I posted this on the Medium rifles also.

I saw a 1917 rifle produced by Winchester yesterday. It seemed to have the original stock, but was missing the strap the goes over the barrel. It is drilled&tapped for scope mount. Action is smooth, but I didn't get to inspect the bore. I really didn't have time to give it a really good inspection or take down the serial numbers.

What do you think it is worth?

MThunter, What kind of rifle was it? Was it just a hunting rifle? Was it a Winchester made Mosin Nagant?

mike

It resembles the Mosin Nagant (30-06).

I am going to the store this afternoon to inspect it better, but if you had a potential value for the gun in both hunter (sporter) and miltary style so I can be armed when I do look. Condition seems to be fair to good.

MThunter, during WW1 M1917's were built by Remington, Eddystone, Winchester. Winchesters are generally regarded as the more desireable amongst collectors of such things. BUT, they must be in original, unaltered condition to command collector prices. Generally speaking, good unaltered 1917's run $450 - $750, depending on bore condition, how matching they are, etc. If the bore and finish is bad, prices run $300-400, (if the rifle is still in military configuration).

The rifle you describe has been altered and the value has been reduced. 30-40 years ago these type of rifles could be bought real cheap ($50) and making them into low-cost hunting rifles was vogue. A few were made into high priced, custom sporters worth a lot of money depending on who did the work. But most were simply made into so-so hunting rifles to be used once or twice a year.

You can walk into most gunshops that deal in used guns and find such "Bubba" rifles for $125-$250. A drilled/tapped 1917 with a cut up military stock as I think you are describing is most likely in the $125-250 category.

I responded on the Medium Bore page..

But are you referring to a 1917 Enfield or a Moisant Nagant?

I'd go with the Enfield hands down.. the M/Nagant has always looked like a piece of crap to me...and I wouldn't want one converted into the 06...

After looking at many internet site for pieces in original shape and looking at the gun a little closer. The gun is a Winchester 1917 in 30-06 (according the the stamping and symbols) with Serial 144XXX. It looks like the barrel and receiver look to be matching. It is drilled and tapped. The stock is not original and it is missing the peep "ears" and the peep sight is an after market. The bore looks clean. They wouldn't let me remove the trigger lock to inspect deeper. So that does mean it has been "Bubba'd". The Price tag is $200, but this weekend I might try to work them down 50 bucks.

They wouldn't let you remove the trigger lock to inspect the bore?? how assinine.. What would it take? have a police officer hold a cocked pistol to your head while you "inspect the bore"??? Where in the hell do you live? Guess I'm used to living in a free state.. Rant over....dunno... feel it comeing back.. better quit before I get banned... Les

If you are looking for a collectable piece, that one isn't as it has been altered too much from its original state. It might be OK for a shooter. You can inspect the bore by just opening the bolt and inserting a bore light. If they won't let you work the trigger I wouldn't buy it as whoever did the modifications to the gun (Bubba) he may have messed up the trigger rendering the gun unsafe.

You can buy a Timney aftermarket trigger fo about $100 or less, if the trigger is the original(real long 2 stage pull). The 1917s are usually pretty accurate, but uglier than 03 or M98 sporters. Mine was my first gunsmithing project at 15 yrs old-20 hacksaw blades later, and a bishop stock, I had a deer rifle that shot 1 1/2" groups at 100 yds. Cost my uncle $5 from the DCM(now the CMP) in 1955.