Winchester P17 Bolt Action US Service Rifle……………….(f 461) SOLD
Created on November 24th 2018
WW I Pattern 17 US Service Rifle, 1918 dated
A good representative example of the P17 or “Model 17”. Also so know as the American Enfield. Chambered in .30-06′ the American service calibre and built on a Mauser action. The rifle has a 5-shot internal magazine which can be stripper-clip loaded. A guide in the front of the rear action bridge aids that function. The rounds rest in the magazine in a staggered arrangement and are pick up by the forward motion of the bolt after ejection of the spent case. The P17 is not equipped with a magazine cut-off device. These rifles are heavy compared with other service rifles in use at the time, but this provided a steady shooting plat form which improves accuracy. Although not the best liked rifle by the US troops who were equipped with it as a standard marching weapon, it did earn respect for its effectiveness and thus also became a good choice for a sniper base.
This rifle was built in the World War One period and displays a barrel date or 1918. The serial number marked on the action is “155322”. Above the serial markings is the following: “US / MODEL OF 1917 / WINCHESTER”. On the side wall of the action is the Flaming bomb US acceptance mark. The same mark appears on the upper side of the bolt arm. On the underside of the same are the letters “N.S.” denoting Nickle Steel. Also a single large “W” for Winchester. Set just behind the bolt arm cut-out is the safety catch, mounted on the rear of the action. Forward for off and pulled flat to the rear for safe. The familiar Mauser bolt release is set on the other side of the action at the rear.
The rifle is equipped with the standard flip-up ladder sight, graduated from 200 to 1600 yards. When in the flat position, lower ranges are taken care of by the aperture battle sight. The front sight is guarded by protective steel ears. The front sight can be set for zero by adjusting the dovetail on which it is mounted. The top of the barrel behind the front sight is thus marked; “R / flaming bomb / 7 – 18.”
Overall the P17 is 46.1/4″ in length. The round barrel is 25.3/4″ long and the trigger pull is 13.3/4″ to centre. Fully stocked in American Black walnut with a finger grip fore-end, the stock is in very good condition. It is equipped with a steel butt-plate with round hatch for cleaning equipment. There are two sling swivels and a stacking hook. Attached to which is a good reproduction very “usable” leather sling. The fore-end nose cap incorporates the bayonet fitting lug. A pattern 17 bayonet and sheath can be included with the sale.
Wear of the metal components is fairly even all over showing usage. The stock is in above average condition for the rifle age. The bore is dark but rifling is strong and complete with no actual interruptions. This rifle has definitely been there and could probably tell tales which would make most of us loose our pallor. A piece of history. Remember, we are only the current keepers!
Stock No f 461
£ 650. SOLD
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