United States Rifle, Cal .30, Model of 1917 - Winchester - 30:06
Guns International #: 101605097 Seller's Inventory #: US Model 1917- w/ Bayonet & Scabbard
Category: Military Rifles - US - Winchester Rifles - Military

Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Verified Seller
Seller: As-issued-collector
Member Since: 12/19/20
First Name: James
Last Name: Christman
State: Florida
Zip: 33708
Country: United States
Phone: (727) 560-8560
Number of Active Listings: 3
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Returns may be possible? If there is a specific concern / reason expressed and documented PRIOR to purchase.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order --Cashiers Check -- Personal Check Up to 5 to 10 days after receipt).



Description:
        United States Rifle, Cal .30, Model of 1917
                        Serial Number: 250958
                     Ogden Arsenal Refurbished
This is a Winchester produced US Model 1917 rifle that went through a inspection and refurbishment at the Ogden Arsenal that included the addition of two minor part replacements. Minor?  Because the only changes to the original buildout is the Winchester Bolt being replaced with a Remington, and the Safety Switch with an Eddystone.  Which would be kind of expected given that Remington and Edystone produced most of the M1917’s. I think that the refurbishing is another indicator that this rifle could have very well have seen service in WW1?  (See below). 
The rest of the rifle is original to the 1918 Winchester build. The wood is very good with just some expected (for a service rifle) minor pressure dents, scratches and “bruising”. The metal retains most of the original finish and the markings are sharp. There is some build-up of oil and lubricants in the tight areas, per disclaimer below.  The action is tight and very crisp within the scope of the Conditions of Sale (below).  I think that this would be a very good shooter because it sure was when I had it inspected and tested. If deciding to fire this rifle, please be sure to have it thoroughly checked out first by a qualified Gunsmith before doing so. 
Markings:
The top of the receiver is marked "U.S./MODEL OF 1917 - WINCHESTER - 250958". The muzzle end of the barrel is correctly stamped with the Winchester markings of "W", a US Ordnance Bomb Proof and the date, "04-18". The left receiver rail is stamped with the ordnance bomb.  Bolt is marked with ordnance bomb and an “R”.  The safety switch is marked with an “E:,  per above.  There is a large Cartouche with the letters, “OGEK” with no “box” that shows that this rifle was inspected by Ed Klauser at US Army Ogden Arsenal in Utah, most likely in the late 30’s or early 40’s.  There is a second smaller “OG” stamped just under the receiver with a very small inspection mark: (2 squares side by side) behind the trigger guard.  The stacking swivel and bayonet lug on the front band has a very clear “w” stamped on it.  There is an Eagle with an “A” underneath it, stamped a couple of inches in front of the magazine floor plate.
History:
This rifle was an American modification and production of the .303-inch (7.7 mm) Pattern 1914 Enfield  rifle (British Service Rifle No. 3).  So, the M1917 was often called the "American Enfield". 
It was developed and produced during the period 1917–1918.  Numerically, it was the primary rifle used by all of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I.  Not the “03”.  
At the time of the American entry into World War II.  The U.S. Army was still issuing the M1917 to Chemical Mortarmen. And, because it performs reliably in Arctic conditions, the Danish Sirius Dog Sled Patrol in Greenland still uses the M1917 as their service weapon.  Which means that the M1917 could be the longest serving US military rifle in history. Not too many people know this.   
According to the Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers books, volumes 3 & 4.  Serial number 295360 was issued in August 1918. To Company F, 124th Infantry Regiment.  This reference is as close as I can find, to the serial number of this rifle, which is 250958.  Or 44.402 numbers lower than this rifle's #295360.   
A serial number look up (://oldguns/sn_php/mildateslookup.php) indicates that this rifle was produced in April 1918. Putting both of these references together suggests it is very possible that this rifle saw service in WW 1?  In fact, given that it is an arsenal refurbish, it most likely did see action in France?  
Three companies produced the M1917 Rifle:  Eddystone Arsenal (1,352,477), Remington arms Arms (545,541) and the  Winchester Repeating Arms Co (465,980) .  Winchester produced the fewest of total of  2,193,429 produced.
Applies to all listings: 
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition, then cleaned, lubricated and reassembled, by a very experienced and professional Gunsmith.   All received a clean bill of health and were considered to be in much better condition than appropriate for the age.  Because I was interested in maintaining as much of the original condition as possible, they have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me. Because of this most rifles have some oil build-up in the tight places.   The entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment.  Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master, for reliability, functionality and safety confirmation.  I have fired a few, limited to a total of <200 rounds. Most firearms that are equipped for them have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. And most have period correct: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines.  All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches.  As far as I know, there are no reproduction replacement parts in this collection!   Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included with clear markings of this reconditioning, and these are identified in the listing.
Based on my knowledge, all firearms are mechanically sound and complete. However, I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire. This must be determined by a qualified range master or gunsmith. All firearms are offered as collector’s items only.  Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm.  The be really clear, a thorough inspection should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster, before even considering firing any gun.
Specific descriptions related to a Firearms are based on knowledge at the time of the listing.   No Firearm is intentionally misrepresented and they are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations.  A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation, at the buyer’s expense.  Or, if you have a contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area, I’ll take it to them.  I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM.  Most days.   
Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations regarding the purchase or owning of firearms, or any item related to the firearm.  Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm, is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to abide by.
The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License and complete the Florida Individual Person:  Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document, for every sale?  It only takes about 5 minutes to complete and besides it is a good thing for the Buyer to have because it provides the source of the rifle for the Buyer.  My complete contact information, DL and Carry Permit numbers are on this form.  Because an FFL dealer is the only person in the transaction that understands the regulations and laws of the Buyer’s state/city etc.; I will only ship to an FFL License, and the FFL Holder will need to contact me and provide a copy of the license, or at least the license number prior to shipping.
All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative
Thank you for your understanding and agreement. 

SOLD

Rifle Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1917