US Model of 1917, Eddystone; Update

[The_Rifleman]

I don't really know how much I talked about my Eddystone previously, but it has gone through some changes over the last few years and I thought a post would be interesting to some.

First off, the bore condition was atrocious!
The bore had pits throughout the entire length and was as rough as any bore I've ever seen. Here are some before pictures...




That was as clean as I could get it; as you can see there are pits from corrosion. I am sure it was shot with corrosive ammo and not cleaned properly.

Believe it or not, it looked in great condition until I started a marathon cleaning session. The copper and other fouling deposits filled the pits; the lands looked sharp and tall and the overall bore was mirror like.

So I decided to see what amounts to a barrel break-in procedure would do to smooth it. I usually only take one shot a day, unless I am load developing, finding and/or fixing a problem, or sighting in a firearm. So I figured that every time I shot this rifle, I would clean it thoroughly; when I was done the bore was always spotless.

After about a year and a half this is what the bore looked like.




I got a little better at taking pics of my bore... But you can see that the bullets being fired down a perfectly clean bore did improve the lands greatly! The groves are a lot better but are still pretty rough.

I'm satisfied with the condition now, it shoots wonderfully! My best group in any rifle was shot with it a few weeks ago... unfortunately I can't use that load since the sight graduations don't jibe with the 168gr A-Max POIs.

Not Wasting Anymore Bullets

Seeing that the height climbs as the distance lengthens, I am trying a bullet with a lower ballistic coefficient, Speer 180gr SP.
I have some cartridges loaded in an Audette Ladder Test to try when the wind dies-down.


I also refinished the stock.
I had refinished the stock before because someone mentioned that motor oil, (what I use to keep my steel from rusting,) would make the wood weak. So I refinished it with polyurethane hoping to keep the oil from seeping into the wood. Unfortunately the old oils and dirt accumulated over the years prevented the polyurethane from adhering to the wood. A day after I applied the finish, it began to flake.

About a week ago I decided to take the old finish off and apply some linseed oil.
Here is a short video of that operation.
Refinishing The Eddystone

It didn't take but a few hours, most of it was waiting for the linseed oil to soak-in.

Now it looks great inside and out; I just need to develop a load, whereas my sights become useful.

The last shot taken with it.... (I aimed low.)

[todd51]

Great post on the resurrection of an old war horse. Very informative on how the bore improved. Darned good shooting as you usually demonstrate. I don't shoot center fire rifles but have always followed your posts with great interest. Thank you for the post and the videos. Weather sure went in the dump today didn't it.

[Jim K]

The bore appears to have "improved" and looks good, but the fact is that there is no way of "restoring" steel that has rusted away.

Jim

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by Jim K

but the fact is that there is no way of "restoring" steel that has rusted away.

Actually, "the fact is that" no one, (let alone me,) claimed the barrel was '"restor[ed]."' Which is what you more than imply by putting quotes on the word '"restoring."'

In the passed, comments like yours is why I chose no to relay information of interest. I assume the shooting videos bruise the ego of those that can't; so they try to outdo the marksmanship with, (in this case,) nonexistent arguments.
"But the fact is," practice, practice, practice, is the only way you're going to "improve."

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by todd51

Great post on the resurrection of an old war horse. Very informative on how the bore improved. Darned good shooting as you usually demonstrate. I don't shoot center fire rifles but have always followed your posts with great interest. Thank you for the post and the videos.

Thanks!

I'm more than glad to share my tricks and to demonstrate what even the most rugged of my rifles are capable of. A lot of people would have changed the barrel or sold it, but to me, (being my first 30-06,) I didn't want to change it.

Weather sure went in the dump today didn't it.

It sure did, and it made me miss!
Snowy 400 Yards
But the 2 days before was so rainy, and me being a bit sick, I didn't shoot. So the snow was a welcome change.

Thanks again!

[jwrauch]

My 1st centerfire rifle was an old 1917 Eddystone. Also one of my most accurate. Great job. JR

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by jwrauch

My 1st centerfire rifle was an old 1917 Eddystone. Also one of my most accurate. Great job. JR

Thanks!

I am amazed this rifle shoots as well as it does.

[JLA]

Ron, how in the heck do you get those bore shots like that? I been trying with my digital set on macro and it aint happenin..

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by JLA

Ron, how in the heck do you get those bore shots like that? I been trying with my digital set on macro and it aint happenin..

Make sure you have enough light so it has something to focus on. I have a led flashlight shining in the muzzle, then I hold the camera to the side so there isn't too much light. If it is just right, it can focus on the lands.

Are you able to see anything, or is it fuzzy?

My button that triggers the camera to take picture, is also a focus if you press it half way. Try that a few times to see it yours does that also.

Hold the camera perfectly still.

[JLA]

So youre taking the pics from the muzzle end?

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by JLA

So youre taking the pics from the muzzle end?

No, the chamber. I take the bolt out, rest the camera on the butt-stock behind where my thumb would be while shooting.

The flashlight is pointing toward the camera.

[JLA]

Thats what i thot. I cant get my stoopid cam to focus on the throat. It wants to dial in on the back of the forward reciever ring. Dumb piece o crap camera.

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by JLA

Thats what i thot. I cant get my stoopid cam to focus on the throat. It wants to dial in on the back of the forward reciever ring. Dumb piece o crap camera.

If your camera has a manual setting, it will want to focus on the center of the screen. Then you'll have to adjust the exposure setting as to brighten the picture.

[JLA]

I got it! Its was just the bore was too bright and refracted too much light. i pulled the light out and used the overcast skyline and bingo!

[The_Rifleman]

Originally Posted by JLA

I got it! Its was just the bore was too bright and refracted too much light. i pulled the light out and used the overcast skyline and bingo!

Cool!

You'll get better as you take more figuring out the best angles and such.

Glad I could help!