Winchester Model 1917 .30-06 26″ Bolt Action Rifle Clint Smith C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,494.00
LSB#: LSB260703CS025
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Model: U.S. Model of 1917
Serial Number: 202931
Year of Manufacture: 1918 / C&R. The barrel is dated March 1918.
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Fed by a Five-Round Internal Magazine with Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The receiver is marked “U.S. / MODEL OF 1917 / WINCHESTER / 202931”. The barrel is marked “W” above a flaming bomb ordnance mark and “3-18”. The bolt handle is marked “W” and “N.S.”. Winchester “W” and flaming bomb inspection or ordnance markings are present on additional components. The rear sight is graduated for elevation. The buttplate has inspection markings and a hinged trapdoor.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a protected blade mounted near the muzzle. The rear sight is the military ladder aperture sight mounted between protective receiver ears, with a fixed battle aperture and elevation-adjustable ladder.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are refinished walnut with a full-length military forend, upper handguards, grasping grooves, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate with a hinged storage compartment. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood shows a few scattered light handling marks and minor imperfections. There are no notable cracks or substantial losses visible. The refinished stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and Blackened Steel
Finish Originality: Refinished. The metal and stocks have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is worn. There is light erosion and corrosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its refinished metal finish. The balance shows operational and handling wear, including thinning and finish loss on the bolt, bolt handle, receiver rails, high edges, muzzle, sight components, and other contact points. There are scattered scratches, scuffs, nicks, and small areas of oxidation or discoloration. Some underlying surface texture and prior wear remain visible beneath the refinish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are generally clean. The markings remain legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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: Included is a brown leather military-style sling and a framed certificate signed “Clint Smith”. The certificate states that this Winchester Model 1917, serial number 202931, was owned and shot by Clint Smith, founder of Thunder Ranch Inc. and owner of Clint Smith Signature Series Inc. No factory box is included.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Model of 1917 was developed from the British Pattern 1914 Enfield and became the most numerous American service rifle manufactured during the First World War. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, the rifle combined a robust Mauser-derived action with an exceptionally strong receiver, protected aperture sights, and a distinctive cock-on-closing bolt. Winchester, Remington, and Eddystone produced the Model 1917 in enormous numbers to equip the rapidly expanding American Expeditionary Forces, and rifles from all three manufacturers saw extensive military use during and after the war.
This Winchester-manufactured example was assembled during the height of wartime production and retains a Winchester barrel dated March 1918. The visible Winchester-marked components and full military configuration give the rifle strong historical character, while its refinished metal and wood provide a clean overall presentation. The worn bore with light erosion and corrosion is consistent with extended service and use, but the rifle remains mechanically functional.
Adding considerable interest is the included serial-number-specific certificate signed by Clint Smith, documenting that this rifle was owned and shot by the renowned firearms instructor and founder of Thunder Ranch. That provenance distinguishes this rifle from a typical refinished Model 1917 and should appeal to collectors of American martial arms, Winchester rifles, and firearms associated with influential figures in modern firearms training. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.