US Enfield P14 Reciever Markings Question
Hello, I am being offered a US Enfield P14 Sporter. Most of these rifles that I have seen over the years are clearly marked "Eddystone" or "Remington". This particular one has only serial numbers and a cartouch which is best described as a "bomb". The serial number is 210XXX. Might anyone out there know who made the action in this rifle? Please respond here or at eghunt@earthlink.net
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That's the US Ordinance acceptance stamp, but I would expect to see it on the barrel, not the receiver.
Winchester also made the US M1917, but they, along with Remington & Eddystone, marked their receivers. Is the serial # faint? The other markings could have been removed when Bubba buffed it before refinishing. Or, it could be a British receiver on a parts gun.
When you say you were "offered" it, I hope that you meant "for free"; if so, I'd have it checked out by a gunsmith before firing. If someone wants MONEY for it, I'd walk away.
Neal0 -
You DID say that it is a P14. That would make it one those made for England. I have 3 such "as-issued" rifles, none of which display the maker's name on the receiver as do the 1917 model. Your description of the cartouche is a little vague--not in that it resembles a bomb, but as to its location; is it on the receiver or on the stock? What cartridge is it chambered for? If .303 British, that pretty well answers the question as to what it is. Personally, I think that both versions are excellent rifles, very strong; and in fact, the 1917 was very popular for early magnum conversions. Perhaps a little more information will help us help you. 0 -
I won't actually be able to view the rifle until this Sat. It has been sporterized to a 300win mag. I am not sure as to the location of the cartouche or what the original caliber was. Unfortunetly I am getting the impression that orther marking may have been removed when the action was converted for scope mounting. Thanks for the imput, if I still have questions after seeing it I will get back to the forum. 0 -
only the p-17 rifles were marked with 'winchester, renington or eddystone'. the p-14's were marked 'w, r, re,' before the serieal # like w12345 or re34567 ect. 0 -
ern98--
To send you off better armed to make a decision: Usually the term "cartouche" is used in connection with a stock marking which can be a maker's (arsenal) mark or an inspector's initials or symbol. If the rifle in question has a flaming bomb marking it will probably be found on the left side of the receiver between the receiver ring and ejector/bolt stop box. This would almost certainly establish it as having originally been a 1917 model. It is unlikely, but not totally impossible, that a P-14 would be converted to .300 Mag. because of changes that would be necessary to the bolt face; the 1917 being a much better candidate for the conversion. If the rifle is a 1917, and everything else about if meets your approval, it is worth your consideration. Ask to see a round or two of fired brass if possible, and inspect it carefully around the rim and belt for signs of bulging or splitting. Good luck.0 -
I beg to differ with dergebergsjager about the conversion of a p-14/17 to a magnum cal. the p-14 is the best action for a magnum conversion as the bolt face is just right and the firing pin has a smaller dia. tip. you do have to do some feed rail work and a new magazine box but the p-17 requires this also. It's also best to install a coil spring ejector in either action. 0 -
I do not do personal E-mails. The action in question is probably a
U.S. M-17 and numbers/makers were washed. The Ordance bomb stamped on the left receiver rail in firing position. I will not go into many details but: I would be concerned about any conversion. The P-14
and the U.S. M-17 Endfield actions are strong. Question would be:
Whom did the sporterizing? When the protective rear sight "ears" are removed, were they milled off under a controlled atmosphere or simply ground off. Extremely important as Metallurgy is concerned. I personally would not want the arm under any situations. P=Pattern/English-never a Pattern for U.S. M-17 Endfields. Cartouche
is a "stock mark". The "bomb" is located upon the left receiver rail and just lower on the receiver. Neal is almost correct-the receiver and barrel originally had the "flaming bomb"- not just the barrel.
Very strong actions that I would shy away from when alterted. 1010 -
You guys really ought to read these posts more carefully before replying. 0
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