U.S. Winchester M1917 Enfield .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle W/ Bayonet, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,650.00
LSB#: WY240810MZ008
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: United States Rifle, cal .30, Model of 1917
Serial Number: 512672
Year of Manufacture: May, 1918 (https://oldguns.net/sn_php/mildateslookup.php)
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Bolt action, 6 round internal magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “U.S. MODEL OF 1917 WINCHESTER 512672”. The left side of the receiver has an ordnance bomb proof. The barrel is marked with a flaming bomb and, “W / 12 18”. The bolt is marked with a Winchester Arsenal proof and “SN”. The stock is marked, “3GM-K” (Kelvinator/General Motors) on the left side and W/41 on the very front of the handguard. There are several small proof marks throughout. The bayonet is marked, “GF” on the scabbard and, “1917 W / X / U.S.” With a flaming bomb proof.
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 stock is a two piece walnut set with a capped forend/ bayonet lug & stacking loop, barrel band w/ sling loop, finger grooves, through bolt, straight wrist, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate W/ storage door. The storage is empty. There are pressure dents, small chips, and scratches 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: Blue & parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is sharp. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
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 75% of its metal refinish. There is moderate to heavy thinning on the receiver and bottom metal. There is wear to the leading edges. There are scratches and small nicks throughout. The buttplate has spots of rust. 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 Very Good condition as arsenal refurbished. The bayonet has heavy thinning to the scabbard, however the leather and blade are in Excellent condition. There is light patina and small rust spots throughout.
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: Bayonet, leather sling.
Our Assessment: Immediately prior to the start of the First World War, the British began the process of developing and implementing a replacement rifle for the SMLE. Though the SMLE was only a few years old, the British were looking at a Mauser-style action to replace it, along with a flatter shooting and faster rimless cartridge, the .276 Enfield. This process resulted in the Pattern 1913 rifle. There would later be issues with the ammunition and the new cartridge was abandoned in favor of sticking with .303, leading to the Pattern 14 rifle. During this time, the British had been working with the American companies Winchester and Remington to develop and manufacture these new rifles. After hostilities commenced late in the summer of 1914, the business arrangement was sidelined. Upon entry of the United States into the First World War in April of 1917, it was quickly determined that the governmental arsenal system was not going to be able to meet production demands for new M1903 rifles. The Ordnance Department was forced to look to private companies to make up for this, settling on Winchester, Remington, and the Remington subsidiary Eddystone. These companies already had production lines set up to produce the Pattern 14 rifle. The P14 was promptly adapted to fire the U.S. standard .30-06 cartridge, becoming the Model of 1917 Enfield. Though it was never officially adopted as the primary service rifle of the United States, the M1917 would be the most issued rifle to U.S. troops during the First World War. In all, nearly two-thirds of all troops were issued M1917s. The rifle would fade into the background after the conclusion of the war, being overshadowed by the M1903. Many M1917s would later be rebuilt during the Second World War and used on the homefront and in an auxiliary capacity.
This example was built by Winchester in May of 1918. It was then rebuilt sometime during the Second World War. The stock has some areas of wear, but is otherwise in Very Good shape. The metal retains most of its rebuild finish, with thinning and wear throughout. The bore is dark with light to moderate erosion, but the rifling is still strong and it should make for an adequate shooter. This rifle also comes with a M1917 Bayonet made by Winchester. The rear sight aperture is in great working condition. These are lovely rifles and would fit into any U.S. or First World War collection. -R.E.
