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Since I had them out for cleaning I thought I would Post my two WWI babys. Top one is a Model of 1917 Eddystone. It had any ugly layer of Varnish on it. Removed the varnash with 3M easy Strip. Then after drying a day it had several coats of Boiiled Lindseed Oil handrubbed in. MUCH better. While it was stripped my friend who has a Gunsmithing shop(Everyone should have a friend like that) disassembled and cleaned it. The bolt was really dirty. Eddystone Ser# 72,XXX Barrel date of 7-18.
Bottom is my SA 1903. Ser #803XXX Barrel Date of 1-18. It goes in for cleaning next week. I haven't shot the 03 yet but will after its cleaned and checked out. Enjoy. Robert

If you don't mind, thought I would throw my WWI girls up



The top is my 1912 dated M-1903, the second down is my 1918 dated M-1917

Don't you just love em. What great works of art. Great shooters too. Robert

They are wonderful rifles. I won't shoot my '03 because it is one of those with the supposed non hardened receiver, so I don't want to take a chance because if I blew it up, I would kill myself for destroying such a treasure.

I've thought about getting one of those low-number Springfield 03s from CMP for display. I can barely keep my .308s and .45s fed, much less a .30-06, so it's not like I'd shoot it anyway...

Very, very nice gentlemen. Thank you for posting such excellent examples

Tony

Sorry for taking so long to reply. Rebuilding the outer west wall on my house. Takes a Senior Citizen a little longer and more effort when Manual labors involved. My 03 is 803XXX. I understand 800,000 and above are OK. I bought it about two years ago and it went in the back of the vault. I have an 03A3 that I shoot. But its about time this one gets shot. Although the sights really suck for old eyes Will update on how she shoots. Robert

Are you and I the only ones proud of our WWI Baby's? No one else has pictures of their WWI rifles?
Mine is in the 283,000 range. I shoot my P-17 and my O3A3 a fair amount, both are really good shooting, actually quite impressive when you consider their ages.

Beautiful rifles! I wish i had one to show off. If i did, i sure as heck would be proud of it. I really like the stock and sling on Franks 03 (bottom one in the pic). Is that an original one?

Yes. Its a Kerr NoBuckl dated 1914

Same with mine as well

Well I need to show mine since you guys are showing off. It's not as clean as I never cleaned the wood or anything other then the scrubbing the barrel. All parts are Eddystone marked and has the early Eagle Head acceptance stamps all over. The stock is original WW1, I got this with a bunch of 36th I.D. stuff that was all WW1 dated but no name. I have not seen any markings on the sling but I would think it is proper. I splash 1 gallon milk jugs at 100 yards no problem ( A hint, use red food coloring with the water! It makes a great spray when you slam it right! ) and action is so smooth..

Stock markings..

Mine is a shooter as well, I don't miss very often. I would like to get another Eddystone, but have other priorities first. I have to find a knock around M1 carbine for my jeep first.

What fun is it when you cant shoot them?

Thats why I dont have any Japanese rifles any more! In the 80's I was able to find lots of surplus ammo, both 6.5 & 7.7 but not any more, same with the eyetie stuff.

A couple of mine in a similar pose.
M-1903 RIA 1913. Note single bolt stock. I need to replace the swept back bolt to make it 100 percent original.
M-1917 Eddytone 1918.

The rest of mine.

The M-1917 is the same one as above.

The M-1903's are from the top:

M-1903 SA 1918 with WW2 "C" stock which technically makes is a M-1903A1
M-1903 RIA 1918 with WW2 chunky "S" stock.
M-1903 SA 1918 with WW2 SA 1942 Barrel and Remington replacement parts.
M-1903 SA 1918 USMC marked S 7-41 Barrel.

These rifles all made in WW1 and rebuilt in WW2 (to differing degrees) highlight Uncle Sam's reliance on using WW1 manufactured rifles during the early part of WW2.

Nice show X

Thanks mate,

I do what I can.

Dang Mr. X, those are nice rifles! (love the 1911 even more )

Nice show indeed fellows
Leigh, are they all live?

Nice guns Mr-X. I've got a RIA Bayonet, Now to find the rifle to go with it Robert

Bonjour.

My little contribution.
The top: # 726 xxx product in July / August 18.
The bottom: # 1 106 xxx product October 18.

Notice the two types of scabbards of the mod. 1917 bayonet.

Regards sol.


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I just finished restoring this rifle, it was saved from a life as a sporter and is now in full military dress less one stacking swivel which is on its way. (The sling is just one I had lying around.)

excellent save! nice job, looks great
Terry

Thank-you Terry. It has sentimental value too, it was my late, Great Uncles rifle for many years.

Since this is't just rifles, I thought I would throw my WWI pistol in as well. 1917 dated 1911 with rig.

Just love that WWI Stuff. robert

Hello
Here is my RIA M1903. original unmodified just as it came from the factory. serial 270302. bayonet and sling are not original to the rifle. stock stamped RIA in front of bayonet lug. Really a nicely made rifle.


Kevin