Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 1917 and 1903

I've seen so many m1917's butchered by bubba smiths. You used to see them all the time on used gun racks. I always looked at them because that is what I grew up with. Of course, they are on the heavy side. You will never turn one in to a "featherweight" rifle. One of the nicest ones I've seen was an original Weatherby. He used to use mausers and the like for his first builds. Anyway, that was the sweetest m1917 I've ever handled. Another one I really like, because they are done right at the factory, is the BSA model D and E. I've had both and they are outstanding. Their machine work is second to none for back in the day. They used excellent barrels, that somewhat mimic the old pre 64 model 70. Here's a Model D and it was a sub moa shooter:

That rifle was ever bit as slick as a pre 64 model 70 and shot just as well, if not better.. One of my other favorite m1917 rifles has also been sporterized, and wears a left hand stock. I pack it around more than most of my others, until my arms get tired, then it's a switch to my Tikka's..:

I can go on and on about the M1917, as that is what I started out with and that is something I'll always hang on to. My BSA model E is a sweet rifle, but I had it rechambered to 308 Norma:


The smith that did the rechamber for me said since I didn't leave the scope on, he had to test accuracy with the iron sights. He said he was pretty happy with it after shooting a 3 shot 3/4" group at 75 yards. I'm also very happy with the cartridge and rifle, a sweet combo:


Almost a perfect union, but don't expect any m1917 to be "svelte"..




Now, that is cool. szihn, keep an eye out for a good BSA. They did them right...