When America prepared to enter WWI, the military found itself faced with the problem of arming an incredible expeditionary force with durable rifles that could stand up to the dirt and grime of the European trenches. While the M1903 Springfield had been adopted as America's standard infantry rifle for over a decade, it soon became clear that Springfield's production alone would not be adequate to meet the Army's demand for rifles.
The answer to this dilemma was resolved by Winchester, Remington, and Eddystone Arsenal ( a subsidiary of Remington). These three firms had been producing the British Pattern 1914 Enfield rifle during the first few years of the war, and the Ordnance Dept. quickly realized that while these arms manufacturers could tool up to produce the M1903, the time required to do so would be cost prohibitive. Instead, it was determined that the existing tooling could be used to create an "American Enfield" chambered in .30-06. The new arm was dubbed the U.S. Model 1917 Service Rifle.
The 1917 proved to be robust and reliable and was well liked by the troops. Remington, Winchester, and Eddystone produced almost 2.2 million M1917; a figure that more than doubled the total production of military's "official" service weapon; the M1903. In fact, M1917s made up 75% of the total service weapons issued to the AEF during WW1.
Most famously, Sergaent Alvin York, the famed Medal of Honor recipient, carried an Eddystone M1917 and a Colt M1911 during his time in France.
This M1917 is in good condition. It is all original and the stock shows some evidence of a light refinishing at some point.
The stock is very good with most of its original inspector's stamps visible including the "P" firing proof on the wrist. There is a small patched section of wood on the right side of the buttstock, which appears to be an arsenal repair.
The bolt locks up tight and the action is smooth. The metal parts retain most or their original arsenal bluing.
The barrel features a matching WWI Eddystone barrel made in June of 1918. The bore is good with sharp rifling and some minor darkness in the grooves.
This rifle is the perfect addition to any U.S. rifle collection, or WW1 display.
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to Federal Firearms License holder for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process!
