model 1917 - help wanted

marks655 · January 22, 2006, 12:20 AM

I'm new at this forum. Recently I obtained a semi-sporterized model 1917 as part of a 'trade' at a local gunshow. I like to mess around with old stuff and I have few 'commercial' rifles.

I might have restored it except that the barrel has been shortened to 23". It has original receiver 'ears' and rear sight. Seems solid except that the barrel (left-hand twist) appears to be moderately pitted. Many people say these rifles can shoot very well. It has a nice walnut Fajen stock and has been bedded.

I would like to finish 'sporterizing' it but am not sure what to do about the barrel. I would appreciate any ideas.

DMiculek · January 22, 2006, 01:07 AM

Clean the bbl as best you can, check the headspace and take it out and shoot it for groups. You'll be surprized how well a "rough" bore will shoot especailly if it has good crown.
I have a 1903 springfield that has a dark and pitted bore that shoots surprisingly well.

Harry Bonar · January 25, 2006, 12:12 PM

Dear Shooter:
DMiculek is right on! We don't need nice shiney bores to shoot good, and with firing your bore will clean some of that "red rust" out!
If that thing shoots an inch group at 100 yds, or even a little more with good ammo - let it be.
Those ears can be ground off to match the front reciever ring, and bases are made for that. I would suggest straightening the trigger guard assy, and messing around generally with it. It is a fine rifle with a good safety - and for goodness sakes put a good reciever sight on it and a ramp front and you'll have a swell looking rifle.
Harry B.

January 22, 2006, 12:20 AM	#1
marks655 Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 363	model 1917 - help wanted I'm new at this forum. Recently I obtained a semi-sporterized model 1917 as part of a 'trade' at a local gunshow. I like to mess around with old stuff and I have few 'commercial' rifles. I might have restored it except that the barrel has been shortened to 23". It has original receiver 'ears' and rear sight. Seems solid except that the barrel (left-hand twist) appears to be moderately pitted. Many people say these rifles can shoot very well. It has a nice walnut Fajen stock and has been bedded. I would like to finish 'sporterizing' it but am not sure what to do about the barrel. I would appreciate any ideas.

January 25, 2006, 12:12 PM	#3
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	model 17 Dear Shooter: DMiculek is right on! We don't need nice shiney bores to shoot good, and with firing your bore will clean some of that "red rust" out! If that thing shoots an inch group at 100 yds, or even a little more with good ammo - let it be. Those ears can be ground off to match the front reciever ring, and bases are made for that. I would suggest straightening the trigger guard assy, and messing around generally with it. It is a fine rifle with a good safety - and for goodness sakes put a good reciever sight on it and a ramp front and you'll have a swell looking rifle. Harry B.

January 22, 2006, 01:07 AM	#2
DMiculek Junior Member Join Date: January 21, 2006 Posts: 2	Clean the bbl as best you can, check the headspace and take it out and shoot it for groups. You'll be surprized how well a "rough" bore will shoot especailly if it has good crown. I have a 1903 springfield that has a dark and pitted bore that shoots surprisingly well.