I'm looking at purchasing a Remington M1917. Would the Rem M1917 make a good donor rifle? Are these good solid actions? Is it worth $250.00 dollars?
Remington M1917
- Thread starter Rodeo Trash
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Re: Remington M1917
A functional and complete 1917 enfield is a great gun- probably worth $400 in crap shape- $600 in very good refinished condition, maybe $900 or more numbers matching in minty shape.
I think they'd give a new Winchester 70 or Remington 700 a run for its money. They are a nice, strong action. Really slick rifles- I don't know why the 03 gets a cult following when the much more modern P17 doesn't get a lot of attention.
A functional and complete 1917 enfield is a great gun- probably worth $400 in crap shape- $600 in very good refinished condition, maybe $900 or more numbers matching in minty shape.
I think they'd give a new Winchester 70 or Remington 700 a run for its money. They are a nice, strong action. Really slick rifles- I don't know why the 03 gets a cult following when the much more modern P17 doesn't get a lot of attention.
Re: Remington M1917
Thank you for your reply, that's exactly what I wanted to know. Now to decide what caliber? I had thought of building a 260 on a long action platform but I don't know if it's possible. I'm also looking at a 7mm mag. The reason I was toying with the long action 260 was to be able to seat the bullets further. I can't seem to find the pros and cons of going that route. I do realize that the 260 is based on a short action. I'm just exploring trying to get some insight from someone who is well eduacated in this field. I'm pretty new at this and I would like to have a rifle built from the ground up without breaking the bank. What ever I go with will be used mostly for learning to shoot long range targets and hunting mule deer.
Thank you for your reply, that's exactly what I wanted to know. Now to decide what caliber? I had thought of building a 260 on a long action platform but I don't know if it's possible. I'm also looking at a 7mm mag. The reason I was toying with the long action 260 was to be able to seat the bullets further. I can't seem to find the pros and cons of going that route. I do realize that the 260 is based on a short action. I'm just exploring trying to get some insight from someone who is well eduacated in this field. I'm pretty new at this and I would like to have a rifle built from the ground up without breaking the bank. What ever I go with will be used mostly for learning to shoot long range targets and hunting mule deer.
Re: Remington M1917
What about the 6.5-284 or the 6.5-06? I really like the ballistics of the 6.5's and I am trying to keep the recoil down.
What about the 6.5-284 or the 6.5-06? I really like the ballistics of the 6.5's and I am trying to keep the recoil down.
Re: Remington M1917
I don't know much about sporterizing them, or the calibers so that's better for someone else.
I have seen a nice sporter before. Here are a couple examples:
Sporterized P17
Group from a 3006 sporter:
I don't know much about sporterizing them, or the calibers so that's better for someone else.
I have seen a nice sporter before. Here are a couple examples:
Sporterized P17
Group from a 3006 sporter:
Re: Remington M1917
That's a very nice group. What exactly do they do to the M1917 when they sporterize it?
That's a very nice group. What exactly do they do to the M1917 when they sporterize it?
Re: Remington M1917
If the gun hasn't already been bubbaed, I would strongly suggest you rethink using the rifle for an action. They do NOT make these anymore, and once they are all gone, they are all gone.
If it has already been butchered, then do the sporterization, but do it right and don't waste it.
Properly sporterizing one consists of a good straight drill and tap for a scope, cutting and crowning barrel if not rebarreling, restocking, refinishing, etc.
If you magnumize it, it will require precision bolt work to make it work, and more to make it work right.
I had one that was in .300 WM, and hated it, sent it down the road. I have one now that is butchered and will likely be a .458 Lott or .500 Jeff. they are a BIG strong action that do very well for Safari guns. My checkering had a gorgeous example in .495 A-Square.
The most popular sporterization upgrades were grinding the rear sight ears off and recontouring the rear receiver ring, and taking the 'hump' out of the bottom metal, something that requires excellent welding skills.
If the gun hasn't already been bubbaed, I would strongly suggest you rethink using the rifle for an action. They do NOT make these anymore, and once they are all gone, they are all gone.
If it has already been butchered, then do the sporterization, but do it right and don't waste it.
Properly sporterizing one consists of a good straight drill and tap for a scope, cutting and crowning barrel if not rebarreling, restocking, refinishing, etc.
If you magnumize it, it will require precision bolt work to make it work, and more to make it work right.
I had one that was in .300 WM, and hated it, sent it down the road. I have one now that is butchered and will likely be a .458 Lott or .500 Jeff. they are a BIG strong action that do very well for Safari guns. My checkering had a gorgeous example in .495 A-Square.
The most popular sporterization upgrades were grinding the rear sight ears off and recontouring the rear receiver ring, and taking the 'hump' out of the bottom metal, something that requires excellent welding skills.
