My US Model of 1917 Rifle – History, Variants, and Comparisons

Introduction – CMP Field Grade Find

I was lucky enough to get in on the last batch of bolt guns from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in early October 2011. After much heartache, my rifle showed up a couple of months later.

I didn’t make the 200‑some service grades and was “downgraded” to a field grade. Those couple of days between the card charge and delivery were stressful—but well worth it.

I received a great‑looking Eddystone with a July 1918 receiver, a Remington November 1918 barrel, and a WWI Eddystone stock.

Per the tag, the muzzle erosion was 0+, and the classic “bullet test” confirmed this.

History of the Model of 1917

The Model of 1917 (its proper name, by the way) has an interesting history. Originally, the British were developing the “Pattern 14” (P14) rifle to replace the SMLE. Lacking production capacity, they contracted Winchester, Remington, and Eddystone (Remington’s massive Delaware plant).

When the U.S. entered WWI in 1917, Springfield Armory couldn’t produce enough M1903 rifles to arm the rapidly growing Army. The P14 design was adapted to fire the .30‑06 Springfield cartridge, creating the Model of 1917.

Production Numbers

By the end of WWI, over 2.2 million M1917 rifles had been produced—roughly 75% of all rifles issued to U.S. troops in the war. They outnumbered the M1903 Springfield nearly 3 to 1.

Manufacturers and Markings

• Eddystone – Largest output (~1.35 million). Marked with an “E” on parts.
• Remington – Produced about 545,000. Marked “R.”
• Winchester – Smallest production (~465,000) and most sought after by collectors. Marked “W.”

Receivers are marked above the serial number with the manufacturer’s name, and barrels are typically stamped with maker initials and month/year of production.

Design Features

• Action: Modified Mauser 98 with a strong, enclosed receiver.
• Sights: Rear aperture sight on the receiver bridge for a longer sight radius than the M1903’s barrel‑mounted ladder sight.
• Magazine: 6‑round internal magazine—one more than the M1903.
• Weight: About 9 lbs 3 oz, heavier than the M1903, which helped reduce recoil but made it more burdensome in the field.

Model of 1917 vs Springfield 1903

Advantages of the M1917:

• Longer sight radius
• Stronger action
• Greater production numbers
• Higher magazine capacity

Drawbacks of the M1917:

• No windage adjustment on the rear sight
• Heavier
• Slightly more awkward bolt throw for rapid fire

Service After WWI

The M1917 continued in service quietly after the Armistice, appearing in WWII with U.S. rear‑echelon troops and being supplied to allies such as Britain and China. Many were rebuilt with WWII‑dated barrels and parkerized finishes.

Collector Notes

For collectors, condition, originality, and manufacturer are key factors in value. Winchesters typically command the highest prices, followed by Remingtons and then Eddystones. Watch for mismatched parts, import marks, and signs of re‑arsenal work.

Further Reading

For a deep dive, see C.S. Ferris, “United States Rifle, Model of 1917”—an excellent resource on production variations and markings.

Tags: Model of 1917, M1917 rifle, WWI American rifle, Eddystone Remington Winchester, CMP field grade