Need opinions on M1917 Eddystone...

[ol' scratch]

Hey HKGuns... That certainly is a beautiful stock! What all is involved in the process? Also, looking at my pics, what would you recommend I do with the metal. It's just so worn, but I want to keep it protected... Thanks, tone.

You have to really be careful "restoring" stocks. I have done lots of Garand stocks. I haven't gotten to my Enfield yet, but I will. I use Acetone and just rub it lightly. It takes the grime off without destroying the color. I got the tip from one of the gentlemen at the CMP North Store. After that, use BLO or Natural Tung Oil (Avoid the "Finish") to make it "pop." Avoid poly or other hard coatings. Those rifles have what is called an oil finish. Keep it as original as possible. If you do what I recommend, the rifle will still have collector value and retain its original finish.

 

[mtrmn]

My grandfather gave me one as well. I have it in it's original condition except I removed the rear sight and mounted a S&K scope mount which does not require modifying the gun other than the sight removal. Scoped it because my eyes are getting so bad I can no longer deal with the peep sights.

With handloads it will put 3 rounds in about 7/8" at 100. My accuracy loads are 150gr Nosler ballistic tips over 57 gr IMR4350 with a CCI large rifle primer.

I had to correct an over headspace problem but all is well now. If I want to hit what I'm shooting at on the first round it's my go-to rifle and I enjoy shooting Grampa's gun a lot.

 

[HKGuns]

Hey HKGuns... That certainly is a beautiful stock! What all is involved in the process? Also, looking at my pics, what would you recommend I do with the metal. It's just so worn, but I want to keep it protected... Thanks, tone.

Tone, your stock is just dirty from years of grime and dirty hands fondling it all over. Here is what I would do with your stock and this is based on the advice I received for mine from a master cabinet maker who restores lots of Milsurp stocks. You can read Cabinetman's many articles / posts over here.

Click

1. Remove the reciever, stock and trigger guard from the stock.

2. Buy some MINERAL SPIRITS and wipe it down liberally, wiping heavily with a soft cotton cloth in the darkest areas. You can repeat until you've removed as much grime as you desire. I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING ACETONE AS IT WILL REMOVE THE FINISH.

3. After you are done wiping with the mineral spirits, let it dry completely and before you start the next step be sure the mineral spirits has evaporated completely.

4. Buy some BLO (Boiled Linseed Oil) and wipe down liberally on your stock. Use your hands to work it into the rifle.

5. Let it sit for 1/2 hour.

6. After 1/2 hour wipe off the excess BLO with a soft cotton cloth.

7. Let it sit in a well ventilated, dust free environment for 24 hours. (I hang mine in my attached garage.)

8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 three times or more as you desire.

After this process you'll have an amazingly clean and wonderful looking stock.

 

[gpb]

Be careful with the rags with BLO on them. Under the right conditions they can start a fire. Check for the precautions on handling them.

 

[HKGuns]

Be careful with the rags with BLO on them. Under the right conditions they can start a fire.

Yes, great point gpb.

 

[tone]

Thanks for the responses. I do understand the safety precaution as I have refinished two SKS's. (Cosmoline is my enemy). At this point, I'm leaving the metal as is. I'm going to take some time to consider redoing the stock as HK said, cause, damn, that thing is beautiful! I'll let you guys know what I decide to do. It's been a long time since I've been on these forums. I don't know why I was gone so long... You guys are awesome!

 

[BrocLuno]

Good one. I have 4 Eddystones. They are heavy and big and strong. They had a tendency to get cracked receivers during arsenal rebuilds due to over-torquing the barrels. That's the number one cause of Eddy's with low values. Yours was carried by G'Dad and brought home so it was not rebuilt between the wars. All original - Whew - it will be either a family heirloom or a great collectors piece if the family does not want it any more in the future?

Point being, you have made the right decision. Keep it original. Get a photo of Grandpa back in the day. Make the connection between the rifle and one person. An original war horse with known provenance is worth many times more than one without.

Normally I clean and refinish as most of my old rifles are nothing special. Even the WW-II bring backs are beaters and were parted out on the way. But yours is a very special rifle with a known history. Keep it original and well and it will reward as you talk about what the family did in the past