Re: Remington M1917
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What exactly do they do to the M1917 when they sporterize it?</div></div>
Grind off the ears (that protect the rear sight). Modify the bolt so its "cock on openning" as oppose to cock on closing. Lap the lugs. True up the face. Clean up the barrel threads.
As with most military rifles, the follower keeps the bolt open when empty, I modified by so it allows the bolt to close when empty.
The enfield action is a good, strong, LONG action. Great for long rounds like the 300 & 375 H&H, 416 Rigby, 338L, and such.
I made mine for the 416 Rigby. (quite the kicker).
The (US) 1917s were chambered for the '06 and work good, but I think it would be overkill for the short action rounds in the 243/308 catagory. All one has to do is lay the 1917 action next to the 1903 action and see the difference in bolt throw.
I shoot rapid fire (CMP GSM) matches with my bolt guns so throw does come into play. (No rapid fire with my 416 R, the way that puppy kicks I'm good for one round a week).
1917s make some good accurate rifles, one only has to look at the CMP Vintage Military Rifle matches to see that, and these have to be un-modified.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What exactly do they do to the M1917 when they sporterize it?</div></div>
Grind off the ears (that protect the rear sight). Modify the bolt so its "cock on openning" as oppose to cock on closing. Lap the lugs. True up the face. Clean up the barrel threads.
As with most military rifles, the follower keeps the bolt open when empty, I modified by so it allows the bolt to close when empty.
The enfield action is a good, strong, LONG action. Great for long rounds like the 300 & 375 H&H, 416 Rigby, 338L, and such.
I made mine for the 416 Rigby. (quite the kicker).
The (US) 1917s were chambered for the '06 and work good, but I think it would be overkill for the short action rounds in the 243/308 catagory. All one has to do is lay the 1917 action next to the 1903 action and see the difference in bolt throw.
I shoot rapid fire (CMP GSM) matches with my bolt guns so throw does come into play. (No rapid fire with my 416 R, the way that puppy kicks I'm good for one round a week).
1917s make some good accurate rifles, one only has to look at the CMP Vintage Military Rifle matches to see that, and these have to be un-modified.
Re: Remington M1917
So if I understand this right, the 1917 is a little longer action than the norm and a very strong action so way over kill for a 260. So since the 6.5-06 and the 7mm Mag are based on a long action, this would work? If it has not already been butchered, then don't screw up a piece of history nor the value. Thanks for your advise on this. I figure for the price, I couldn't go wrong. This rifle already has a scope mounted on it and it says that it has already been sporterized.
So if I understand this right, the 1917 is a little longer action than the norm and a very strong action so way over kill for a 260. So since the 6.5-06 and the 7mm Mag are based on a long action, this would work? If it has not already been butchered, then don't screw up a piece of history nor the value. Thanks for your advise on this. I figure for the price, I couldn't go wrong. This rifle already has a scope mounted on it and it says that it has already been sporterized.
Re: Remington M1917
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it has not already been butchered, then don't screw up a piece of history nor the value.</div></div>
OH No don't ever screw with a 1917 (or '03) that hasn't been butcherized. When I was discussing my 1917 it was an "action only", I had no barrel, stock, or anything but the action.
Now way would I mess with a USGI as issued un-modified military rifle.
Get a copy of ShotGun News. Thumb through it. You'll find serveal action only jobs, '17s Mausers, etc, for less then $100. Much better options then butchering a piece of history.
Take your "unmodified" 1917, clean it up, and go shoot some CMP-GSM matches. Much better use for an old workhorse like that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it has not already been butchered, then don't screw up a piece of history nor the value.</div></div>
OH No don't ever screw with a 1917 (or '03) that hasn't been butcherized. When I was discussing my 1917 it was an "action only", I had no barrel, stock, or anything but the action.
Now way would I mess with a USGI as issued un-modified military rifle.
Get a copy of ShotGun News. Thumb through it. You'll find serveal action only jobs, '17s Mausers, etc, for less then $100. Much better options then butchering a piece of history.
Take your "unmodified" 1917, clean it up, and go shoot some CMP-GSM matches. Much better use for an old workhorse like that.
Re: Remington M1917
It would lend itself well to 6.5-06. That way no bolt face/extractor work would be necessary. Plus you would have plenty of length to play with OAL of loads with no worries of having not enough room.
Give it a shot! I love my original 1917, havent even shot it yet, and I look forward to completing my other rig.
It would lend itself well to 6.5-06. That way no bolt face/extractor work would be necessary. Plus you would have plenty of length to play with OAL of loads with no worries of having not enough room.
