Info wanted on BSA rifle

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Buckeroooo

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I have a BSA 30 06 that I'd like some info on. Age make etc.
It has a lot of little markings on it such as BV with a small crown over it, BP with a crown over it, EV with a crown over it, NP with a crown over it. Says nitro proof on the barrel, stamped Made in England back near the bolt release spring and has the BSA symbol stmped on top at the back of the reciver. Appreciate any info you could give me on this. Will try to post pictures with it.
 
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It may not even have been BSA who did the sporterizing....could it be a P-14 built by BSA and later sporterized and rebarreled? Looks like a well done Enfield sporter, regardless.
 
Kilo Charlie said:
It may not even have been BSA who did the sporterizing....could it be a P-14 built by BSA and later sporterized and rebarreled? Looks like a well done Enfield sporter, regardless.
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It may be but not many people went to the work of converting a P14 to 30-06 when there were so many M17s kicking around after the war. In any case I agree it is a classic old sporter that looks to have many years of service left in her. :cool:
 
I have the same one...it's most definitly an Enfield 1917 that was sporterized by BSA. I'll give you a big schpeel based on what I found out when I did my research.

Mine was originally manufactured by Remington, although BSA reworked them all. If you remove the bolt, there should be an E (Eddystone), a W (Winchester), or a R (Remington) inside there somewhere on the receiver...and elsewhere for that matter. The "MADE IN ENGLAND" is BSA being bold.

I gather that Remington based all of their following centerfire bolt rifles on this design.

They were all well made, although the Eddystone's had problems with cracked receivers. I've heard that it was because of a fault in tempering the metal. I've also heard that Eddystone was a branch of Remington and shared a lot of parts / machinery before getting stamped. Rumor also has it that the damage was the result of the barrel being screwed on too tight. Whatever the real cause was, take your pick...

BSA did a good job. They milled off the "wing" sights, tapped and attached scope mounts, shortened the barrel, new stock, and (I gather) checked the head space and replaced bolts accordingly...although the bolt could have been exchanged at any time...still best to check that out.

BSA worked more 1914's than 1917's, and they rebarreled a lot for 300 Win Mag.

Good solid gun. I gather that the only design weakness is its extractor. Always the first to go. Easy enough fix though...you can get a spring-actuated extractor from Numrich for something like 7$. Those replacements don't share the same weakness.

Anyhow, hope this helps...
 
Kilo Charlie said:
It may not even have been BSA who did the sporterizing....could it be a P-14 built by BSA and later sporterized and rebarreled? Looks like a well done Enfield sporter, regardless.
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BSA never built any P14s or M17s. They were all manufactured by Remington, Eddystone or Winchester. BSA sporterised a lot of them between and after the big wars. - dan
 
dan belisle said:
BSA never built any P14s or M17s. They were all manufactured by Remington, Eddystone or Winchester.
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Actually Vickers in the UK did build a small number of the Pattern 14 Enfields for the British government before production was turned over to American contractors. To say that these Vickers-built P14s are very collectible is an understatement and I shudder to think any of them may have been sporterized. ;)
 
It has an E stamped on the bolt catch release.

Just curious, but any ideas what its worth? I've seen a post for a BSA featherlight in excellent condition on huntingbc for $550.00.
 
Buckeroooo said:
It has an E stamped on the bolt catch release.

Just curious, but any ideas what its worth? I've seen a post for a BSA featherlight in excellent condition on huntingbc for $550.00.
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That featherweight is a totally different rifle and can't be compared to your Enfield sporter in any way.

Model 1917 Enfield and Pattern 14 Enfield sporters such as yours usually sell for between $200.00 and $400.00.
 
I have the same rifle except mine has the cut down military stock. This is what BSA had to say:
The Number H (ex serial # H6666) is a P17 Military Rifle Sporterized .30'06 Springfield Date of Production 1949 - 1953. The firearm was manufactured in England.

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