P-14 ENFIELD

[richardrose67]

Hi y''all'', I understand most U.S Military rifles had dates and maker stamped on the barrels. My P-14 Eddystone, is U.S. made but used by the British. The question is did the P-14s have dates on the barrel as well? And does know where a list of dates of manufacture is ? I have heard that they were all made from 1916-1917 is this true?
Rich

[ramiller]

The P-14 I have just has a serial number starting with the letter W indicating Winchester Manufacturing.

[tac-40]

The P-14 or Pattern 1914 was a US made rifle sold to the British during WWI. The numbering is typical of the British style with the manufacturer indicated by the first letter - R for Remington, W for Winchester, etc. It is calibre .303.

Its look alike cousin is the US Model of 1917. When the US entered WWI, Springfield Armory could not keep up with the demand for rifles and the US contracted out to several companies. THe companies already making the P-14 just modified the bolt and barrel to adapt it to the 30-06 cartridge. The manufacturers of the Model 1917 are clearly and boldly stamped on the receiver near the chamber with the full name and serial number.

Just to throw in a clinker, Savage Arms made a model of the No 4 SMLE. It was stamped with a serial number begining with S and often marked U.S. Property. It too was chamberered for calibre .303.