Give it a shot! I love my original 1917, havent even shot it yet, and I look forward to completing my other rig.
Re: Remington M1917
I've gone the other way - I bought a converted P17 which was offered to me for next to nothing (stock butchered, target trigger and barrel in .308) and am currently restoring it to original. Got the missing parts from Numrich and happened to find an original 30.06 barrel. Looking forward to shooting some classic comps when all done.
I've gone the other way - I bought a converted P17 which was offered to me for next to nothing (stock butchered, target trigger and barrel in .308) and am currently restoring it to original. Got the missing parts from Numrich and happened to find an original 30.06 barrel. Looking forward to shooting some classic comps when all done.
Re: Remington M1917
Thanks, I'm waiting for a reply from the seller to see if it is still available and get more pictures. Are there marking on these rifles that would show that they are actually authentic?
Thanks, I'm waiting for a reply from the seller to see if it is still available and get more pictures. Are there marking on these rifles that would show that they are actually authentic?
Re: Remington M1917
There is no mistaking one, no clones or repros- it will say Remington 1917 on from receiver ring, ordnance stamp on side of receiver most likely.
There is no mistaking one, no clones or repros- it will say Remington 1917 on from receiver ring, ordnance stamp on side of receiver most likely.
L
longguntoter
Guest
Re: Remington M1917
They are great rifles. Actually, when I was in the Marines, I had the opportunity to shoot the 1917 and the M1903. I prefered the 1917! I guess I'm just weird like that. I also noticed that if you were trying, you could get six rounds total in the gun, instead of the five that is advertised.
They are great rifles. Actually, when I was in the Marines, I had the opportunity to shoot the 1917 and the M1903. I prefered the 1917! I guess I'm just weird like that. I also noticed that if you were trying, you could get six rounds total in the gun, instead of the five that is advertised.
Re: Remington M1917
Okay so the one that I'm looking at has already been sporterized because it doesn't look anything like this. It has already had the stock replaced and a scope mounted on it. I am waiting for a phone call back from the seller to find out just exactly what has been done to the rifle.
Okay so the one that I'm looking at has already been sporterized because it doesn't look anything like this. It has already had the stock replaced and a scope mounted on it. I am waiting for a phone call back from the seller to find out just exactly what has been done to the rifle.
Re: Remington M1917
Just talked to the seller and he says that the magazine has been straightened, the bolts now cocks when you open it and it has a nice walnut stock on it. Priced at $260.00. So my question is could I do a barrel swap on this and re chamber it to a 6.5-06 or a 6.5-284 without doing too much more to the rifle. Can the trigger be worked on? Am I better to just re barrel it with a new 30 06 barrel.
Just talked to the seller and he says that the magazine has been straightened, the bolts now cocks when you open it and it has a nice walnut stock on it. Priced at $260.00. So my question is could I do a barrel swap on this and re chamber it to a 6.5-06 or a 6.5-284 without doing too much more to the rifle. Can the trigger be worked on? Am I better to just re barrel it with a new 30 06 barrel.
Re: Remington M1917
The .30-06 barrel may be in great shap and it may not need a new barrel. If you are going to do a caliber swap, then sure, you gotta' rebarrel it. It will work fine for the cartridges you are considering.
If you don't want it I'll take it!! Sight unseen for that price.
The .30-06 barrel may be in great shap and it may not need a new barrel. If you are going to do a caliber swap, then sure, you gotta' rebarrel it. It will work fine for the cartridges you are considering.
If you don't want it I'll take it!! Sight unseen for that price.
Re: Remington M1917
Shoot it, see how it shoots, if the barrel doesn't shoot to suite you the rebarrel it. The two calibers you mentioned would not requrire any more work then rebarreling with an '06.
It's gonna be "your" rifle, pick the round YOU want, based on the type of shooting you want to do.
Pesonally I like service rounds, ('06, 308, 223) because I shoot service rifle or CMP-GSM competition. If it wasn't for that, and I was only going to shoot precission rifle, I'd go to something else.
Shoot it, see how it shoots, if the barrel doesn't shoot to suite you the rebarrel it. The two calibers you mentioned would not requrire any more work then rebarreling with an '06.
It's gonna be "your" rifle, pick the round YOU want, based on the type of shooting you want to do.
Pesonally I like service rounds, ('06, 308, 223) because I shoot service rifle or CMP-GSM competition. If it wasn't for that, and I was only going to shoot precission rifle, I'd go to something else.
Re: Remington M1917
Thanks for all of the GREAT info. I definately want the rifle especially now that I am getting to understand a little more about it. I would just be using it as a hunting rifle. I've been reading a little more about these rifle and so far it seems that these rifles are rock solid. Also did I understand right that the action on 1917 is a little longer than the more modern day long actions?
