and looking for any advice you could give me. It would definitely be a shooter. Price range to expect? Models to avoid? Features to look for? Best link you know of? Thank you for your time!
and looking for any advice you could give me. It would definitely be a shooter. Price range to expect? Models to avoid? Features to look for? Best link you know of? Thank you for your time!
Location: "...upon the east bank of Big Blue River, a mile or two north of the point where that stream crosses the Michigan road"
Posts: 2,167
If you are speaking of The Model of 1917("The American Enfield")I found a nice one at the CMP South Store in May. They had three dozen or so...most were rough with shot out barrels. There were some jems in the pile. The one I picked needed a couple of parts that I easily found on Numrich. For an extra 30 Bucks, I've got a nice shooter.
The Model of 1917 was made in 1917 and 1918 by Winchester, Remington and the Baldwin Locomotive works at Eddystone. I prefer the Eddystone; but, all three manufacturers made a solid, quality rifle. As far as I know, there is very little variance in the rifles. You will find some with original barrels. Some rifles were refurbished before/during WWII and used as "Lend-Lease" weapons.
I woulld like one to. I though I had one. A freind out in Montana mentioned he had one that he had forever that was missing some parts and told me he needed to dig it out. Unfortunately he changed his mind later. Apparently there was some sedimental value that went with the rifle that he had not mentioned in the begining so I left it at that. I was looking foward to getting my hands on it so bad and restoring it to firing condition. I most likely would have got it on the cheap too if it was not for his personal attachment to the rifle.
I bought an Eddystone last year for $500. Clean rifle, stock had been sanded. Another $75 and I got the bayonet, too. I always heard that the 30-06 had heavy recoil, this rifle feels like shooting a .243 with mil-spec ammo. They're climbing in price, since 03s are past $900 now.
I got one Eddystone 11-18 dated from a friend, said he didn't know what it was. Its pristine except worn mark on blueing from thumb pushing down follower to close bolt. Small ding on forearm. Except form that it's perfect. Barrel looks like its never been fired. Said he picked it up at a estate sale some 10-15 years ago. Got it for $200.00.
I bought my Eddystone P17 from Kleins in Chicago back in 1962.
They were going for $29.95.
That is the good news.
Bad news, old stupid had it cut down and made into a sporter. I still have it, and it goes bang right smartly. I really should work up some loads for it. A bit heavy for a hunting rifle, but the weight helps a great deal with the .30-06 cartridges. A right nice rifle even if I defiled it.
I got SMLE from 1917 that is the grenade launcher model. a little on the heavy side but it is too AWSOME to sell, especially when I payed $275 for a weapon that shoots as good as it did almost 100 years ago.
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There ain't no fix for stupid! 
