Perhaps, "make it into something it was never intended?" was a bit harsh. It is really getting difficult to even find originals in shootable condition that have NOT been 'sporterised' in some way.
We have "Service Rifle" competitions here where everyone raves about the Swedish Mausers as being the top choice, however the M17 30.06 reigns supreme on our home range having won the annual club championship 20 times out of the last 26 years!
Lately a friend is starting to carve up the scores with a Springfield 03A3 in 30.06 having a new in the grease barrel imported from the USA fitted.
Does anyone shoot similar matches in USA with 'as issued sights and untuned triggers on an as issued rifle'. (Here in Aussie land the Feds don't trust us to shoot with ar15's or M14's, so it's bolt action only!)

Just as an addendum BAW, my L1A1 is Austaralian issue. I like using it for matches too. - Dan

We have service rifle matches, which include anyone's service rifle. You'll see 1903's, M17's, P14's, Enfields in all thier configurations, wedes, Mausers, Moisin-Nagants, FN's, Ar15's etc - It's alot of fun. - Dan

Bad A:

My 1917 Enfield, Winchester with the 1918 barrel on it, will put a lot of varmint rifles to shame!

Truly I feel fortunate to have such a fine historical and well made rifle.

People do cut them up in the past because they were plentiful and also built like a 53 Buick, big and heavy and tough! and they worked!

cheers and good shooting
seafire

i have a 1917 quite frankly let who ever cut them up at will cause it just makes mine worth more. For me i don't like the cock on close, but i guess that could be changed, as for accurate military rifles I don't think there is another rifle that will shoot milsurp ammo as well as a swiss k31. As for triggers I will say my 1917 has an excellant trigger right up there with my k31

Hey, our army works the same way. I think these guys have been reading the same books. Kind of a shame, really. - Dan