Should I duracoat my 1917 enfield?

chasep255 · February 2, 2017, 08:45 PM

Two weeks ago I bought a 1917 enfield rifle. It is in good shape considering it is 100 years old but I feel like the finish on the metal is a little worn. A few years ago I bought a mosin nagant which I duracoated and it came out very nice. I did not have much issue doing this since at the time that rifle cost $90. However, I am not sure if I should duracoat my 1917. I kind of feel like I would be destroying the historical value of it. Any opinions on this? I would also be open to getting it parkerized or blued.

Bill DeShivs · February 2, 2017, 09:36 PM

Not no, but hell no!
Leave the gun alone.

**44 AMP** · February 2, 2017, 09:42 PM

Quote:

I kind of feel like I would be destroying the historical value of it. Any opinions on this? I would also be open to getting it parkerized or blued.

Its your rifle, and your money, but ANY refinish destroys the collector value.

Judging from that single picture, it appears complete, original and in pretty good condition. You even have the bayonet!

IF you do ANYTHING to that rifle, be prepared for people to line up and tell you exactly what kind of idiot you are.

Usually I'm one of the first folks fed up with people telling me how I "ruined valuable milsurps" by sporterizing Mausers, Springfields, Arisakas, etc. back in the day (40+ years ago). They fail to realize that back then, those rifles were cheap, and nearly as common as dirt, in their GI configuration.

Today, that is NOT the case. Rifles in the issue configuration, and in as good condition as the one you have are RARE, and getting rarer.

Refinishing that rifle destroys its visual history. Sure, its always going to be a 1917 Enfield, but the appearance is what gives it the most value. Refinishing it will reduce its market value by half, maybe 3/4 or maybe even more.

Some people would even consider refinishing it an insult to the rifle, and its history. IF that rifle had been altered already, or previously refinished, the damage would be done, but that's not the case here.

In short, a good way to turn an $800 collector piece into a (maybe) $300 "bubba" job (even if done well) is to refinish it.

Even a refinish from a certified restoration service lowers the collector value of the gun, while adding to its cost to you. I wouldn't do it, and I won't recommend it, but its your gun, and your choice.

There are people out there who would be overjoyed to get their hands on it, just the way it is, and who wouldn't give it a second look, if it was refinished, or altered in any way.

If you're interested, I'll trade you a ratty looking Kar 98k you can refinish to your hearts content.

chasep255 · February 2, 2017, 10:07 PM

Thanks for the replies. I think I will keep it the way it is then.

**4V50 Gary** · February 2, 2017, 10:25 PM

Since it will remain as is (which I concur), might I suggest rubbing it down with RIG Gun Grease or better yet, Renaissance Wax? Apply Renaissance Wax to both the wood and the metal. It may also be applied to leather slings.

NateKirk · February 2, 2017, 11:25 PM

Please don't.

peggysue · February 3, 2017, 06:09 AM

Renaissance Wax is awesome. I have been using it for decades.

kraigwy · February 4, 2017, 11:11 AM

Its your rifle, but you asked.

No way in hell. Best thing you could do is keep it wiped down with "RIG". Works great with my rifles, even one I had hunting the beaches on Afognak in the salt water spray.

If it was me, and what I did with my M1917, is put a leather 1917 style sling on it, and shoot it in the CMP Military Match.

Unlike the Springfield's you cant adjust for windage, but you can get the sight drifted so its centered and at 200 yards the wind doesn't get you that much.

They have (including mine) have been known as exceptionally accurate rifles and deserved to be shot. Shooting 'em wont hurt them, and wont detract from the collector's value.

Might as well enjoy them.

I like the bayonet also. Same as with the rifle, keep it wiped down with "RIG"

Mine:

Dragonflydf · February 7, 2017, 08:35 PM

putting duracoat on a 1917 ? how about we cover you in honey and tie you to a fire ant mound ?

duracoat is for plastic and aluminum guns, not wood and steel classics

jersurf101 · February 7, 2017, 08:55 PM

Glad you decided not to duracoat the rifle. It is a good looking Enfield in the picture. Nice score!

February 2, 2017, 09:36 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,987	Not no, but hell no! Leave the gun alone. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 2, 2017, 10:25 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,843	Since it will remain as is (which I concur), might I suggest rubbing it down with RIG Gun Grease or better yet, Renaissance Wax? Apply Renaissance Wax to both the wood and the metal. It may also be applied to leather slings. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

February 2, 2017, 11:25 PM	#6
NateKirk Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2013 Location: Detroit Posts: 435	Please don't. __________________ “Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".” ― --Thomas Jefferson

February 4, 2017, 11:11 AM	#8
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Its your rifle, but you asked. No way in hell. Best thing you could do is keep it wiped down with "RIG". Works great with my rifles, even one I had hunting the beaches on Afognak in the salt water spray. If it was me, and what I did with my M1917, is put a leather 1917 style sling on it, and shoot it in the CMP Military Match. Unlike the Springfield's you cant adjust for windage, but you can get the sight drifted so its centered and at 200 yards the wind doesn't get you that much. They have (including mine) have been known as exceptionally accurate rifles and deserved to be shot. Shooting 'em wont hurt them, and wont detract from the collector's value. Might as well enjoy them. I like the bayonet also. Same as with the rifle, keep it wiped down with "RIG" Mine: __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 7, 2017, 08:35 PM	#9
Dragonflydf Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2014 Posts: 217	putting duracoat on a 1917 ? how about we cover you in honey and tie you to a fire ant mound ? duracoat is for plastic and aluminum guns, not wood and steel classics __________________ Jack, You have Debauched my sloth !!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/shoot.the.guns.of.history

February 2, 2017, 10:07 PM	#4
chasep255 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 727	Thanks for the replies. I think I will keep it the way it is then.

February 3, 2017, 06:09 AM	#7
peggysue Junior member Join Date: May 20, 2014 Posts: 1,835	Renaissance Wax is awesome. I have been using it for decades.

February 7, 2017, 08:55 PM	#10
jersurf101 Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 553	Glad you decided not to duracoat the rifle. It is a good looking Enfield in the picture. Nice score!