M1 Garand???

[Sgt. J Beezy]

I am purchasing a 1945 Winchester M1 Garand from a buddy of mine who has run into some financial troubles...

Without going into prices et cetera, I am not very knowledgable on the weapon that is the M1 Garand.

I will continue research until Tuesday when I meet him to pick it up from his storage and have some questions that my fellow Calgunners might be able to help me out with.

Besides the obvious like checking the bore, stock, and functionality of the bolt/trigger, what else is important in looking at these rifles?

My very little research so far has only led me to more questions such as what is: CMP, HR, SA, and the other various acronyms that go along with these rifles mean?

I am very excited to venture on this journey of finding out and owning one of these fine pieces of history (as well as a beautiful and great rifle). Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[BRUNO1911]

Sarge here you go!

" what is: CMP, HR, SA"

CMP=Civilian Marksmanship Program http://www.odcmp.com/

HR= Harrington & Richardson http://www.scott-duff.com/WhoHowManyWhen.htm

SA=Springfield Armory "same link as above"

two more http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=42267

http://www.thegca.org/glossary-of-terms

[Bolillo]

Besides the obvious like checking the bore, stock, and functionality of the bolt/trigger, what else is important in looking at these rifles?


Thanks!

You've about covered the biggies. Being that the stocks are getting on 60+ years old, an occasional crack is not uncommon. New replacement stocks are < $150. But once you have it in your hand, and before you do any fixing, make sure you don't have some rare or valuable piece. Lots of places on the Internet to research that. Certain original serial numbers / years / manufacturers / markings and M1-D sniper or tanker versions could be very valuable and might be best left un-restored.

Anything with NM (National Match) markings deserves more scrutiny too, since a complete NM version is also very valuable. Note that while it might have NM parts added at some point, it might not make it a true NM.

Assuming you have just have a plain Jane depot rebuild and not a collectable safe queen, you will still end up a very enjoyable "shooter" with a lot of good history. It's about as soldier-proof of a rifle as has ever been made. I don't think I've ever been to a gun show that doesn't have at least a couple of vendors with table fulls of new-old-stock (NOS) parts. Easy to work on, lots of good Internet sites with parts.

[Mastersid]

If it is stock and in good shape consider leaving it original. The CMP hosts matches for unaltered M-1s and check with someone in the know before you mess with it. I refinished the stock on my original DCM M-1, and I now wish I had left it the way it was. I could have bought new wood for it and refinished that, saving the old stock. Also, only shoot military rounds or replica reloads (IMR or H4895 or similar burn rate) in it. Factory commercial ammo uses a slower burning powder that can damage your operating rod. You will be happy with your new toy!

[cannon]

Hey Sgt,

You are about to experience one amazing rifle!

While they are chambered for 30-06 in an unmodified rifle you must use M 2 ammo. The newer higher power commercial stuff can damage your rifle.

Have fun.

[kwansao]

check:
the hammer fall test
trigger/sear hammer engagement might be worn
the op rod for binding, (slide test?)
the handguards for cracks
where the barrel and receiver meet for pitting and corrosion.
check the fit of the gas cylinder's on the barrel.
rear sights.. elevation knob should click, the serrations on the receiver might be ground down..

Also make sure it is not a re militarized receiver that has been welded back together. also if you have a 30-06 field gauge that would be nice. if you can borrow throat and muzzle gauges that would be good too.

did i get everything?? whew

edit also check clip latch spring and op rod spring.

[crazychinaman]

Check the serial numbers out.If it is original,do not mess with it.It could also be the ones that came back from Korea and where parts guns. Still good shooters,Not worth a whole lot .If you do Shoot it use light hand loads though. I have two Korean shooters and one 1944 Navy trophy match.

[kwansao]

the serial numbers on the receiver will not "match" the drawing lot numbers on the op rod, bolt, trigger group, etc. like other firearms. you will have to look up the drawing lot numbers and match them to a time period.

[Shooter88]

Hey Sgt,

You are about to experience one amazing rifle!

While they are chambered for 30-06 in an unmodified rifle you must use M 2 ammo. The newer higher power commercial stuff can damage your rifle.

Have fun.

+1

Commercial ammo can damage the op rod. If you buy an adjustable gas plug then you can shoot the commercial stuff, but I've used one and found I dont have the patience for them. I only reload for mine now.

Otherwise, do as Cannon said and stick with the M2 ball ammo.

[chozenfew805]

Lucky Devil Dog, that's a piece of history your going to have but if you pass up on it shoot me a pm

[CK_32]

Tell your buddy I offer $50 more than you

[Sgt. J Beezy]

Ha ha ha!

Thanks for all the good info guys... Anxiously waiting tomorrow night!!!

I will make sure to post some pics up as soon as I get her home!

Fingers crossed hoping Murphy doesn't interfere with our deal!

[stevie]

Audie wants his rifle back? How dare he? Good luck on your purchase

[aghauler]

Ha ha ha!

Thanks for all the good info guys... Anxiously waiting tomorrow night!!!

I will make sure to post some pics up as soon as I get her home!

Fingers crossed hoping Murphy doesn't interfere with our deal!

Pull the Op Rod back to see what barrel markings are on it. Check for WRA markings on the various parts, also WRA did a single punchmark on some parts not WRA marked. A correct WRA stock has gone for $1000 on eBay in the past. So the more "correct" it is the more value it has. Get with somebody that can eyeball it to 1. tell you what you have and 2. Show you how to properly cycle the action (if you don't already know how) remember M1 Thumb is NOT a pretty thing! You have taken one step towards a slippery slope, that of Garand owner. It's hard to own just one, so get educated and enjoy that rifle. I'm hoping it's an all "correct" Winnie that you're getting. Did I mention pictures would be nice when you get it?

[microwaveguy]

The other mfg not mentioned is International Harvester ........ yea the tractor people. If it is one of those just buy it ......... then pm me

Seriously ....... those are more collectible now since there seem to be fewer that managed to survive. Many went to Iran and those I fear are loss to us forever.