Garand experts, looking for input & help.

[HomeLandSecurityRifle]

I bought a M1 Garand from Gold Coast Trading in Westminster back in 1999. It's been a great looking rifle and shoots fairly accurate. I've been trying to get more information on the rifle's value and what particular traits make them valuable. I haven't been able to find the right resources (looked at CMP forums, and various other highly regarded websites of M1 info).

The websites have helped me date all of the parts on my rifle, and with a serial # of 6 digits (861XXX), all dates on the parts are within 3 months of the receiver build date of September, 1942 (with exception of the Op-rod guide that has drawing #'s putting it at November, 1943). The stock is in amazing shape, and all cartouches look proper for a 1942 M1. The rear sight is the Type 2 Lockbar with the rounded edges. Bolt and Trigger housing are also from the same 1942 window mentioned above.

My main question is: Is it possible this rifle is actually complete, "as-issued"? Can someone help identify if the barrel is original to the receiver, and if so would the rifle be more valuable with the original barrel vs. a brand new criterion barrel? The bore is getting pretty loose, I'm sure its a no-go for ME. Note, the sling is reproduction that I put on it a few years ago.

Please help me find some answers to it's history and it's possible value.

[TRICKSTER]

Besides the op-rod being incorrect, the trigger housing and bolt may be a couple of months too late, I believe that they didn't start using the -12's trigger housing and the A8W bolt until November 1942. You would also need to examine all the parts in the trigger group to see if they are correct. Parts earlier than the build date may still be correct, but parts that were used even a couple of months after probably are not.
You also need to check the internal parts and the barrel date.
Also the cartouche on the stock doesn't look right. It may just be that the photo is a bit blurred, but something about the SA EMcF stamp looks a bit off.
Can't tell anything about the crossed cannon stamp as it is too blurred.
Also I believe that the correct elevation knob on the rear sight would be checkered, not knurled.

[pro-nra]

X2 of what TRICKSTER said. Need barrel info on the side of the barrel when the op rod is locked back and drawing numbers which is found by removing the rear handguard.

I agree 100% that older parts "could" be correct to the rifle but not a later one. It could be the unfocused camera that open box SA EMcF does not look right compared to my documented "correct" rifle. It also looks too deep and could be "humped"? Is there import markings on the barrel?

[6mmintl]

Looks like another one of 6.8 million special/unique/rare ones worth $750-$1050 depending on the sales pitch.