Eddystone 1917 30 Ought 6

Okay, let's talk about something potentially controversial. Something that might get me some side-eye at the next gun show. Something... vintage. I'm talking about the Eddystone 1917 chambered in the trusty, some might say over-hyped, 30-06.

The Old Guard

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Old gun? 30-06? Snore!" Bear with me, people. Yes, the Eddystone 1917 saw action in World War I. Yes, it’s old enough to collect Social Security. But there's something charmingly… clunky about it. It's like that grandpa who still wears suspenders and tells the same war stories, only this grandpa can still knock down steel plates at 300 yards.

Let's be honest, the 30-06 is the minivan of rifle cartridges. Practical? Absolutely. Exciting? Maybe not. But it gets the job done. It's been putting meat on the table and bad guys in the dirt for over a century. You can't argue with that kind of staying power.

An Unpopular Opinion (Maybe)

Here comes the controversial part. I kind of… like it better than the Springfield 1903. I know, I know! Heresy! Burn the witch! But hear me out. The Eddystone 1917 feels more robust. The action is smoother (sometimes). And it holds six rounds! An extra round is never a bad thing, right?

“The 1903 is classic and beautiful,” you say. “The 1917 is… utilitarian.”

And you’re probably right. But sometimes, utilitarian is exactly what you need. Like a trusty hammer, it just works.

Plus, let’s be real. The 1903 is often priced like it's made of solid gold. The Eddystone 1917? You can often find a decent shooter for a fraction of the cost. That leaves more money for ammo! And trust me, you'll want ammo.

Shooting the Beast

Shooting an Eddystone 1917 is an experience. It’s not exactly recoil-free. Let’s just say you’ll know you’ve fired a rifle. But it’s a manageable recoil. Especially if you aren’t a total wimp.

Finding ammo isn't exactly rocket science either. Every sporting goods store worth its salt carries boxes of 30-06. From mild target loads to shoulder-thumping hunting rounds, you're spoiled for choice. Just remember to clean it afterwards. This old girl likes to be taken care of.

A Little History Lesson (But Keep it Short!)

The Eddystone Arsenal was one of three that cranked out these rifles during World War I. They needed rifles, and they needed them fast. Eddystone really pumped them out. Think of it as the Henry Ford of rifle manufacturing during the Great War.

These rifles saw action in the trenches of France, and many were later sporterized for hunting after the war. It’s cool to think about the history each rifle carries. Did it see action? Was it someone's deer rifle for 50 years?

Final Thoughts (and Another Possibly Unpopular Opinion)

So, there you have it. My slightly-off-kilter appreciation for the Eddystone 1917 in 30-06. Is it the prettiest rifle? No. Is it the most modern? Definitely not. But it’s reliable, accurate, and steeped in history. And it can be a fun, relatively inexpensive way to get into vintage military rifles.

Maybe you should consider adding one to your collection. Just don't tell all your friends that you like it better than their fancy AR-15s. Unless, of course, you want to start a lively debate. Which, let's be honest, is half the fun, isn't it?

And one more unpopular opinion, I'd take a well-maintained 1917 in the woods over a modern polymer fantastic plastic whatever-they-are-called most days.