m1917 Eddystone with "JA" marked barrel. question

[scambigue]

Just received a very nice Eddystone from local dealer. Stock, metal finish and bore all in excellent shape. Has "JA" marked barrel. Was told its a WW2 arsenal rebuild. I have been serching for info and I have found mixed reviews. Some say it's not safe to shoot since eddystone receivers are prone to cracking during the re-barreling process. Some say its fine. ??? I have found alot of arguments on this subject. Does anyone have an answer to this problem? I had the headspace checked by the local gunsmith and he says that it's safe to shoot and he's never heard of eddystones having any problems. I would love to shoot this rifle but I need some second opinions first. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

Steve

 

[rcmodel]

If the gunsmith inspected it and declared it safe to shoot, I would take him at his word.

If the receiver was going to crack, it did so when they took the old barrel off and the receiver was scrapped.

In the mean time, about three gazillion of them were re-barreled by hobbyists in the 1950's & 60's to every known standard caliber, wildcat, and belted magnum ever designed.

If it ain't cracked now, it won't be later.

rc

 

[scambigue]

Thanks for the info

Steve

 

[Jim Watson]

JA = Johnson Automatics
The company of Melvin Johnson, designer of the Johnson rifle and machine gun, also made replacement barrels for the 1917 during WW II.

 

[Slamfire]

Some say it's not safe to shoot since eddystone receivers are prone to cracking during the re-barreling process. Some say its fine. ??? I have found alot of arguments on this subject. Does anyone have an answer to this problem? I had the headspace checked by the local gunsmith and he says that it's safe to shoot and he's never heard of eddystones having any problems.

I read a post on the web, a gentleman who got to talk to one of the workers at the Eddystone plant.

The workers who forged the receivers were paid piece rate. Apparently it took 3 or 4 blows to forge a receiver. They found out if they could increase the temperature in the forging furnace, they could knock out a receiver with one less blow. That increased their piece rate. It also burnt the steel in those overheated blanks.

Apparently the forgers would crank the furnace up, and the foreman would come on by and turn it down.

If properly forged and heat treated the nickel steel M1917 receiver is a very strong receiver. It is a cone breech action, so there is always a bit of case head sticking out, so while the receiver is massive, the cartridge case is the limiting factor. Just like in 03's, M70's, and other cone breech actions.

I have a rebarreled Eddystone, but it was rebarreled in 270 in the 50's. I am not worried about it breaking.

 

[GBExpat]

Many of the JA-rebarreled M1917s experienced very little actual use, so there are quite a few with like-new bores.

I was lucky enough to find one of those. I can still see the cutter tool marks in the mirror-bright bore.

Just in case the exterior of your JA barrel looks a bit different, be aware that most (all?) of them were installed ITW ("In The White", no bluing or phosphating).

 

[peyton]

Shoot that thing, it is strong enough for elephant caliber shells.

 

[scambigue]

Thanks for all the info guys. Any more?