing unless you have some knowledge and expertise to fall back on.




NCsmitty

 

[mickeydim468]

A barrel change is not a DIY thing unless you have some knowledge and expertise to fall back on.

Nope! No experience here, but I am trying to learn. Is there a resource to acquire the knowledge to complete said work? I am pretty handy with tools, but I do not have any precision tools for a reaming job ETC... yet! What would I need?

 

[NCsmitty]

The bare minimum will require an action wrench and a barrel vise. So there is $100+ for those. But you could always resell them to reduce your costs. A digital caliper is also a must for any dimensional tolerances that you need to check and maintain.
All this is available at MidwayUSA, and others. Look around at the different sites for books related to the task, or even the library.

If this project is a one time deal, then having a skilled gunsmith do the machining and installation will put you ahead in the end. If you do the stuff like polishing and finish work, it will save you a bunch of money too.




NCsmitty

 

[mickeydim468]

What would a gunsmith charge for something like this? My use of gunsmith services are very limited. I have only been to one gunsmith to have him check the headspacing on my M1917 when I first bought it, to make sure it was safe to shoot. He did not charge for this service, he just asked that if I ever needed work, to remember his generosity and return for future work. So I have no idea what services like this should cost. I want to get a fair price and also to get an idea how much to budget for my project.

Thanks guys!