This past weekend I picked a nice collection piece 45/70 trapdoor from an collector. While looking at his "for sale collection" I notice a parts gun in the corner. I asked if I could see it and he said sure "it's an old Enfield" So I picked it up and lord behold it's an Eddystone in original conidition with 90% blue. However, it was missing the bands, buttstock and front site. This still is a keeper so I offered a low sum and he sold!
As of today I have the remaining parts coming from e-parts minus the lower band (backordered). So I'll post as it comes along. If you know the history Eddystone they are hard to find without the ears cut off along with the front site missing, carbine, etc.. They tend to get tapped in for a scope as well which kills the value.. This is untouched. Enjoy.

Beautiful. The wood fairly glows

Congratulations that is an excellent find!

Semper Fi, Rob

I picked up one of these some time ago. The parts are in great shape, but thye mixed Eddystone parts with some Winchester parts and possibly Remington parts. Still looks great.

I had it checked out by a gunsmith and he said it was safe to shoot, and I plan to do so soon.

How do these things compare in accuracy with a Springfield? I heard they were used more often than Springfields by the average Doughboys as there were only enough Springfields for Marines over there.

How do these things compare in accuracy with a Springfield? I heard they were used more often than Springfields by the average Doughboys as there were only enough Springfields for Marines over there.
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I think Alvin York did fine with his '17 Enfield.

RON

Let's clarify the numbers thing -- '03's were carried by regular army and Nat'l Guard. (Remember, all RA units did not go overseas either -- many were on the US-Mexican border, in the PI, etc.) '17's generally went to National Army troops -- i.e. draftees.. Far more '17s were produced during the war than '03's at Springfield and Rock Island.

Remember, the three plants that prduced '17's were in production of the .303 cal. Pattern 14 Enfield for the British -- we simply converted to the .30-'06 ammo and off they went into mass production.

G

If I'm not mistaken, it took over 20+ year's of 03 production to equal the WW1 production of the M1917. The first "War Baby"? I have one that is all matching Eddystone and it is just an outstanding open site shooter.

And a lot of M1917 rifles were sent to Britain at the start of WW2. To indicate they were Cal .30-06 and not .303, a red band with black numbers 30-06 was painted around the top end of the wood...

I have a 1918 Winchester like that...

Johan

Yes the red band..... I would like to see a pic of it. I have been trying to come across one myself. There must be very little floating around these days.

Here you go, painted on an April 1918 Winchester M1917 Rifle, marked 30 06 on both sides

Beautiful. If you every want to part let me know. LOL!

Outstanding example of a lend lease home guard rifle Johan. The one's I have seen, the paint is worn and the marking is not as clear. Are you able to shoot it?

I can, but haven't done so in ages..... I recall it was extremely effective when I took it to the range many years ago...


Johan

For your parts, see my posting with the other M1917. Springfeild has always come through for me.

Accuracy, true to its lineage, it is a excellent battle rifle, as with any enfield.And you can beat your enemy to death with the fount and rear sights with out throwing off your zero. It is a good range gun, mainly due to its stout construction and heavy barrel. Yet is less accurate than the venerable 1903 due to its rear sight not being able to be adjusted for windage. However it is less "painful" in sustained firing than the 1903. If it was designed here and first used by the us, it may have been our new service rifle after ww1.

I checked ou tSpringfield Sporters. There closed now but show what parts I need in stock. I'll call tomorrow. Thanks. Also I looked up there address. There located 1hr 30mins from me here in PA. Delivery should be real quick...

Oh it is really quick. They box it up that day and ship it off USPS priority. Good stuff, even their "un refinished" stuff is in really nice shape.

Well, it's complete minus sling and bayonet. I like to thank Dirteater101 for bringing to my attention a local company that provides US parts.

I belive this is another piece of history that will live on.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

Glad I could help. Let us know how well the old soldier shoots.

" I asked if I could see it and he said sure "it's an old Enfield" So I picked it up and lord behold it's an Eddystone in original conidition with 90% blue. However, it was missing the bands, buttstock and front site. This still is a keeper so I offered a low sum"

Not to be a bad guy here but the photos posted are of a re-work, greenish finish, still a great rifle, but not high gloss blue of WW1.... I have tow in the origional blue (yea, I need to add a re-work) and they look nothing like the photos...... No hate mail just sharing,

No hate. Got any pics of your "blue".

Nope I don't....both are in the back of my FORT KNOX..... but if you are interested... I could be talked into it... they aint minty but indeed still in the 80% range....I have had them for over 20 years (got em back when everybody hated Enfield and they were only considered good for the actions) .... let me know and I will put that on my projects list (numbert 1,853 I think ....LOL)

see ya 151mg

Wow, those are some nice rifles up above!

Here's my Eddy. All "E" parts except front sight blade and firing pin (both are "R" stamped), and the barrel, which is JA (from Johnson Automatics). Oh, and the bayonet is Remington, of course.

This rifle has a very personal appeal for me, since it was rebuilt right here in San Antonio, probably during WW2, and that's probably when it acquired the JA barrel.

Posted in new thread, M1917 Canadian ..... I got round to it....

151mg

So how well did it shoot?

Since this post was first put up, I also picked up an Eddystone US Model 1917. This is the photo from the local auction. The sling is a repro and it was on backwards.

Click to view attachment

Wow, those are some nice rifles up above!

Here's my Eddy. All "E" parts except front sight blade and firing pin (both are "R" stamped), and the barrel, which is JA (from Johnson Automatics). Oh, and the bayonet is Remington, of course.

This rifle has a very personal appeal for me, since it was rebuilt right here in San Antonio at the San Antonio US Arsenal, probably during WW2, and that's probably when it acquired the JA barrel.