Review: Model 1917 Enfield

When someone is talking about a “World War II sniper rifle”, the Springfield M1903 30-06 usually comes to mind. That is true, the Springfield ’03 was a World War Two sniper rifle, but there is another one. The Model 1917 30-06 Enfield rifle.

 

Background

Three different gun makers manufactured the M1917 Enfield: Winchester, Remington, and Eddystone (Eddystone was a branch of Remington).

The Winchester and Remington models were identical in every way. Eddystone’s version was less reliable, though, because the barrel was two pieces welded together, instead of a single piece of steel. This made the rifle’s barrel more susceptible to cracks and breaks.

In World War I, the M1917 was issued to British troops as a standard infantry rifle, along-side the Enfield Mk. II rifle. Around twenty years later, World War II broke out, and the M1917’s were issued as sniper rifles after the soldiers realized how accurate they were. They were also issued to the artillery and rear-guard troops. Overall, 2,193,429 of these rifles were built. They saw service in the Korean War as sniper rifles as well. During the Vietnam War, they were still used, although much less frequently. Also, in more recent Middle East conflicts, rebels and insurgents have purchased these as surplus rifles to use in their battles. 

The Rifle

The M1917 is a heavy beast of a rifle, weighing in at 9 pounds, three ounces. It uses the Enfield-style bolt, which allows and easier operation, because of the easier-to-grip shape. It also incorporates a peep sight in the rear, and a three-pronged front sight, similar to the one used on the M1 Garand.

Found in different places on the rifle (such as the bolt, in front of the action, and next to the safety) is the flaming cannonball. It is also found on the Springfield 1903 rifle, the M1 Garand, and most other US Military rifles of the era.

The rifle itself uses the standard military (of that time) 30-06 cartridge. If the rifle is scoped, the rounds must be loaded one-by-one, due to the scope’s placement over the rifle’s receiver. Stripper clips can be used to assist loading, but only if the scope is not present. 

Shooting the M1917

The M1917 is a superb rifle. The Enfield bolt makes cycling the rifle easy and smooth. I started out by firing a few rounds from the bench at 100 yards, and got a great 4-inch pattern. After that, I attached a few CD’s to the top of my target, and I was punching one-inch wide holes in them at 50 yards. I didn’t miss once. Six shots, six holes, six dead CD’s.

 

Final Notes

While it’s a bit on the heavy side at nine pounds, the M1917 Enfield 30-06 rifle is an all-around great rifle. The hard-hitting cartridge makes it perfect for big game hunting as well, which is why I use one as my deer rifle, as does my dad (mine is a Winchester, his a Remington). My 93-year-old rifle was bought in the 1920s by my great grandfather, and it was passed down through the generations, making me the fourth person to own this rifle in our family. My dad bought his at Cabela’s in 2009 after giving me his Winchester. I strongly recommend picking up one of these rifles. You won’t regret it.

10/10