M1917 Noob looking for info.

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Just came by an opportunity to pick up a Winchester M1917 which seems pretty correct for being a WWII refurb. The guy is thinking $900ish- I'm thinking $600ish... hopefully less.

All parts show Winchester markings aside from the bolt which has an "R" stamped under the cocking lever, and a "W" stamped on the the "sear catch?" at the rear of the bolt.

The barrel is marked W 5-18 with a shiny and crisp bore. The parkerizing is easily 98%

The rear sight is complete

The wood is very attractive and is WWI vintage wood that has been sanded (The wood is not dry-blonde, it had cosmoline on it for quite a while after the refurb) The Circle P has been sanded off but "2K" remains just aft of the trigger guard. The stock also has an eagle head cartouche forward of the floorplate.

Serial # 282XXX

What can you tell me about this rifle's history and value? Seriously, it is pretty minty and crisp.

Thanks much!

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Can't tell from the pics if the sanding rounded off edges, like on the grasping grooves - in gen'l, a few bucks off for sanding. If the muzzle gauges at 1.5 or less, I'd say $650 - 700 based on the last 3 auctions I saw finish up in the last month.

/Bryan
 
IF it had the correct bolt and IF it was not sanded it would be worth the $900 asking price. Complete Winchester 1917's bring a premium. AS IS I would not give over $400 for it. Don't waste your money, it's a blister.

$600+/- well buy a correct Eddystone or Remington. .
 
From the research I have done these have pretty stout receivers that will take a licking... Just out of curiosity how do they hold up to modern 06 ammo, hot stuff?

If it is only 400 i just might still pay 600- Non sporterized 1917s just don't float in these parts.. this is the first I have ever seen.. and I see a lot of guns-
 
I think $900 is high but it is a Winchester and they do tend to bring in the highest dollar amounts. In the condition that it appears to be in I would guess somewhere in the 500-700 range. The mismatched bolt I think is the biggest fault. To answer your question regarding strength, Enfields are very strong actions and shouldn't have any problems digesting anything that a modern sporter would be safe with. I would have the rifle's headspace checked before I bought it, especially with the mismatched bolt.
 
From the photos, the rifle has been parkerized -- probably an arsenal re-build. It is very rare to find an American military rifle that has not been re-built.

I'd say $600 is a fair price for this rifle.
 
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