Mystery rifle

Question
I recently purchased a rifle at a gun show and the owner did not not the caliber or model. It is a 30 Alaskan. It is a Winchester model 1917 the serial number is 97821. It is not a 30-06, but it is a 30 cal. Can u help me?

Answer
Hello Ty Postlewait. You have a .303 British caliber. When the UK entered WWI, they found themselves short on manufacturing plants. In 1917, they contracted with Winchester, Remington and a subsidiary of Remington, Eddystone. They still wanted to keep the .British .303 caliber, so this is what was manufactured in the US. One designation of the new .303 was the P-14. Another was known as the United States Rifle caliber .30 Model 1917, " the American Enfield". I have heard of a 30 Alaskan, but have really never seen a production of this as a rifle caliber. "GUN SMITH ALERT!!" Please take this rifle to a competent licensed gun smith to have the chamber measured. I hope this information will be of help to you and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage