Following taken from NRA's publication An American Rifleman Report: Military Rifles. It's not very long but does touch the high points.
During World War I, U.S. Government armories were unable to produce the Springfield M1903 rifle rapidly enough. The problem was solved by ad- option of the Model 1917 Enfield .30-'06. a slightly modified form of the British Pattern 14 which was ready for manufacture by Winchester, Remington, and Eddystone. These 3 factories produced approximately 2,200,000 Model 1917 rifles.
(Note: Most collectors agree that Winchester M1917's are more desirable than Remington variants, with Eddystone bringing up the rear.)
Except for caliber, this rifle is almost identical to the British Pattern 14 Enfield. The main external difference are that the Model 1917 has no marking disk on buttstock and no long-range auxiliary sights.
The greatest fault of this rifle, and also of the Pattern 14, is rather frequent ejector spring breakage. Other than this, Enfield rifles are noted for their great durability and ruggedness. During World War II U.S. Army Ordnance developed an improved Enfield ejector spring which overcame the breakage problem.
In addition to their extensive use during World War I, many Model 1917 Enfields were used by this country during World War II, particularly for Reserve Forces and training. The Model 1917 was also used in World War II by the Philippine Army and British Home Guards, and many used by the Chinese Nationalists against the Communists.
Model 1917 rifles were well made, and those on the market are generally in better condition than British No. 3 Enfields (Pattern 14 Enfield). However, many specimens have neglected bores, and some, especially those made by Eddystone, have cracked receiver rings. These cracks are often not easily detected, and specimens with this fault should not be fired. Parts for this rifle are available from dealers, and simple sporterizing is accomplished by removing handguards and upper and lower bands, and replacing front sight blade with one of sporting type. Often the barrel is shortened to 22" or 24".
(End of article.)
Did you know that the M1917 was issued to 75% of the U.S. troops during World War I?
Not covered in the article, but a well documented historical fact is that Sgt. Alvin C. York used the M1917 when taking part in the combat actions that resulted in his being presented the Congressional Medal of Honor.... not the M1903 shown in the Oscar-winning movie starring Gary Cooper.
But then Hollywierd has never worried about getting the facts straight.
In March, 1919 a board of officers met to determine which rifle, M1917
or M1903, would remain the "limited standard" service rifle and which
would be put into storage as a war reserve. After much nit picking and
arguing (....sounds like rec.guns!
Once relatively plentiful and inexpensive, the M1917 Enfield rifles in
excellent, unaltered condition now have become highly sought after by
collectors. Such specimens bring $500 and up.
Once used as a base for countless customized and sporterized rifles the
M1917 is beginning to be in short supply...IMO anyone buying a GI M1917
should leave in it's original "as issued" condition. If you simply must
customize it then at least expend the time, effort and money on a decent
job....don't butcher it.
Just my 2-cents.
Robert Gibson