Rifleman Q & A: Mysterious Markings

by
posted on October 9, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
markings.jpg

Q: Was there another manufacturer of the Model 1917 rifles besides those mentioned in Bruce Canfield’s “One Of The Great Decisions” story in the August 2018 issue of American Rifleman? I have one chambered in .303 British, and was excited to see who made it when the article came out. Mine is marked “RE,” but not “U.S.A.” Do I have something strange?

A: The reason the markings do not correspond with the images in the article you reference is because your rifle is a Pattern 1914 and not a Model 1917. As stated in the article, the .303-cal. Pattern 1914 was manufactured for the British government by the same three firms that subsequently produced the .30-’06 Sprg. Model 1917: Remington, Eddystone and Winchester. The receivers of the Pattern 1914 rifles were marked with just the initials of the manufacturer, whereas the Model 1917s were marked with the full name of the maker (with the exception of very early Winchesters, which were only marked “W”). The “RE” marking on your rifle indicates it was manufactured by Remington. Of course, since your rifle was made for the British government, it would not have been marked “U.S.”

--Bruce N. Canfield

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.