Did the Marines Have M1917's in WWI?

[fkienast]

Have I done my on research?
Yeah.
In fact I have a decent quantity of original USMC paper work on-hand covering the period 1898 till 1933.
However, nothing on the 1917 rifle is referenced.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

Have I done my on research? Yeah. In fact I have a decent quantity of original USMC paper work on-hand covering the period 1898 till 1933. However, nothing on the 1917 rifle is referenced.

That is admirable. I have stacks of references on WWI Marine usage of the M1903, particularly in the sniper category. I am often amazed what is not in my files. You then must understand JB's reference to cost in terms of money and time invested, which many might not understand. When others were going out on the town, I was home reading regimental histories, old obscure documents, and ordering materials I only hoped would help my search. I can only imagine the time and money JB has invested in his quest.

I wasn't trying to ridicule you in any way, and knowing JB, neither was he. It was your reference to hearsay that I didn't understand, and was wondering to what you referenced as hearsay.

You are right in that next to nothing seems to be present in the official USMC files concerning the M1917. Knowing that many of the early Marine commanders were prominent in the operations of Arms and the Man, I acquired a copy of every issue and read them cover to cover. That was how I discovered the annoucement I referenced. I did not find what I was looking for, unfortunately. I found more information on WWI Marine Corps sniping in CEF documents than the Corps' (after many, many long hours at Quantico).

Glad to meet you. If I can be of help, just let me know. I am an old Jarhead.

jt