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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Sporterized M 1917 Help Please


mike68

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I am new here and I apologize if this is not in the appropriate place. Moderators, please feel free to move it if necessary.

 

I purchased this sporterized Eddystone M 1917 from my favorite pawnshop not long and can't find out much information about it. I belong to several other milsurp forums and while they have been helpful in increasing my knowledge about the M 1917, they haven't been able to answer some of my questions.

 

I bought this gun because I like milsurp rifles and this one seemed to have been sporterized by someone who knew what they were doing. The thing that baffled me was that the scope bases are in front of the receiver and I have never seen this type of mount before. In addition, they are not as wide as modern bases. A few members on the other forums, after looking at my pictures, commented that it might have been modified during WW II to be a sniper rifle. However, after much research and lack of any official information, I don't think that it was. It is, however, all original (with the correct markings) except for the stock work.

 

Anyway, when I showed a very good friend of mine my new rifle, he said that the scope bases are for a target scope and back in the 40's-60's they had that type of base on it. He then proceeded bring out a long metal case and gave it too me. Inside, was a vintage Lyman 20x Super Target Spot scope with rings and all and it mounts perfectly to my bases! He gave it too me and said, "pay me when you can". I affectionately call him my "surrogate" father (long story).

 

Can anyone identify these scope bases or possibly the company's or individuals that sporterized these old rifles? I think it may have been used for target shooting but I don't really know. Finally, sorry about the pictures, I am "electronically challenged"

 

Mike

 

http://s467.photobucket.com/home/nazfamily1/index

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Bases look to be either Lyman or Unertl not sure which. I think they were interchangable.

 

Pacrat---Thanks for the response sir, I appreciate it! I surmised that too since the Lyman scope fits them perfectly.

 

What really impressed me, is how well done the stock is. It appears to be the original stock (it has a small e toward the top and a large J towards the receiver stamped on it), but a piece was added on the buttstock. Maybe to make it higher for use of a scope?

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