P14 questions.

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glamabilly

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I have a Enfield P14, I got it maybe 25 years ago, used it for deer hunting one year, and put it away in the safe. Anyway, it has had the stock cut down and "ears" on the front site removed at one point. It looks like it still has the origional barrel, all serial the numbers match, it has a W in front of the serial number, and a W stamped on most other parts as well, that makes me think it was manufactured by Winchester. I noticed that there is no notches cut into the reciver for the stripper clip, the startings of it are there, but they are not cut all the way down. Was that a normal thing? I also would like to know the year of manufacture, but I dont see a date anywhere. there is a '17 stamped into the barrel, and the serial number is W240690, but no other numbers other than .303 on it. What is left of the stock has no marking on it.
I was thinking of restoring the rifle, it might be hard or expensive as a new stock, hand guards, barrel bands and a front sight will be needed. I was also thinking of going the other way and trying to make a new stock for it. I don't plan on changing or cutting anything off the rifle, except maybe getting a new front site with the ears still on it. If it was made in 1914, it deserves to be taken out and used again, such an important rifle should not be living out it's days in a safe never to see the range again.
Can anyone help with a bit of info on this rifle?
 
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The receiver has been ground down or milled. The ears for the sight are not there, and the stripper clip guides have metal ground from the top of them. It really is not worth restoring because of the basic damage to the receiver. On the good side, it should perform well as a hunting rifle.
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Is it only the front sight's ears? Do you have a complete rear sight? You might be able to do something with that. Maybe post a pic or two?
Finding a complete stock n' metal is no fun.

I've owned both p14 n' '17 sporters, and they are nice to shoot, and cycle smoothly. As suggested; With a bore, they can fill freezers no matter what they look like outside!
 
The reciever is fine, the rear sight is complete as well, the only thing missing was the two ears or blades on either side of the front site. I just orderd a scope mount for it that bolts to the origional holes in the receiver, I don't want to change the rifle in anyway, I always want the option to have it back to original. Other than the wood stock parts, and the missing bit on the front sight, it is in near mint condition, no pitting, one small bit of rust on the sheet metal the magazine is made from, but you only see that if you take apart the rifle.
It's good to know the date, thanks John.

camster said:
Is it only the front sight's ears? Do you have a complete rear sight? You might be able to do something with that. Maybe post a pic or two?
Finding a complete stock n' metal is no fun.

I've owned both p14 n' '17 sporters, and they are nice to shoot, and cycle smoothly. As suggested; With a bore, they can fill freezers no matter what they look like outside!
Click to expand...
 
Front sight protector (I'm pretty certain it's one piece that wraps under barrel) shouldn't make you crazy trying to find. A complete stock n' metal might.

I traded my p14 a couple of years ago, but it was exactly the same as you describe (cut stock, and missing front protector). I'm sure I sourced the front sight protector (will go through my hoarder piles). I only made halfhearted attempt at finding a stock, but recall it being a chore. At that time there were already a few WTB ads in the EE for stocks.

Patience, and deep pockets could get yours' back into shape. In the meantime, fill freezers with it. Critters tend not to fuss whether it was a complete 'surp, or sported that bagged them.
 
Yes, all of the numbers match, It would be a nice rifle for a collection if all put back together. I guess I might hold off on the sight, maybe a work in progress. If the rifle was made in 1917, then I do have a few more years to get it in tip top shape for it's anniversary. Next I need to find some cheap ammo for it. more than one $ per shot is kind of steep.
 
You can buy most of the metal bits that you need and both handguards at Liberty Tree Collectors. They don't have the crazy shipping cost that Numrich does.

h ttps://www.libertytreecollectors.com/productcart/pc/viewcategories.asp?idCategory=80

Although, you can get all of that (except the new walnut rear handguard) and the front sight ears at Numrich. Make sure you have a look at all of your firearms and see if you need anything for any of them before you place your order with them. That way, you get a lot and only pay for the shipping once. They have parts for practically everything and lots of accessories too!

ht tp://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/EnfieldAlsoSeeSMLE-33222/Rifles-36101/1914-38708.htm?results=All

Boyd's now also makes replacement stocks for the M1917 which is the American Cousin in .30-06. I would give them a call and see how it would fit a P14 action. I know a lot of guys buy used M17 stocks and put them on P14's.

ht tp://www.boydsgunstocks.com/product.htm?pid=46139&cat=1227#

These are awesome rifles and you should try and restore a Winchester as they were the smallest run out of the 3 manufacturer's.

Remove the spaces in the http for the website addresses.

Cheers,

Ian
 
Hi glamabilly. I have a spare 1917 Enfield complete front sight assembly that I'm sure is identical to a P14 front sight. You can have it for the cost of shipping the item. It consists of the sight protector (ears), blade and locking pin. Give me a PM for further details.
 
I have two Winchester P-14s, numbers 305 and 201401. Number 305 is awaiting a full restoration, 201401 has been ruined and scoped. It is ugly as sin but so accurate that it scares even me.

BTW, M-1917 woodwork used to rebuild P-14s was sanctioned officially in War 2 by the Canadian Army. We had a whack of P-14s that needed work and there were a huge number of 1918 overrun stocks in the US. It was a minor job to swap the metal over, so it was done.
 
Wow, #305!! That will for sure be a collectors item at one point when it's done. I looked up Boyd's, I have used there stocks before on other projects. I was happy with a 10/22 rifle stick I got from them. Do you know what has to be done to the inlet in a 1917 stock? I'm guessing just a little work around the magazine? Do the barrels have the same contour? I've got a full garage of wood working tools, do I'm not strafe of a little custome work if need be.
 
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