I have a M 1917 that was given to me from my Uncle. It's been badly parkerized, or sporterized, and I've done a bad job of adding a few parts to it. I've fixed the Ejector Mechanism, but tried to add a rail, which failed really badly. I've replaced the stock and added a way better sling, but I need better mounting hardware for the sling, as it is held in with Para-cord straps. The wood stock is a old one I picked up from Ebay, and is much better than the old, musty one I got with the rifle. Now that I have some spending cash, I've got some Marlin Ghost Ring Sights and a Hi-Vis Orange front sight set. They work well, but I've had to remove the old, rusty front sight that was on there. After sanding the rust off, I've come to the conclusion that a muzzle brake would be a great thing to add to this rifle. The question is, which one do I use? They make a cheap, competition muzzle brake that only costs $25, but the one I really like is the PWS PCR. But for $100, I don't think I can swing that deal. But first things first, I have to modify the receiver. It's was already missing the original rear sights when I got it, so I have to grind the back off and round it to match the front of the receiver. I'm also planning to remove the moon clip ears on the rear, but that's going to take an milling machine to do it properly, instead of an electric 4" grinding wheel. So tell me, what would you do with this weird rifle I have.
If it's a family gun that has been used, I'd go all original. But that's just me. I have a collection of swords (including a cpl halberds) handed down, father to son, hanging on a wall over my grandpas solid wood desk with leather inlays. Marble letterstand and photos on the desk, these things kind of bring home the roots of my family as soldiers and craftsmen.
This is an example of a factory M 1917. See those rear sights? Those have been ground off long before I've had a hand in this rifle. This is an example of what I plan to do to the receiver. [img width=700 height=415]http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/504669/8705280/004a_eddystone_1917_06_shooters_35_rhrec.jpg_thumbnail1.jpg[/img] That, and remove the moon clip ears.
on the subject of family craftsmanship, My family's have been loggers and farmers. Both my Mother's and Father's family. Chainsaws, Axes, and the tools to keep them in working order are what have really been passed down for me. I love them, but I rarely use them, since Forestry has been in decline due to fire's, and over logging in area's in the lower 48. Canada is where most of America get's the lumber for any size project now. And it's cheap, due to a few trade's that we give to Canada instead of the States. Don't get me wrong, we use our Forest's for vacations and hunting, instead of a job, which has good and bad things about it. But in the end, I've got the tools and the knowledge on how to handle just about any situation in a forest here.
Here are my 2 considerations for a Muzzle Brake. and [img width=650 height=650]http://vtsupply.com/images/PWS_PRC_5824_L_2.jpg[/img] Both have good reviews, but the PWS is $100, while the Model 10 is only $25. Which would look better is important to me, but I know both work well. I'm not decided yet, so tell me something I don't know.
Alright, this is just butts Turns out, My M1917 has a very fine crack, that goes all the way to the inside of the receiver. This effectively halts my plans with the rifle, and nearly makes me want to cry. I spent about an hour polishing the receiver, getting it ready to remove, when I come across this crack. Not only am I very sad about this, but this was the only rifle given to me by my Uncle, who is still alive, but with cancer. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it now, but it’s just very depressing to me. I’ll have to find a new receiver and barrel, but with these 2 broken, it just makes me so sad to see a rifle that nearly lasted 100 years, only to be shut down by this tiny crack.
Sharp and pointy things, I like. It is hard to find a good sword though, good antique swords are expensive, especially one for combat and not decorative use.
What a shame. I have a 1922 springfiled that my dad was restoring, after someones hack job, before he passed away... I was helping him find an original stock for it, since his usual sources were coming up dry. I still haven't found a stock for it, but at least I can shoot it. The weapon is priceless to me as is the czech Mouser he restored for me. It's sad to see a weapon (piece of history) like yours go.
Tell me more about this Springfield...Does it need the Retaining Band at the front of the rifle? If not, you might get away with using a M1903 or M1917 stock. Mostly the M1903, as the M1922 is supposedly made to replicate the M1903. Either that, or you would have to get one custom made.
It has the retaining band, most of the issues I've had with the rifle have been fixed. I was able to find an original rear site for it the old one was MIA, and I've repaired som problems with the finish. My Dad pretty much had it done except for the stock. I'd like to keep it authentic. The original M1922 .22 caliber was manufactured as a training rifle I believe... Maybe I can get some pictures of it on here.
still, I spent about 20 minutes on the internet trying to find one, and I could only find the rifle's or other parts, but not the stock.
