Help, Maintaining Old Eddystone 1917 Rifle?

[G11354]

My Grandfather recently gave me his fathers Eddystone 1917 rifle and I need some input, specifically for maintaining the wooden stock.

The rifle sadly appears to be a sporterized model in the sense that it lacks the original military iron sights and stock.

Would "Ballistol" be a good choice?

 

[FL-NC]

Back then part of the cleaning/maintenance routine for Soldiers was rubbing linseed oil into the stock, from what I understand.

 

[P5 Guy]

Please go to the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) web page. They have step by step instructions on how to clean (gently) the wood and finish to military specification.

 

[Float Pilot]

he rifle sadly appears to be a sporterized model

Can you post a photo or two and say a little more about what you think is going on with your sporter stock?

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

Is there a source for the original military stock?

900F

 

[tark]

You should be aware that 1917s were prone to break the ejector spring. It is a delicate little flat spring, about the only "delicate" part on the gun. Very rugged and strong otherwise.

 

[G11354]

 

[VA27]

Very nice! At least it still has the rear sight 'ears'. I passed on one because the ears had been milled off when it was sporterized.

 

[G11354]

I was fairly disappointed when I saw that it had been sporterized. Front sight hood has also been removed.

 

[Laphroaig]

I can't tell much from the pictures, but rear sights are available. The eddystone factory started out making Enfield Pattern 14 rifles and parts are similar. In fact there is a pattern 14 rear sight on ebay now for $15.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Enfield-Pattern-14-1914-P14-Rear-Sight-EDDYSTONE-/172166955162

A little searching might get you a 1917 sight, if you are a purest.

The front sight had big "wings", not a hood.

A military stock might be another story. I know at least 2 people searching for one and they tell me they are crazy expensive. good luck!

Laphroaig

 

[AlexanderA]

What was done to the front sight? I know you said the "wings" had been removed, but was the spline on the barrel, or the barrel itself, messed with? Original front sights are available.

Other than that, it looks easily restorable. I just restored one in similar condition. (I happened to have an original stock, top wood, and related hardware in my stash.)

 

[shootstraight57]

Had the ejector spring break on mine once at the range.When I ordered the part I ordered 2.

 

[harv1]

I have a 1917 eddystone does the smaller sn# add the the value

 

[DougW]

Boiled linseed oil on the stock, rub in by hand. Good gun oil on the metal, then head to the range!

 

[bannockburn]

Gii354

Found a P14/M1917 stock in very good condition for $70 at Hoosier Gun Works. Front handguards new and used are available from $12 to $25 at Sarco.