M1917 thoughts, feedback?

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coolhandluke

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A M1917 has long been on my short list of rifles that I've wanted to add to my collection. Lately I've been kicking around the idea of swapping my last two Finns ('42 VKT M39 and '29 Izhevsk Winter War capture) for a nice Remington (if I can locate one). Unfortunately several years back, I let a nice lend lease slip through my fingers over at OAS and I've regretted it ever since.

Anyone have any feedback on these rifles? I know that there are fairly common issues regarding cracked receivers, but I think that this was an issue isolated to Eddystone rifles. Anything else to keep an eye out for? Would this be an ill advised trade? The M39 is my best shooter so I'm a little hesitant to part with it.

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Perplexed

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I know little about the M1917, but I do think you should keep that M39 you say is your best shooter. Trade something else, or scrape together the funds.
 

KurtM

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Well, the 1917 is much easier to be found in original condition, as it was never a big return to ordnance to be refurbished rifle. There was a small batch from Eddystone that did indeed crack, but the number was very small and is blown way out of proportion by Urban legend. If it is still around in shooting condition, chances are almost 100% it's a good one. They are great rifles and in most cases very accurate.....and HEAVY. The action is one of the strongest bolt types ever and many were turned into dangerous game rifles by Howe and a few others in Big cartridges like 416 Rigby, 404 Jeffries etc. I'm not sure about the trade deal as what you have shoots good! And most 1917 collector types go for American stuff, but if you really want one they are great rifles. It is after all what Sgt. York used!!!
 

coolhandluke

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Thanks Todd and Kurt.

I've thinned out my collection to the point that the two Finns are the only non-USGI surplus rifles that I have left. The M39 is one of the nicer examples that I've came across which is why I've held onto it. I've been on the fence about what to do with a few items in my collection and wasn't quite sure if swapping for a 1917 might be the right or wrong move. In all honesty, I've stopped going to gun shows so I haven't encountered an example worth picking up in several years. Nearly all that I run across at shops and on Armslist have unfortunately been given the sporter treatment.
 
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zipty6

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Some of the sporterized ones haven't had the metal butchered. Finding the parts to restore such rifle isn't particularly difficult or expensive.

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kirk1978

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I like the 2 I have, one a Remington the other a Winchester. I need to look around and find an Eddystone I guess.
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