Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only 1917 to 9.3x62 ?

Cascade, with the family history, if it were mine, I would level this heirloom as is and continue enjoying it. All of that said, upgrading to a big bore could start a new era and add another heirloom rifle to the collection. The 9.2 x 62 is never a mistake and has a proven history, but so do the the 375's which offer a much wider variety of bullets and loadings.

Well Cascade... Have to give you... More than steel & plastic. It's not just a functional rifle - never challenged. But also, I do like the aesthetics. Maybe "modern functional-handsome". "Clean lines." You've made a nice job of converting. Also, as others, truly seeing a family-connect heirloom. The objective positive aesthetics and the subjective dad-son history... A rifle of special meaning. I still don't know what your costs to be and doubt it could compete well in the marketplace, but you have a powerful combo argument for the "warm & fuzzy" side of ownership picture. I'm also with some 'warm fuzzy' connects of my own; very special rifles. Central a pure collector given to me by my dad as I was fourteen. Of course it's an Austrian Wänzl 14x33mm Rimfire. Don't bother trying Walmart for ammo! Quarter century since my dad's death, but still a 'connect' with the Wänzl!
Thanks for the photos, family ones especially! Go for the conversion in terms of attachment/memories dollars substitute or replace.
Best & Keep Safe!
John

I suspect it will remain a 30-06.

I've been shooting it since I was 14, which was 50 years ago. Dad shot it before me. My youngest son started hunting with it ten or eleven years ago.

I've only entertained thoughts of converting it to something larger for about 40 years. Ha! Those thoughts have never become action. It's a dandy 30-06, and will probably remain one.

I still have the walnut stock Dad had on it back in the 1950's. Just doesn't fit me well.

Regards, Guy

It is a cool old rifle either way you go.

Having had and hunted both, i'd take the m1917 hands down... Especially when it is sporterized right. No comparison... It also sounds like the OP has a sentimental attachment to his 1917...

Just a big thanks to all who've made this interesting Thread possible, beginning with Cascade! Interesting guns, 'family side', human interest story! The "P17" - ok know slang nomenclature! But indulge an old man ! Below has been one of my favorite rifles. I have more than a few of them in 'civvies' as marketed under the Remington Model 30; here adding "Express" label and those are quite nicely done too.
Ironically, very, very rare to hear much about the Model 30 line. Quite fine rifles, yet 'bones' of their military origin. If you can find a nice late used 30, about all the "sporterization work you could wish as factory accomplished. Maybe only scope mounting detail!
Below a thirties era Rem 30, pretty much in original factory-upscale dress, excepting rear sight base. '06 chambering and that's just fine, if bit heavy, rifle! This one, not a candidate for any alteration!
Best & Stay Safe!
John

Thats a beautiful rifle John. Thanks for sharing. The same can be said for my favorite factory sporterized m1917's, the BSA model D's and E's from 1949-1951....:

My model D^^^^^ closely resembles my other favorite hunting rifle, the pre 64 model 70. BSA (Birmingham small arms) bested Remington IMHO when it came to sporterizing these old military rifles. The bolt handle was changed to a more aesthetically pleasing shape and the barrel was top notch quality. The stocks are also a little slimmer and better looking. I shot my best offhand group with the model D shown above. It measured 1.057" for 5 shots. After I walked down to the target stand, I pulled the target, went home and put the rifle away.

My model E:

Started life as a 30-06, but now is a 308 Norma:



I still need to get out and develop a good load for it..

As you can see, my m1917's have left handed stocks. The original BSA model E stock was put on a rifle and I gave it to my friend, after I refinished it:

Thats actually a P14 303

This is a good thread, I love the old m1917... Great old rifles with a lot of history

I would rebore it. The cocking conversion is done, the stock, and other stuff, Why not just rebore it if you wish? I can't see the 220 gr 30-06 being equivalent to a 286 gr RN in the 9.3X62. I think it kills all out of proportion to it's appearance. It is used in Africa as a near 375. You also have that built in larger round capacity. I would like to have one not fooled with in the stock. I would like to have one like that and wouldn't care if the cocking conversion is done. I have been watching for a long time for one. I will find one some day and it WILL go to JES. Be Well Cascade, RZ.