Collecting WW1 rifles takes way more time and patience than those from the second world war. Many of the rifles from the first conflict have been altered. They were either chopped down to carbines or re-chambered. Or, got the sights/stock/barrel replaced. While I was (I still am) collecting WW2 rifles few years back, I spotted several very nice WW1 pieces in great shapes and good prices but I had no clue at that time. It's getting more and more difficult to find them now. Occasionally a somewhat rare piece pops up on the Internet and it's gone within an hour. Of course, I'm talking about at a reasonable price.
This summer, I added another WW1 rifle in the collection, a Pattern 1914 Enfield made by Eddystone. What's different from the US M1917 are the volley sights, caliber, the size of the stripper clip guide, a cut out on the stock for the volley sight, and the US/UK markings. Basically they are the same rifle. I already talked about the M1917 earlier in "another forum", so I'm not going into its history agian. Many Pattern 1914 rifles went through re-arsenal post WW1 with the volley sights taken off, so this rifle is not a common one. However, I have no idea how that sights work. I'll need to do some research on this. It comes with a non-matching bolt which is a bummer. But if it's a matching rifle it would've been snatched up by someone else at a high price.
Judging from the serial number on the receiver it should be a late war production. The handling of the rifle is exactly like the US counterpart. Accuracy wise, I can't tell a difference. Luckily I have a front sight tool for the M1917 which of course fits perfectly on the P14. After 3 shots the P14 is zeroed in. It shoots consistent 1.5" groups at 50-yard.
Every time I bring the M1917 to the range I just can't stop shooting it. The rifle is so solid and accurate. It feels like a big boy that so far no other bolt action rifle would give me that solid and firm feeling. They both have a 2-stage trigger and an easy to aim peep sight arrangement. I would invite anyone who come to me and shoot either one if you see me with the M1917/P14 at the range.
The bayonets for both rifles are the same except the US/UK markings. I already have a Remington M1917 bayonet. But who knows, I may buy a P14 bayonet later on. It's just my addiction. I work 80 hours a week right now. Why not spend some hard earned money on something I love?
LL
This summer, I added another WW1 rifle in the collection, a Pattern 1914 Enfield made by Eddystone. What's different from the US M1917 are the volley sights, caliber, the size of the stripper clip guide, a cut out on the stock for the volley sight, and the US/UK markings. Basically they are the same rifle. I already talked about the M1917 earlier in "another forum", so I'm not going into its history agian. Many Pattern 1914 rifles went through re-arsenal post WW1 with the volley sights taken off, so this rifle is not a common one. However, I have no idea how that sights work. I'll need to do some research on this. It comes with a non-matching bolt which is a bummer. But if it's a matching rifle it would've been snatched up by someone else at a high price.
Judging from the serial number on the receiver it should be a late war production. The handling of the rifle is exactly like the US counterpart. Accuracy wise, I can't tell a difference. Luckily I have a front sight tool for the M1917 which of course fits perfectly on the P14. After 3 shots the P14 is zeroed in. It shoots consistent 1.5" groups at 50-yard.
Every time I bring the M1917 to the range I just can't stop shooting it. The rifle is so solid and accurate. It feels like a big boy that so far no other bolt action rifle would give me that solid and firm feeling. They both have a 2-stage trigger and an easy to aim peep sight arrangement. I would invite anyone who come to me and shoot either one if you see me with the M1917/P14 at the range.
The bayonets for both rifles are the same except the US/UK markings. I already have a Remington M1917 bayonet. But who knows, I may buy a P14 bayonet later on. It's just my addiction. I work 80 hours a week right now. Why not spend some hard earned money on something I love?
LL
Comment