Rebuilding a P14.

[StrelokM38]

So, ended up inheriting a P14 enfield from my grandfather and have been putting together a list of parts to get it back to its former glory. It's got the usual damage of having the front sight hood wings filed down, cut down stock and the rear sight has been modified into a notch instead of a peep, both for the battle sight and ladder aperture.

Just curious whether P17 parts would work in their place. Primarily the front sight hood, stock bands and such. I figure the rear sight might be different for the graduations if anything.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[Potashminer]

Many M1917 parts will "fit" and work, but not "restoring" by any means. I have a number of P14 and M1917 on the go - by far your biggest challenge will be to find the correct stock and hand guards. Again, a stock from a M1917 and the hand guards from M1917 can be made to fit and made to work, but that is not "restoring" it.

You are sort of beat to start with - on P14, but not on M1917, the rear sight has the serial number - flip it up - should be facing forward, or down when laid down - should be four places with serial number - receiver, barrel, bolt and rear sight. Then, most, but not all P14 went through a re-design part way through WWI - left bolt lug was lengthened and the rear of the barrel had a partial circular groove cut for that longer lug. The receiver, bolt handle and extractor should have received an "asterisk" mark to show they had been altered and re-fitted.

I can not find as much detail information for P14 as there appears to be for M1917, except in discussions about how the M1917 was a development from the P14. Three makers only - "R" Remington, "W" Winchester, "E" - Eddystone. Well documented that many of the parts from the different makers will not work together - so a "W" follower definitely does not like to work correctly in an "E" magazine box. Some parts from M1917 are very much different and will not work on P14 - bolt stop, ejector, bolt stop spring, etc. - different shape or dimensions. Other parts, like sear and trigger appear to be identical except for the markings.

Well worth your while to find the book "Pattern 1914 and U.S. Model 1917 Rifles" by Charles Stratton - I bought mine on amazon within past few years.

 

[milsurpo]

The P-14 barreled action can be fit into an M1917 stock without much difficulty and even the lack of volley sights on the M1917 stock doesn't ruin the return to original general appearance. There was a British replacement stock used on some WW2 era rebuilds that similarly lacked the archaic volley sights. Not identical to the M1917 stock but no one at the range is likely going to notice the difference. If you go this route be very careful with the bedding and attempt to end up with a good bearing under the barrel reinforce then a free-floating barrel to near the muzzle at which point there should be a few pounds of up-pressure applied to the barrel. A good project!

milsurpo