Heads up for milsurp rifle collectors

[Preacherman]

My favorite gunshop has just got in three rifles on consignment. These were loaned by the owner to a local museum, where they've been on display for several decades. Now they're up for sale.

The rifles are:

1. 1898 Krag-Jorgensen infantry rifle, with bayonet, scabbard and sling.

2. 1903 Springfield, an early-serial-number Springfield Armory rifle with a later re-arsenaled barrel, with bayonet, scabbard and sling.

3. 1917 Enfield, Eddystone production, with bayonet, scabbard and (new-production) sling.

All three seem to be in very nice condition, with clean bores. Since they've been on display for lo these many years, they've seen very little shooting, I suspect. Prices are still being discussed, but will be reasonable (although not cheap, given the good condition of the rifles, and the fact that they're complete with extras).

If you're interested, contact Lee McNaughten at Red River Rarities, (318) 443-4405, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., M-F.

Good luck!

 

[MilsurpShooter]

springfield.... *drool*

 

[Jim Watson]

The 1898 Krag is the most common of the type, many earlier models were brought up to '98 standard.

HOW early a serial number '03? Some folks get nervous about shooting Springfields below SN 800,000 because they are the same steel as the Krag with a higher pressure cartridge.

Eddystone Enfields are the least desirable of that family. Been accused of overhardening a la low number Springfields but they do not tend to blow up. Just crack when an overly tight barrel is torqued out.

 

[HankB]

Early number Springfields are considered UNSAFE to shoot because of bad heat treatment - IIRC it was considered to be "burned" steel and can't be repaired. The cutoff is "about" serial number 800,000, as Jim Watson wrote. Take a look at Hatcher's Notebook for details - Hatcher devoted a large part of this book to Springfields, their heat treatment, problem receivers, etc.

Eddystone Enfields also have, rightly or wrongly, garnered a reputation for bad heat treatment. At least "some" are likely bad, but I don't recall seeing any serial number ranges.

Enfield barrels were supposedly put in with up to 325 ft/lbs of torque, because sometimes the threads on the barrel and receiver didn't "exactly" match up; enough torque was applied to MAKE them fit. When unscrewed, unless pressure was relieved by drilling the barrel almost to the root of the threads, cracked receivers often resulted.

 

[TimRB]

You're a bad man, Preacher.

Tim

 

[Preacherman]

Bad? Moi?

Seriously, they are nice rifles, and I'd like them to find good homes. Unfortunately, the owner is not going to budge much on prices - and since rifles like these, in original, unrestored good condition, are now hard to come by, and they're complete with bayonet, scabbard and sling, I guess he has a point. So, if you have loose cash lying around, either send it to me (tax-deductible! ) or buy a rifle!

 

[P95Carry]

Know what Peter - Lee never got back to me on that M29 - guess it must have gone now.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

think I would be shot by that Springfiled if I was to call Louisiana to inquire about it

 

[Preacherman]

Another heads up, with good news. The owner of these rifles was initially wanting very high prices for them, but no-one bit: so he's dropped them to a much more reasonable level. I understand the Krag is now $800, the Enfield 1917 is $600, and the Springfield 1903 is $550. So, if you're interested, now would be a good time to call Lee. Wish I had $800 spare...

 

[P95Carry]

Sounds a lot better ... but not my gear right now.

Would love to hear tho that the M29 had dropped to a good level! Pity that - and it's another individual IIRC.

Hey ho - shouldn't even think about it!

 

[Old Fuff]

I'll put in my two-cents worth by saying that I've delt with Lee, and he's a good man to do business with.

I would also note that these particular rifles are not supposed to be shooters. They are historical artifacts, and I'd say that according to the most recent quote from Peter they are fairly priced for what they represent.