[parkerswede]

I came across a Pattern 14 rifle this weekend. Marked "ERA" on receiver. Serial number was 15014 or 15018 I think. Barrel was marke "E" and dated "5-18". Stock had a volley sight missing the pointer on the right side. All markings on the rifle looked to be British - there weren't that many. Couldn't see that the bolt was numbered. The guy was pretty sure it was chambered for 30-06, but I don't think so. What do you guys think?

Best

dj

 

[xroads]

p14 was chambered in .303. check the bolt and see if it has the correct sized bolt face and extractor for the rimmed .303. also check the magazine box as they are different from the model 1917. usually the barrels on the p14 were not dated so it may be some sort of convesion.

 

[72 usmc]

see

Update to South America - Milsurp Knowledge Library

Is the bolt marked with a flaming bomb? british arrow or marks on the receiver? Photos?

Gert a copy of
United States Rifle Model of 1917 Paperback – 2004
by C.S. Ferris

 

[ITWORKEDOUT]

14 was in .303 and 17 in 30/06

Main differences are bolt face, magazine box, and on Commonwealth guns usually numbered under bolt handle with rifle serial.....

 

[JB White]

P14 also has a smaller action opening. The M1917 takes the longer cartridge.
Reason for the shorter length of the “ears” and shorter rear sight ladder among other things.

The M1917 is a redesign rather than a simple rechambering.
Much more to check aside from it being an M1917 cobbled into a P14 stock.

 

[Sapper740]

If it has "U.S. Model of 1917" on the receiver ring it's a P17. If it doesn't, it's a P14. The question you're asking is "is it possible this is a rechambered P14"? The answer is highly unlikely but do the checks previous comments have suggested.

 

[john.k]

If marked ERA its a P14........its not impossible it was rechambered to 30/06 to sell .........barrel market 5-18 will be a M17 barrel in 30/06

 

[JB White]

Easiest way to tell is to see if it will swallow a 30-06 cartridge without effort. That should be the first step before checking further.

308 and 30-06 will stop very short when dropped into a 303.


Should mention: ERA vs Eddystone will be marked on the receiver ring and not the barrel.
Commonly found M17 replacement barrels will have markings (such as JA) stamped forward towards the muzzle.

 

[john.k]

Seems like its a P14 with a M17 barrel.......some difference in the design of the breeching which must have been resolved by alteration or swapping of bolts........and the strong possibility rounds will not feed from the magazine........just another thing for the collector to beware of when seeking an original P14.