Model of 1917 - Seeking Info - Pls!

[KevinH]

My Grandfather gave me two US Model of 1917 rifles that he acquired right after WWII as surplus. One is a Remington, and the other is an Eddystone. My grandfather got these through the VFW. He was in WWI. They were supposedly brand new when he got them (I don't see any wear to speak of on them). They are both in the original heavy canvas cases. My Grandfather has shot the Remington 6 times, and my father (now 80 yrs old) shot the Eddystone twice when he was a kid (about 14 yrs. old). I was searching for information on disassembly and cleaning. I have found all kinds of information on the M1 Garand, but little on this.
Wasn't these rifles modeled after the 1903 Springfield of WWI?
I went to surplusrifle.com and found a manual for "US 1917 & Enfield Pattern 14" and another "U.S. Model 1903 & 03A3 Manual". Can someone tell me which one is correct?
BTW - I have no intention of selling either one of them.
Thanks in advance for any assistance that you can offer!
Signed
KevinH

 

[onebigelf]

The 1917 is frequently referred to as the 1917 Enfield and was pattered after the P14 Enfield that US companies were contracted to produce for England. The brits were looking to replace their SMLE's and got caught by WW1. They went ahead and ordered the P14 (in .303) in some quantity to augment their stocks of SMLE Rifles. When the US entered WW1, we too were short of rifles and the 1917 was created, a P14, but in 30-06 and ended up being produced and issue in larger numbers than the 1903 Springfield rifle. Gary Cooper's movie aside, it is probable that Sgt. Alvin York carried a 1917 instead of a 1903. Good rifles. Tidbit: 6 rnd magazine, not 5 like the 1903. Get proper slings.

John

 

[Slamfire]

I went to surplusrifle.com and found a manual for "US 1917 & Enfield Pattern 14" and another "U.S. Model 1903 & 03A3 Manual".

The manual for the M1917/Pattern 14 will tell you what you need to know on how to operate and disassemble your rifle.

My first real rifle was a M1917. I have handled Pattern 14's. There are small differences between the rifles, different extractor hook, different finger grooves, slightly different rear sights, and of course, different calibers.

The major functional charateristics are the same.

To remove the firing mechanism, try this old trick. Pull the bolt back. Rotate the safety back. Close the bolt slowly. The safety will push the cocking piece way back out of the bolt shroud. Put a nickel between the cocking piece and the bolt shroud. Open the bolt. The nickel will jam between the shroud and cocking piece. Remove bolt from the rifle. The firing mechanism can now be unscrewed from the bolt.

Do not point a spring loaded firing pin at your face. I lost control of mine once, the firing pin shaft flew across the table into the concrete wall. It took out a divot the size of a dime/nickle. If that thing had been aimed at an eye, I would have lost an eyeball.

 

[Jim K]

The 1917's six round magazine is a fluke. The original rifle, the Pattern 13, had a magazine intended for five of the much larger diameter .280 Enfield cartridges. It worked with the rimmed .303 with no problem, and there was no need or point in changing things for the .30-'06.

Ammunition for the Model 1917 was always issued in 5 round "Springfield" clips.

Jim

 

[KevinH]

Appreciate the Responses!

I really appreciate the info - guys! I have gone to Surplusrifle.com and ordered the manual for the "US 1917 & Enfield Pattern 14".
John - I have the original slings from WWI on them. I also have multiple clips and US military rounds, and some misc. rifle cleaning tools.

Any advice on special tools, cleaners, etc. that I should obtain to clean and care for them with? I do not plan on firing them at this time.
Thanks again for all of the help and direction! I really appreciate it!
Signed
KevinH

 

[Slamfire]

I recommend a 30 caliber one piece cleaning rod. 30 caliber copper bore brushes. Patches and jags. Bore guide. Any gun solvent you want. I like the smell of Hoppes.

If you can find a 30-06 chamber brush, one that fits on the end of a cleaning rod, go for it.

Follow the manual's advice on lubrication points. Which are lug surfaces, cam surfaces, and don't forget a drop of oil or dab of grease in the firing pin cocking cam.

I would recommend disassembling the firing pin mechanism, cleaning out any old grease, and wiping everything off with motor oil.

Your mainsprings are almost 100 years old. Wolf makes an 18 pound mainspring. Go buy it. http://www.gunsprings.com/RifleShotgun/Enfield_RsNF.html. I do not recommend any of the "high" strength mainsprings. You will find putting in a new mainspring will improve the crispness of the trigger pull, and reduce lock time.

 

[onebigelf]

I've learned that "nickle" trick, but done with a penny. In my case a 1918, bought from a coin shop to match the year of manufacture of my Winchester. There's a web site floating around somewhere that you can enter your serial # and it'll give you the month and year of manufacture for your rifles. I'm sure someone will supply the link momentarily....

John
<grin>

 

[BonesofGa.]

www.Armscollectors.com