I have dealt with and have several 1917 rifles and its cousin P14 Enfields including Eddystone and Winchester.
Eddystones are generally cheaper because 1) there are more of them produced than by Remington and Winchester, 2) they have a reputation for cracking at the front receiver ring, 3) some claim that the workmanship on the Eddystones regarding fit and finish are inferior to the other two.
The P14 action (and its cousin the later 1917 U.S. Rifle) is a massively overbuilt Mauser type action, when compared with the Mauser 98, and when the action is sound is fit for a number of magnums. It is a heavy rifle in battle form and when compared with the 1903 Springfield, seems to be lacking in aesthetics. It is also a more involved issue to sporterize the rifle than a Mauser or Springfield. That being said, I find it of comparable accuracy to my 1903's, its battle sights are better than the original 1903's, and its felt recoil is softer with the bonus of one more .30-06 round in the magazine than the 1903. It's P14 cousin is ridiculously overbuilt for the .303 round and has even softer recoil with fine accuracy. The dogleg bolt takes a little getting used to if you are used to Mauser/Springfield types in rapid fire if you are shooting competition.
As far as the cracking issue goes, some claim that Eddystone barrels were overtorqued with machine tools, some claim inferior heat treatment of receivers, and still others claim that over the top proof loads damaged the receivers and they cracked when the old barrels are removed. Unlike the 1903 known issue with heat treatment problems documented extensively, the 1917 rifle and the P14 problems have appeared more of a sporadic nature and whether Eddystones are more prone than other makes for cracking relies primarily on anecdotes rather than government reports on quality control issues. I am sure that others may disagree but my opinion is to buy it if you want and if the price is right.
So, if you want one, get one as the prices are rising, but make sure that you have an inspection and return period and have a gunsmith check the receiver for cracks before you shoot it. It is not probable that there is a problem but unscrupulous sellers do sometimes sell rifles with known issues. You can also find a number of sporterized P14's and 1917's floating around at relatively cheap prices so don't buy one in military garb and then spend a bunch to sporterize it. You will actually subtract value as the military ones in good condition now bring more than the sporterized ones. Hope this helps, I am sure that others will be along to voice their opinions as well.
