In this episode of No Lowballers, host Logan Metesh of High Caliber History is joined by GunBroker’s own Allen Forkner to welcome guest Jon Krisko, a U.S. Army judge advocate stationed at Fort Leavenworth and researcher of World War I ordnance history. Krisko shares the remarkable story of the Model 1917 rifle and the little-known Rifle Demonstrator Corps—an elite team of marksmen tasked with introducing a new service rifle to America’s rapidly expanding wartime Army. From urgent production challenges to public relations battles and the human ingenuity of the demonstrators themselves, this episode uncovers a fascinating slice of military and firearms history.

Episode Highlights

• A Nation Unprepared: The U.S. Army enters World War I with too few rifles and a scramble begins to arm four million troops.

• The Model 1917 Solution: How American factories converted the British Pattern 14 Enfield into the .30-06–chambered Model 1917 rifle to fill the gap.

• Public Perception & PR Challenges: Newspapers warn of an “inferior foreign rifle,” sparking letters from worried parents and concerned politicians.

• Production Hurdles: Factories struggle to make parts fully interchangeable and solve early extractor and striker breakages.

• The Rifle Demonstrator Corps: Led by John T. Thompson (yes, the future Thompson submachine gun creator), these national-level marksmen trained officers, NCOs and mechanics on care, maintenance and marksmanship with the new rifle.

• Field Conditions & Ingenuity: From sandstorms in New Mexico to harsh northern winters, demonstrators face environmental and logistical challenges—including cleaning rifles with rope and hat cords.

• Legacy & Lasting Impact: The demonstrators change soldier attitudes toward the rifle, helping ensure the Model 1917 arms two-thirds to three-quarters of U.S. infantry overseas and cements its place in American firearms history.

💬 Join the Conversation

• Were you surprised by the logistical and PR battles the U.S. faced in arming its troops?

• Do you think the decision to standardize on .30-06 instead of .303 British was the right long-term move?

• For collectors today: What’s your favorite variant of the Model 1917 and why?

Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how the story of the Rifle Demonstrator Corps resonates with you!

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