What do I have M-17 or P-14 ?

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Casper

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Essex County, ON
I have a sporterized version. It says 30-06 nitro proof on the barrel, the top of the reciever has the BSA mark and it says made in england. The bolt and reciever numbers match and the bolt has a W. The safety and bolt release are marked E.

Also:

I have a no-go head space gauge and it slides right in, and close the bold without any resistance. Is this anything to worry about ?
I was told this is not a prob in this type of rifle ???
I was also told this rifle has been fired less than 100 rounds. The bore and rifling look good.

I'm wondering if it's worth it to sink a bit of money in, or not to bother.

Thanks for any help.
 
P14's were .303 and P17's were 30.06. Lots of P17's were shipped to Britain to be used in the home guard during the war and would have had red paint added to differentiate the calibre.

Any gun coming out of England, or most Europe for that matter, has to be proofed before leaving the country so it would have marks on it. A pic would help the real experts to give you more exact info.
 
Casper said:
I have a sporterized version. It says 30-06 nitro proof on the barrel, the top of the reciever has the BSA mark and it says made in england. The bolt and reciever numbers match and the bolt has a W. The safety and bolt release are marked E.

Also:

I have a no-go head space gauge and it slides right in, and close the bold without any resistance. Is this anything to worry about ?
I was told this is not a prob in this type of rifle ???
I was also told this rifle has been fired less than 100 rounds. The bore and rifling look good.

I'm wondering if it's worth it to sink a bit of money in, or not to bother.

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

99% sure it's a P17. They're nice enough rifles, action is strong as hell, but never really wildly valuable for some reason. Top dollar seems to be $250-$300 or so for a full wood version. Let that be your guide on how much to spend on it.
If it will swallow a 30-06 Field headspace gauge, that is not good. No Go is in between.
 
Correct terminology is 1917 for the 30-06 and Pattern 14 (P14) for the 303.
Sounds like some headspace problems. Quite often bolts get switched in these sporterized rifles....BSA were a mismatch of parts....you will see Eddystone , Remington and Winchester parts on these.
 
BSA made commercial sporters out of M1917's (and other surplus rifles as well). It will be a good solid hunting rig. If headspace is excessive, simply neck size your reloads or stick to factory ammo.
 
M1917's and P14's have very good bolt closing cams.It is possible to close the bolt on a no go gage even though the headspace is good.
Remove the barreled action from the stock and strip the bolt.This includes removing the extractor.Place the no go gage in the chamber and gently allow the bolt to close.Look at the area between the receiver and the underside of the bolt handle.If there is any clearance headspace is good.Let the handle come down to the closed position by its own weight.Any force applied will close the bolt even if headspace is correct.
 
The only bit "made in england" is the sporterizing. At aguess the safety is an Eddystone.
The bolt and reciever are most likely Winchester.
ALL P14's and M1917's were made on this side of the pond.
 
I have a 1917 (p17 or whatever) BSA does the same thing. Shoots extrememly well I was very surprised. If you reload you will really love this rifle as mine anyway loves almost anything I can load to. It likes IMR powders for some reason. Neck sizing is the best for optimum accuracy in a bolt action.
 
The way to be sure is to look at the extractor on the bolt. The claw on the P14 is about half the size of the reat of the extractor. On the M1917, the claw is the same size as the rest of the extractor.
 
Epps has a P-17 in "GOOD" condition, on sale for $499.00 with mismatched Winchester mfg. Also a P-14 in fair for $229.00. I have a P-17 in what I'd call very good which I bought 5yrs agon for $240.00. It shoots great groups for a guy with my eye sight.

Also have a buddy who hunts with one converted to 300 win mag. A little heavy for hunting in my opinion but he's a strong lad.
 
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