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Posted: 8/25/2011 8:42:42 PM EDT
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I have a 1917 Eddystone that I am the third generation of my family to own so I thought I would try to spiff it up (I know it is not worth much $, but don’t care). I got the gold paint off the metal someone had put on it (I think it was used in parades maybe) and the park was still under it. I want to get a bayo, a sling, and I want to get the rear sight to work like it should.
Questions: Are repro bayo and slings good or no good and what should I watch/watch out for? The rear sight doesn’t quite stand upright but you can push it to where it should stand and then the spring pushes it back ¼” like the detent is not holding it like it should. Any idea what the problem is? Thanks! |
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baynoets for these are pretty common -I'd go original myself. ironically when I was in Afghanistan the bazaars and shops on base were loaded with original bayonets for these-the brit pattern 1913 is the same and fits perfectly. they even took bayonets destined for britain and crossed out the brit markings and put on american.
My 1917 has a weak rear sight spring too. replacing the spring should be all you need to do. |
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I'd have to look at the rear sight to see what the problem is there. It may just be some gunk on the bottom of the rear sight or on the spring plunger.
If you are refinishing the stock, do not sand it as that will remove all the markings. Likewise, don't use lacquer, polyurethane or other 'normal' stock finishes on it. There are some good references on the 'net to restoring a proper military finish for this rifle. Done properly, you can end up with a wonderful piece of family history. If you just want a wall-hanger, reproduction bayonet and sling would be fine. If you are really wanting authenticity, get originals. Bayonets for these have gone nuts with prices around $75+. I haven't really examined the reproduction bayonets. The correct sling is actually a fabric Kerr M1917 NOBUCKL sling. Originals are very scarce and expensive. The reproductions are pretty good and probably your only reasonable choice. |
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Your rifle is a M1917, not a Enfield 1917 FYI. They are great guns and great shooters. We used more of these during WWI than we did 1903's. Due to politics and a few other things a lot of people don't know this. I have one and love it, its one of my favorite range toys. If yours is parkerized then it went through a rebuild process or two after the war. Its a nice piece of history and a worthwhile gun to keep in your collection. |
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