Thanks for all of the GREAT info. I definately want the rifle especially now that I am getting to understand a little more about it. I would just be using it as a hunting rifle. I've been reading a little more about these rifle and so far it seems that these rifles are rock solid. Also did I understand right that the action on 1917 is a little longer than the more modern day long actions?
Re: Remington M1917
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also did I understand right that the action on 1917 is a little longer than the more modern day long actions?</div></div>
Yeap, they are.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also did I understand right that the action on 1917 is a little longer than the more modern day long actions?</div></div>
Yeap, they are.
Re: Remington M1917
According to Wikipedia:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The M1917 Enfield rifle used by Sergeant Alvin York on October 8, 1918, during the event that would see him awarded the Medal of Honor, is currently located at Middle Tennessee State University.[3] According to his diary, Sergeant York also used a .45 Colt automatic pistol on that day.</div></div>
It was the movie that showed someone acting as him with a 1903.
The cock on closing I never really noticed. I don't know why anyone would change it. The rifle has a nice smooth action and controlled round feed like a M70 winchester Pre-64 I believe.
The remington model 30 was based on the P17 (a sporter) and used the same steel and heat treatment (again according to wikipedia) and was proof tested at 70,000PSI.
I want to say the safety is a 3-pos with a locked bolt feature also.
It's really a nice full-featured bolt rifle, with a peep aperture rear and vernier peep for longer distance shooting graduated to some obscene distance like 1200 or maybe 1400 yards.
The british SMLE Enfield is a real piece of shit compared. The American enfield has nice smooth ways and a round bolt with the bolt lugs riding in grooves, where the british action doesn't seem to require the bolt to ride on much of anything and is pretty sloppy.
According to Wikipedia:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The M1917 Enfield rifle used by Sergeant Alvin York on October 8, 1918, during the event that would see him awarded the Medal of Honor, is currently located at Middle Tennessee State University.[3] According to his diary, Sergeant York also used a .45 Colt automatic pistol on that day.</div></div>
It was the movie that showed someone acting as him with a 1903.
The cock on closing I never really noticed. I don't know why anyone would change it. The rifle has a nice smooth action and controlled round feed like a M70 winchester Pre-64 I believe.
The remington model 30 was based on the P17 (a sporter) and used the same steel and heat treatment (again according to wikipedia) and was proof tested at 70,000PSI.
I want to say the safety is a 3-pos with a locked bolt feature also.
It's really a nice full-featured bolt rifle, with a peep aperture rear and vernier peep for longer distance shooting graduated to some obscene distance like 1200 or maybe 1400 yards.
The british SMLE Enfield is a real piece of shit compared. The American enfield has nice smooth ways and a round bolt with the bolt lugs riding in grooves, where the british action doesn't seem to require the bolt to ride on much of anything and is pretty sloppy.
Re: Remington M1917
Well the rifle is still available so now all I need to do is get my Savage 12 LRP sold. My goal is to sell the LRP, use $260.00 to purchase the M1917 and use the rest to pay bills and take care of christmas. I have until next September to get the 1917 together the way I want it.
Well the rifle is still available so now all I need to do is get my Savage 12 LRP sold. My goal is to sell the LRP, use $260.00 to purchase the M1917 and use the rest to pay bills and take care of christmas. I have until next September to get the 1917 together the way I want it.
Re: Remington M1917
If anyone is interested. My friend passed away a while back and our gunsmith was left with one of his projects. It's (I believe)an eddystone action, it's already machined, and there is a Shilen barrel blank in 35cal. I guess he wanted a 358 Norma. I'd love the action myself, but the gunsmith has his own money wrapped up in the barrel. I do not want a 35 cal rifle. A 300 or 338 would be more for me. I guess he is probably going to build it eventually for resale. Ideally someone somewhere is wierd like my friend was and wants a 35cal barrel for one of these. I'd like to build the action as a little something to remember him by.
If anyone is interested. My friend passed away a while back and our gunsmith was left with one of his projects. It's (I believe)an eddystone action, it's already machined, and there is a Shilen barrel blank in 35cal. I guess he wanted a 358 Norma. I'd love the action myself, but the gunsmith has his own money wrapped up in the barrel. I do not want a 35 cal rifle. A 300 or 338 would be more for me. I guess he is probably going to build it eventually for resale. Ideally someone somewhere is wierd like my friend was and wants a 35cal barrel for one of these. I'd like to build the action as a little something to remember him by.
Re: Remington M1917
Sorry to here about your friend, it's always hard when we lose thoughs who we are close to. Prayers for his family.
Sorry to here about your friend, it's always hard when we lose thoughs who we are close to. Prayers for his family.
