U.S. Remington Eddystone Enfield M1917 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,188.37
LSB#: WY240915JF025
Make: Remington Eddystone Arsenal
Model: United States Rifle, cal .30, Model of 1917
Serial Number: 1205115
Year of Manufacture: 1918 (Barrel is dated to November 1917)
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt action, 6 round internal magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a circled flaming bomb stamp. The top of the receiver is marked “U.S. MODEL OF 1917 EDDYSTONE 1205115”. The barrel is marked, “W / 11 17” The stock has an “R” on the front under the forend cap. The bolt is marked with several “E” stamps. The rear sight is marked “R”. There are several flaming bomb proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set between two protective wings. The rear sight is set between two large protective wings. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder that uses a sliding aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug & stacking loop, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, sling loop, and a metal buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttplate has light wear along the edges. There are light compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as arsenal refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is deep. There is moderate erosion in the bore and minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal refinish. There are scratches and handling marks throughout. The leading edges are thinning. The bolt has moderate wear. The buttplate has moderate impact marks. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are mostly clear, though some of the smaller proof and acceptance marks are worn around their edges. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as arsenal refurbished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Complete original cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Remington Eddystone Enfield M1917 in .30-06 is a bolt-action rifle renowned for its durability, accuracy, and historical significance. Manufactured primarily at the Eddystone Rifle Plant, a subsidiary of the Remington Arms Company, this rifle represents one of the most widely produced American service rifles during World War I. Its robust design and adaptability made it a key weapon for U.S. forces during the war and beyond. The M1917 is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a cartridge recognized for its versatility, range, and power. The .30-06, adopted by the U.S. military in 1906, proved to be an effective and reliable choice for both rifles and machine guns. Its flat trajectory and strong ballistic performance allowed it to excel in various combat scenarios. The design of the M1917 is based on the British P14 Enfield rifle, which was originally chambered in .303 British. When the U.S. entered World War I, it needed additional rifles to equip its rapidly expanding military. The P14 design was adapted to accommodate the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, resulting in the M1917. The rifle features a Mauser-style bolt-action mechanism with a strong, robust receiver and a five-round internal magazine. It is notable for its cock-on-closing bolt operation, which some users found faster than the cock-on-opening systems of other rifles. The M1917 saw extensive use by American forces during World War I, supplementing the standard-issue M1903 Springfield. Its reliability in the harsh conditions of the Western Front earned it a reputation as a rugged and dependable rifle. Even after the war, many M1917 rifles remained in service, finding use during World War II in training and secondary roles.
Today, the Remington Eddystone Enfield M1917 is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts. Its connection to American military history, robust construction, and performance make it a prized example of early 20th-century firearm design. -R.E.
