U.S. Winchester Model 1917 Enfield M1917 .30-06 Bolt Action Rifle, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: WY240910RW006
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: United States Rifle, cal .30, Model of 1917
Serial Number: 321222
Year of Manufacture: 1918
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 WINCHESTER 321222”. The safety and firing pin housing are marked, “E”. The stock has a “P” proof on the wrist and “C S.A.A.” San Antonio Arsenal refurb mark. The barrel has a flaming bomb proof and “J.A.” Johnson Automatics mark.
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. There is supposed to be an aperture when the rear sight is flipped down but it has been removed.
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 is pitted with wear at the edges. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are small chips at the front of the forend. 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 semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore and no pitting. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
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 buttplate has moderate to heavy thinning with rust spots and impact marks. The screw heads show moderate to heavy 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 Good 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1917 Enfield is a bolt-action rifle that played a significant role in the armament of the United States during World War I. Often referred to simply as the M1917, this rifle was based on the British Pattern 1914 Enfield (P14) design and was adapted to fire the U.S. standard .30-06 Springfield cartridge. Winchester was one of three manufacturers tasked with producing the M1917, along with Remington and Eddystone (a subsidiary of Remington). The M1917 was introduced during World War I to supplement the limited supply of U.S. Model 1903 Springfield rifles. Its design retains many features of the British P14, including a strong Mauser-style bolt action and a five-round internal magazine. The M1917’s barrel and receiver were re-engineered to accommodate the .30-06 cartridge, which provided excellent range and ballistic performance. One of the standout features of the Winchester Model 1917 is its robust construction. During World War I, the M1917 became the primary service rifle of U.S. forces, with more M1917 rifles produced than M1903 Springfields during the war. It saw extensive use in Europe, particularly during the latter stages of the conflict. After the war, surplus M1917 rifles were used by various military and civilian groups, and some were even reissued during World War II for training and auxiliary purposes.
Overall, the Model 1917 remains a significant piece of U.S. military history, reflecting the ingenuity and adaptability of American arms production during a critical period. Today, it is admired both as a collector’s item and as a symbol of American involvement in the First World War. -R.E.
