Scored two American veterans today!

[ndnchf]

I got lucky today and picked up an all original remington US model 1917 with a mint bore, but with a few bumps and bruises. Also got a gorgeous Smith Corona 1903A3. All matching with mint bore. I'm mostly a BPCR shooter, so these modern rifles will be a change of pace for me.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

vary nice

[Frank46]

Over the years I've had and still do a Garand, 03A3 Springfield,and a 1911A1 Ithaca all made in 1943. Never realized it until one day I ran the serial numbers. Haven't done the M1 carbine yet though. Frank

[bob208]

were you at the gun auction near Gettysburg pa. ?

[Scharfschuetze]

I think that you'll really like shooting and loading for these old war horses. I prefer shooting them to any modern rifle. Their Ought-Six cartridge is very cast boolit friendly and good results are quickly had with it.

[ndnchf]

Bob208 - no, I bought these locally.

All - I'd be glad to hear about your cast boolit loads for these.

[Scharfschuetze]

All - I'd be glad to hear about your cast boolit loads for these.

For a light plinking or rabbit load, it's hard to beat the RCBS 30-115-RN boolit designed for the M1 Carbine. Over Unique powder for 1,400 fps its a great little load.

For heavier loads, I like the Lyman 311299 or 311332 designs over either 4759 or 4895 for 1,850 fps or so. These loads will shoot accurately out past 600 yards easy and are still easy on the bore.

In reality, the Ought-Six is very amenable to cast boolits of all persuasions and it's really very easy to get these old war horses shooting well if the stock's bedding, the barrel and the sights are all in good shape.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Congratulations! Very nice. Bet they didn't come cheap.

[ndnchf]

Thanks Sharf.
No they weren't cheap, but it was a good prices for such nice rifles.

[gnoahhh]

Ha ha, my cursor was positioned smack dab over the "o" in "scored" in the title of this thread when I clicked on Military Rifles. I thought it said "I scared a couple of veterans"!

[quail4jake]

Nice buy! You scored a WWI and WWII veteran, what respect you must have for our "Greatest Generation"! Kindest regards.

[TNsailorman]

The 1917 was used quite a bit in the Chinese Army during World War II. I have observed them being used in the early 30's fighting with the Japanese on the History Channel. Some of General Stillwell's chinese troops also carried them. I would like to see the figures on how many 1917's were used in actual combat versus the 1903. I bet the 1917 was used more but I have never seen any figures to prove or disprove this. I have owned at 4 of the 1917's and they were all excellent shooters, even one with a pitted bore. All were Eddystone's and the one with a pitted barrel had a 2 groove barrel from a re barrel in World War II, the barrel being made by Johnson Automatics. You made a great buy on those two. I envy you. james

[ndnchf]

Thanks guys. I've been researching the details on both rifles. The more I read, the more pleased I am. Everything appears to be correct and original. The bores on both are pristine. It's clear that the 1917 has been around the block a few times. It has its share of bumps and bruises. But it's in fine shape otherwise. If it could talk the stories it could tell! I didn't know about their use in China, very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[leadman]

The weight of my 1917 is greater than my 190a3s so the recoil even from surplus ammo is pretty light. My SC 1903a3 is a very accurate gun.
Looks like you will enjoy these 2, I would for sure.

[bullet maker 57]

Good score. They are good shooters. Enjoy.

[nagantguy]

What a fine pair indeed, my Remington 43 03a3 is my most use most shot rifle, with cast I don't ever have to worry bout ruining the perfect bore. It's fun and accurate.

[Shawlerbrook]

Congratulations on two fine American veterans. Sergeant York would be very proud !

[ndnchf]

I chomping at the bit to get out to the range. But there is a giant storm roaring up the east coast that's spoiling my plans! Hopefully I'll make it out Friday afternoon.

[jimofaz]

All six of my various old Remington war horses really seem to like the NOE 311331 cast from 11 BHN alloy and driven by 16 grs. of 2400. A .311" diameter size is the most common one for me, with preferential use of nose-first sizing in a STAR sizer. I use rifle primers, not large pistol like some in the CBA advocate. Military ignition systems can be a bit stouter than those found on 'modern' sporter or target rifles. Pierced primers are no fun at all. Jim

[Ken in Iowa]

I have had some quality range time with a Remington Model 1917 over the last few years.

My barrel is a bit rough. The throat is quite short and the best I can measure the 5 groove barrel has deep .05" grooves, about .310 diameter.

Have fun!

[ndnchf]

I took the two old vets to the range today and gave them some exercise. I tried PPU with 150gr bullets and Remington with 180gr. I only shot at 50 yards because I didn't know where it would be hitting. It turns out the 03A3 was only about 2" high and the 17 about 4" high. Bot rifles shot under 1.5" with either ammunition. I had several 3 shot groups under an inch. Not bad for a couple of war horses on their first trip to the range under my custody.

Just to give the opposing view, i also brought out a German M1888 Commission rifle in 8x57. The 03A3 and 17 have a little more authority, but all were a lot of fun to shoot. Its been a long time since I've shot this modern stuff, but I really enjoyed it and it was a nice change of pace my my BPCRs.

Time to order 30-06 dies and bullets!

[guicksylver]

Nice score for sure.
If the 1917 has the original barrel ,you will get best results with a .313 boolit.
Unless you are quite qualified measuring grouve diameter on a 5 grouve is next to ipossible.
But you can do the the math, those barrels were cut with a .30 bore and .055 grouves.
The math should add up to .311,with a normal .002 over you get .313 and they LOVE cast boolits.
No lead so you have to seat deep.
Good luck!

[ndnchf]

The 1917 does have the original barrel. I have not slugged it, but I will. Measuring 5 groove barrels can be a challenge without a 3-anvil mic, but there are several ways to do it. I'm looking forward to more time with these rifles. Thanks.

[shdwlkr]

Had a very accurate 03A3 a long time ago that I let go to get something else always wished I had kept it and a lot of other firearms also