Information Please on winchester model 1917

perry shooter

hello I just picked up a Winchester built model 1917militsry rifle
in very nice clean condition it has a flip up Latter type sight with markings 1-12for elevation and the letter e next to the small screw this rifle also has rectangle with the letters O.G.E.K.that I take to be an inspector mark is this correct?[?] who was OGEK
also has flaming bomb on left side of receiver what can you guys tell me about these rifles serial 213519
Thanks Karl

edit thanks guys all metal parts of receiver ETC is black not HIGH gloss but polished there is the letter P inside a circle on stock bottom just aft of the trigger guard found another E on rear sling metal in 2 places also on butt plate but sad to say I see a mark of an eagle's head like on some proof marks on Springfield built 1911 pistols on this rifles Magazine floor base near the front screw so I guess it is not all matching parts also has flaming bomb in back of a W and date of 3 18 on barrel front sight has 14 on one side of the blade & 046on the other side of the blade sling has the letter H and 3or4 other letters I can't make out maybe H&R1918 will have to wait until I can look with sun light

Ricci Wright

Elmer Kieth.

Ricci Wright

OG is Ogden, Ut if I remember correctly.

rufe-snow

Elmer Keith inspected rifles, at the Ogden Ordinance depot during W W II. That is his mark.

Good find, it was made in 1918. Although over 1/2 million were made. Most were shipped to England during WW II. And/or given to other countries. An original Winchester 1917, has become very uncommon.

nmyers

Not sure how they finished these, but most parts should have a smooth black finish, if original. Parkerizing had not been invented yet. Stock should have an eagle head over a 2 digit number on the bottom of the pistol grip. Many small parts will be stamped W; (E is for Eddystone, R is for Ilion, NY).

I recommend that you NOT disassemble the bolt; the only takedown instructions I have found cannot be relied upon. A smooth bore would likely bring a great premium, as corrosive ammo was all that was available at the time.

Neal

MIKE WISKEY

THERE SHOULD BE A DATE JUST IN BACK OF THE FRONT SIGHT ASSY., THIS WILL TELL YOU IF THE BARREL IS ORIGINAL OR IF HAD BEEN REBUILT FOR WW2.

charliemeyer007

Post some pic's, I haven't seen a "slug" in years. Check the headspace if you plan on shooting it much.

Don McManus

Waited until those in the know responded so as to not waste one of your 10, perry shooter.

I've got a few Remmington/Eddystones and a couple of the Winchesters.

Trivia - It is the rifle Sergeant York was issued and the one Kevin Harris used to good effect at Ruby Ridge.

I personally like the rifle better than the 1903, mainly because of the feel of the cock-on-closing bolt. I've always thought of it fondly as the buzzard offspring of the SMLE and the 1903, and have spent many enjoyable hours with them. You may want to keep an eye out for a Winchester bayonet, as these can be hard to find.

perry shooter

Thanks again guys I never knew these had so many positive opinions I think it is a keeper in the condition it is in [:)]