1917 Spoterized Enfield with no caliber marking

[Luke M]

Found a beautiful sporterized 1917 Enfield at Bass Pro. Barrel doesn't appear to be shot much. 24" tube with a nice set of Lyman peep sights. Who ever did it did a great job. One problem, no one ever marked what caliber it is. Their still asking $459 bucks, with no return as is.
Is this a crapshoot I should avoid. Or go out on a limb get It and cast the chamber. Its really rolling the dice.

 

[Adam in WI]

I can believe a place like Bass Pro would've taken in a trade without being able to verify the chambering or being able to test fire. It sounds like a lot of money unless they did a fantastic job on it. If you're an adventurous type, and aren't afraid to do some work to find out what it is I myself would probably go for it. If you're concerned about it but still want to take a swing; offer a hundred less and see what they say. If it doesn't feel right, walk away. I have a hard time believing if it's on a shelf at Bass Pro it's anything much more exotic than .30-06, .270, etc...

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I agree on the offer of 100 less, and I would try to buy it for sure.

 

[jds holler]

If it's 2 land rifling, it's probably still 303. jd

 

[Luke M]

The bore appears to be .30 cal. They won't let me take it to my gun smith for an inspection.

 

[Luke M]

Definitely an aftermarket barrel. The blueing on it is beautiful.

 

[pdhntr]

If it's 2 land rifling, it's probably still 303. jd

The M1917 as produced was 30-06.

Jim

 

[ISS]

1917's the originals were all 30-06. The P-1914's were the 303 British.
Put a 308 cal bullet in your pocket and just see if it slips in. If it does, it's the 303, if it just does fit it should be a 30-06.

 

[426nut]

Definitely take it home.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

The bolt face will tell you if it's a 303 - similar to a magnum boltface. If a 30-06 fits, chances are that's what it is - unless it has a aftermarket barrel.

 

[spitfire_er]

A photo or two would help. 80-90% of these were kept as 30-06 even after sporterizing many times using the original barrel. 308 Norma Mag was a popular conversion back in the day too.

Standard bolt face, probably 30-06, mag bolt face 300wm or 308 norma. Could look at the back of the chamber for a belt cut into the chamber as well.

I could tell you if I had it in my hands. If its something you want, just expect it to be a 30-06, have the chamber cast and be happy with what you get.

If it was really well done the price is most likely in line. Could ask for a better price, they might knock $50 off. Tell them you need to pay a gunsmith to figure out what it is 100%.

Post some photos.

 

[Luke M]

Bolt face is definitely 06. And its definitely an aftermarket barrel. My concern is head spacing. Got burned a few years ago with a 7mm Mauser that looked great but the head spacing was so bad the brass was split after the first shot.

 

[Pyscodog]

I've bought a few rifles off the used rack from Bass Pro. They will usually haggle on the prices of used firearms. I have had them lower the price and give me a military discount on a rifle.

 

[Tommie]

Bolt face is definitely 06. And its definitely an aftermarket barrel. My concern is head spacing. Got burned a few years ago with a 7mm Mauser that looked great but the head spacing was so bad the brass was split after the first shot.

Headspacing is one of several concerns. Unless you’re wanting the action and stock for a specific rebarreling project, I’d walk away.

 

[jds holler]

The M1917 as produced was 30-06.

Jim

Well, that shows how much I know about Enfields. The only one I've got is a Mk4 (I think) that's been sporterized by maybe Santa Fe, or Golden State Arms. It's actually pretty well done, with original two groove barrel. jd

 

[Adam in WI]

Well, that shows how much I know about Enfields. The only one I've got is a Mk4 (I think) that's been sporterized by maybe Santa Fe, or Golden State Arms. It's actually pretty well done, with original two groove barrel. jd

That's actually an entirely different action. Your Mk 4 is a rear lug action. The M1917 has more in common with a Mauser 98 than the SMLE. The 1917 does have a M1914 counterpart that was produced in .303 for England

 

[jds holler]

Heck I got curious an had to go to the safe and look -- mine is a Number 4, Mark 1.. How the hell is anyone sposed to remember this stuff. jd

 

[Luke M]

I've bought a few rifles off the used rack from Bass Pro. They will usually haggle on the prices of used firearms. I have had them lower the price and give me a military discount on a rifle.

 

[Luke M]

Think I will punt on this one. After research sounds like to many issues can arise out of re-barreling an Eddystone action. Guess I will hold out for a Savage Action if I want to do something different.

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Besides the square thread, I don't know of anything weird about rebarreling an M1917. What difficulties have you heard of?