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Repost of Model 17 question ?
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Csterling1966
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September 19, 2026 - 1:38 pm
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I’m not sure if I did something wrong when I first posted this question but when I try to view it , I don’ int see the question or pictures ? I’ll try again , curious why this rifle has no caliber stamp  , just says it’s a model 17 with a 24″ barrel ?

Screenshot_20260919-090155.Moto-App-Launcher-1.pngScreenshot_20260919-090129.Moto-App-Launcher-1.pngScreenshot_20260919-090015.Moto-App-Launcher-1.pngScreenshot_20260919-090003.Moto-App-Launcher-1.png

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Blue Ridge Parson
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September 19, 2026 - 3:21 pm
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It’s a sporterized (restocked) infantry rifle with the “ears” ground off of the receiver, a US Model of 1917. Since all the M-1917 rifles were chambered in 30 Government 1906, the army felt no need to mark that information on the rifle.

I took my very first deer a LONG TIME ago with just such a rifle.

BRP

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JWA
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September 19, 2026 - 3:27 pm
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The barrel contour looks like the original military barrel which started life as .30-06.  The caliber was not marked on the original 1917 barrels so maybe that is why it is advertised as unknown.  It could still be that original caliber but it also could have been reamed to .30-06 Ackley Improved (.30-06 AI) or even something more obscure such as .338-06 A-Square.  You will need the rifle in hand and likely a chamber cast to determine with certainty.

Best Regards,

 

WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire

http://rimfirepublications.com/  

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Blue Ridge Parson
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September 19, 2026 - 3:34 pm
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As memory serves me, the original barrel length on the US 1917 was 26 inches.  When these rifles were loosed upon the civilian market, reducing the weight was part and parcel of sporterizing them.  Toward that end, the barrels were often cut down. As JWA advises, it would be prudent to have a cast of the chamber made to see if it is still 30-06, or has been changed into something else.

BRP

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Csterling1966
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September 19, 2026 - 4:18 pm
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Thank you all for the info , I contemplated buying it at why I feel is a good price at $400 but not sure ???

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JWA
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September 19, 2026 - 5:00 pm
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That is not a great price, as BRP stated, there were a lot of 1917 rifles that were sporterized.  You can check Gunbroker and there are a least 2-3 listed on there everyday, usually for less $$.  Since they have been modified they do not retain any collector value and are simply shooting rifles.

Best Regards,

WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire

http://rimfirepublications.com/  

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Csterling1966
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September 19, 2026 - 5:10 pm
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JWA said
That is not a great price, as BRP stated, there were a lot of 1917 rifles that were sporterized.  You can check Gunbroker and there are a least 2-3 listed on there everyday, usually for less $$.  Since they have been modified they do not retain any collector value and are simply shooting rifles.
Best Regards,
  

Thanks for your input , I decided against it anyway where it’s out of state from a Bass Pro shop and not knowing for sure what it’s chambered in and oh yeah , I don’t think I have room in my safe for it …..now that you say that about the price , that helps me decide for certain that I’m not buying it !!!

Thanks , 

Chris 

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