M14 Forum

Swamp Rat · February 1st, 2012, 08:22 PM

I have in my sights a M1917 rifle, barrel dated 8-18 and is clean, sharp rifling, and looks good. Just one problem. Some jerk off sporterized it. I first saw it and passed it but today I gave it another look and to me it looks like it could be restored to its original military condition. Value goes out the window, I want this old warrior restored with honor, but I don't have any experience with 1917s. Here are the things I need to do:

1. The rear sight has been replaced with a Lyman rear sight contraption.

2. The receiver has been drilled and tapped (nothing I can do about that.

3. The stock is a handmade sporter, so it looks like all I would need is a stock, hand guard, and the associated metal stock bands.

And the front sight is a Lyman post.

Anything I may be missing?

dprice3844444 · February 1st, 2012, 08:35 PM

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/SearchResults.aspx used stocks etc

numrich,sarco, boyds stocks

check sarco for a parts breakdown sheet

dprice3844444 · February 1st, 2012, 08:36 PM

lot of them were converted like that after the war

SOCOM42 · February 1st, 2012, 08:36 PM

is the step still on the front of the trigger guard ?

most sporters have it cut and flushed out. has the barrel been cut?
bolt alterd?

if the barrel has been turned down just in front of the reciever the handguard retainer ring will not fit right

Swamp Rat · February 1st, 2012, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOCOM42

is the step still on the front of the trigger guard ?

most sporters have it cut and flushed out. has the barrel been cut?
bolt alterd?

if the barrel has been turned down just in front of the reciever the handguard retainer ring will not fit right

Step still?

The barrel is intact.

Swamp Rat · February 1st, 2012, 10:16 PM

Ugh, I just came to the sickening realization that the rear sight wings were ground off...

captain_bob_badfish · February 2nd, 2012, 01:47 AM

I'd pass on it and find one that hasn't been molested. Still plenty out there.

nf1e@snet.net · February 2nd, 2012, 03:19 AM

Pass on it as far as restoration goes. Keep your eyes open for one that hasn't been disembowled. If this one is cheap enough you could always get it , just to shoot as is until you find a real one.

SOCOM42 · February 2nd, 2012, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swamp Rat

Step still?

The front of the trigger guard where the front reciever screw goes has a step in it.

Often in sporter conversions the tab the screw goes in is cut and rewelded to make it flush. The mag box is then modified to fit.

This streamlines the bottom of the stock, eliminating the 17's characteristic step.

Cheapo or amature conversions usually eliminate the operation.

BigBuckeye · February 2nd, 2012, 05:35 AM

Pass...