M1917 accessories?

[cluttonfred]

I have yet to lay eyes on my newly-purchased Eddystone U.S. Model of 1917 but I am already thinking about what accessories I might get to go with the rifle, and where to find them.

I know there is a specific bayonet for the M1917, but not much else. Any thoughts from those more knowledgeable than me on what accessories to get (bayonet, bandolier, sling and...?), which ones I need exactly to go with an M1917, and where to find them?

Thanks!

 

[transformerguru]

you are correct on the bayonet, good luck finding on under $200 on ebay or the like auction sites. The sling is a M1907, reproductions are everywhere, the most inexpensive is at www.sportsmansguide.com. Then there are the stripper clips, I am not sure where you can get those but the Springfield ones I have been told do work. I have not tried that on mine though. Also do remember they have a 6 round capacity. Maybe try typing into a search engine WW1 reenacting and see if there are any links that come up for reproduction accessories. Good luck!!!

 

[cluttonfred]

Thanks...on the stripper clips, I think it just used the same five-round stripper clips as the '03 Springfield, they must have just loaded a sixth round by hand when time allowed. I supposed you could load a stripper clip and one extra round, count out five shots, load another stripper clip, count out five shots, etc. and always have that one extra in reserve, just in case.

 

[cluttonfred]

Bumping my own thread again...still looking for more exact information.

Anyone know the right answer on the stripper clips?

I understand that there are both leather and canvas slings that would be correct, I don't know which is more typical, though.

I also don't know about bandoliers or other bits and pieces.

If I had to pick a particular unit and time, an obvious choice might be the "Lost Battalion" of the U.S. 77th Infantry Division in September, 1918.

Any WWI buffs on THR able to shed some light on any of this?

Thanks!

 

[Pilgrim]

I do not believe there was ever a government issue six round stripper clip for the M-1917.

Pilgrim

 

[Mk VII]

There are various follower depressors, front sight cramps, selection of sight blades for zeroing it, oiler [same as the '03] and the canvas Kerr Sling [M1917 type, not shorter Tommy Gun type]. The British PH5B match sight can usually be made to fit, for those interested in finer sighting.

 

[cluttonfred]

So far, I have come up with the following shopping list:

1. M1917 bayonet, identical to British-issue P1913 bayonet except for proof marks
2. M1907 leather or M1917 Kerr canvas sling
3. Brass (not WWI-issue steel) stripper clips, 5-rounds, same as 1903 Springfield
4. Oiler and pull-through cleaning kit

For the last bit, I really just want an appropriate bandolier to hold loaded stripper clips, I am not looking to get in to reenactment. I have found references to the M1910 dismounted Mills belt or simplified war-time variants, but I have not been able to identify the appropriate rifleman's bandolier, presumably identical to one issues with the M1903 Springfield.

Anyone have any leads on sources, or help with the bandolier question?

Thanks!

 

[CaptMac]

You need the Kerr NoBuckle Sling it will be marked NoBuckle the unmarked ones are shorter and were made for Thompsons. I have the correct cleaning rod and case I will try to dig it out and take a pic of it.

 

[Kor]

http://www.ima-usa.com/index.php/cPath/4_99?osCsid=a8694e40dad38dadbe84e89707a9530f

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/uswpn.htm

https://onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=761&bc=no

 

[M110]

E-gun parts list 1917 brass stripper clips, but doesn't say the capacity. Dont think they made 6 round ones, just that they got the extra round in the magazine when they switched from a rimmed, to a rimless cartridge.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=1110530A


I just load them one by one. But now that you brought it up I might have to get a few to try out.

 

[Chipperman]

M1917 bayonet, identical to British-issue P1913 bayonet except for proof marks

You can easily tell them apart without even taking it out of the scabbard. The 1917 bayonet hilt will have two vertical cuts in it. The Enfield bayonet will not. The 1917 leather scabbard is also green, but the color on a lot of them is too dirty and/or faded to be sure from across the room.

Sling-- Mine came with a canvas sling

Clips-- They used 1903 clips

 

[JWF III]

They never made 6 round strippers for the M1917. The only reason that it even holds 6, is because when they changed production over from the British Pattern14 (in .303), 6 .30-06 fit in the same space as the 5 .303 Brit. (rimmed cartridge), so they left it as is.

And Yeah, original items are out there, pricey but there. I paid $200 for my Winchester bayonet. It was marked $325 but the dealer was ready to get rid of it and actually told me he'd take as low as $200 for it. The Remington beside it was marked $225, and he would have taken $150. But I wanted to match Winchester to Winchester.

Edit: One other thing, the bayonet also has a longer muzzle ring than the Brit.

 

[cluttonfred]

I haven't seen any mention of Eddystone bayonets...did they make them at Eddystone?

 

[Mk VII]

The 1917 bayonet hilt will have two vertical cuts in it. The Enfield bayonet will not.

No, both have got them

The 1917 leather scabbard is also green, but the color on a lot of them is too dirty and/or faded to be sure from across the room.

A lot have ended up in British scabbards over the years.

There are no Eddystone-marked ones. Supposedly they failed at the job. Most likely their quota was made up by Remington

 

[Chipperman]

No, both have got them

You're right. I was thinking of the SMLE bayonet.
The P-14 and 1917 both have the cuts.

 

[SMLE]

Bandoleers will be the same for 1903 and 1917. US M1910 web gear was universal in that regard. The US 1917 bayonet scabbard should have the wire hanger for the US web belt. The Brit P14 bayonet scabbard is identical to the 1907 SMLE bayonet scabbard.

 

[rr2241tx]

Here's a handy visual guide: http://imageevent.com/willyp/firearmsalbums/britishww1enfieldp14

Nearly all the P13/p17 bayonets were made in the US by Remington and they are interchangeable. Here's a link to one for sale: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102048484 You might do a quick search on eBay as well.

 

[buttrap]

Its getting a bit hard to find the original oiler/cleaning kits for the things now. About all you see anymore is the plastic jobs not the nickle plated brass with the leather end jobs or the 03 and 17.