BSA-1917
- Thread starter BassAckwards
- Start date
For sure. I've noticed that. Had one that came with scope mounted and when I removed scope and rings a 6 inch steel scale hit hard on rear base when laid flat on the front base. Had to cut the rear base down with a big ball nose endmill until they were flush with each other.
Those D and E grade sporters are pretty close to the Remington 720.
I have a lower grade P'14 based BSA sporter, still in a modified service stock. It scoped just fine with Weaver bases intended for the M700 (#35 $).
It has the BSA "Pilarm" trademark.
The basic BSA sporters often sell for about the same money as a sported Enfield converted on bubba's kitchen table. The hard work is already done on the receiver. The action is an excellent start for someone wanting to make up an Enfield based sporting rifle.
I have a lower grade P'14 based BSA sporter, still in a modified service stock. It scoped just fine with Weaver bases intended for the M700 (#35 $).
It has the BSA "Pilarm" trademark.
The basic BSA sporters often sell for about the same money as a sported Enfield converted on bubba's kitchen table. The hard work is already done on the receiver. The action is an excellent start for someone wanting to make up an Enfield based sporting rifle.
Last edited:
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I could not find where Model letter was stamped, so I would say it was not stamped - BSA logo, yes, but I could not find Model letter stamp - I had to look at advertisements to figure out what it was. Original P14 and Model of 1917 rifles were made by Winchester, Remington and Eddystone, which was a wholly owned subsidiary of Remington - so, "ERA" was probably for "Eddystone Remington Arms". Prior to Remington's purchase, the Eddystone factory apparently made railway locomotives.
On youtube, there is a video of M1917 production. Quite interesting. Can't imagine how many industrial accidents there were...
It is my understanding that Eddystone made some 1000 rifles a day.
Incidentally, if debarreling a P'14 or M1917, be careful. Barrels tend to be in tight, and it is possible to crack the receiver. If a barrel has to come out, and is resisting, cutting a relief groove just in front of the receiver ring will really help. Also, check the bottom of the receiver ring, just in front of the forward receiver screw position - occasionally a crack may be found. The story is that this is more often found on Eddystones.
It is my understanding that Eddystone made some 1000 rifles a day.
Incidentally, if debarreling a P'14 or M1917, be careful. Barrels tend to be in tight, and it is possible to crack the receiver. If a barrel has to come out, and is resisting, cutting a relief groove just in front of the receiver ring will really help. Also, check the bottom of the receiver ring, just in front of the forward receiver screw position - occasionally a crack may be found. The story is that this is more often found on Eddystones.
I spun off the old barrel for RKS to rebate for my .458 project. I did the groove thing, it came off easy, but the barrel was to be tossed anyways. I believe I heard they over tightened them a bit in the factory that was the cause of the cracked receivers.
When I get my scope back from warranty one day I’ll get the mounts built and resume the build.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
SOP back in the day of "many bubba's", we routinely cut the front lug off, ground the dog-leg off and welded back together, file or mill the over-weld off, cold blue ...and proudly use.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
"straightened floor plate" - I had read they used to be able to be purchased - I could not find one to buy, so I made one.
I made a "jig" out of fairly heavy angle iron - drilled it to hold the floor plate - used a hack saw to cut off the "goose neck" front tab. Then re-bolted it to that jig and MIG welded it together again - I am not a welder - my "best" weld attached the floor plate to the jig. I ended up to use it on my "wannabe" Remington M 30 rifle in 30-06 - I had acquired an original barrel (made circa 1926 as per the Remington stamps on it) and a stock that looked appropriate for that era and model of rifle - I used a BSA "sporter" conversion action and my home made straightened floor plate.
I made a "jig" out of fairly heavy angle iron - drilled it to hold the floor plate - used a hack saw to cut off the "goose neck" front tab. Then re-bolted it to that jig and MIG welded it together again - I am not a welder - my "best" weld attached the floor plate to the jig. I ended up to use it on my "wannabe" Remington M 30 rifle in 30-06 - I had acquired an original barrel (made circa 1926 as per the Remington stamps on it) and a stock that looked appropriate for that era and model of rifle - I used a BSA "sporter" conversion action and my home made straightened floor plate.
LMAO I am no welder, need for some handy dude to make one.
Here's a couple of pics of P14/M17 modified rifles, and the Rem 30 Express and 720, the epitome of their work on the design. The last pic is a Burgess modified M17. He and Darcy Echols both worked on this rifle. Tom was a grand old gent, sadly passed on now, who was a pleasure to correspond with. - dan
