Help M1 Garand

[LeeM]

Hello All,
<O</O
I know nothing about M1 Garand’s but have an opportunity to purchase this one. I have done some preliminary research but am more than a bit overwhelmed and was hoping someone could help me. I have found out that this is a put together rifle and that the receiver is of fairly recent manufacture and often referred to as “junk”. I remember reading somewhere on-line that the CAI receivers after a certain SN was better than the earlier ones. By looking in the breach/chamber opening it appears like it has had problems feeding. I know it is difficult to estimate with my limited information and lousy photos, but is it worth much with that type of receiver as a shooter or are the few parts worth more than the whole? Any idea on a value range? $300+/-? Less? More? I have no clue. Any input on what the below information means and a value range would be greatly appreciated.
<O</O
Trigger Marked “46025 W.R.A.”
<O</O
Bolt Marked “028287-12S(or8?)A” and “RE 6B” below that.
<O</O
Barrel Marked “S-A-12-46”
<O</O
Century Arms Receiver with a serial number of M1P22557
<O</O
Operating Rod (at least that is what I think it is called) marked “WN”
<O</O
Stock is marked with an “R” that is possibly in a square?
<O</O
I have taken a few poor quality photos (too dark to photo outside). I don’t know if they will help out at all but I will go ahead and post them.
<O</O
Thanks,
<O</O
Lee

[LeeM]

Trigger

[LeeM]

Sights

[LeeM]

Bolt

[LeeM]

"R" on Stock

[LeeM]

Feeding Problem??

[LeeM]

Another Shot

[LeeM]

last one

[Gary Cain]

Hi Lee,

On these weapons I value the parts themselves and ignore the receiver. $300 is about right for what you are showing but there is a real big caveat and that is whether they mic out. It is very common for unscrupulous gun dealers to put these together with old worn out parts that have been reparkerised. I would have to have it in hand to tell.


Gary

[LeeM]

Hi Gary,
<O</O
The rifle was my Uncle’s who past away last year and I don’t know if he ever tried to fire it. I would like to buy it from the estate, for a wall hanger if nothing else, but we really don’t know what it is worth. What kind of a price range are we talking if some of the major parts are worn out? (I suppose that can't be answered without knowing which parts?). Is there an easy way for a novice like me to check any of the major components for excessive wear?
<O</O
Thanks,
<O</O
Lee<O</O

[bodes]

It is definitely a parts gun.....The triggerguard made by Winchester Repeating Arms, the bolt and barrel being made by Springfield......I don't think you can go wrong for $300 if indeed you do not plan on shooting it.....Just don't let your relatives peruse Auction Arms, as all correct Garands in nice condition, can bring far more money .....Bodes

[LeeM]

Hi Bodes,
<O</O
Thanks for the info. I know what you mean, I’ve seen some of those prices and I know people can think, “an M1 is an M1, right?”. Fortunately, the family understands that this is not a desirable collector’s rifle (being a parts gun with substandard receiver) and have left it up to me to determine a reasonable price. I just want to make sure I am being fair.
<O</O
Thanks,
<O</O
Lee

[Bill in VA]

Your CAI Garand

FWIW, you might want to take a peek at the Fulton Armory page's Garand FAQs for the Century Arms Garand receivers (most, if not all are made by Lithgow.)

http://www.fulton-armory.com/CAI-TI.htm

[Mike Osbourne]

Well, my suggestion is that you might want to take it to a reputable gunsmith to have the parts assessed. If they would make a good shooter you can buy an original receiver from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. If you qualify, these can be had from $125 - 200.00 depending on maker and condition. After all the majority of M1's in service were rebuilt several times so while owing a "mixmaster" is not ideal from a collector's point of view the ol' Garand is well worth owning and keeping in shooting condition. Check www.odcmp.com and search under Rifle Sales.

[Gary Cain]

Hi Lee,

Everything that the others has said is true and good advice. The only way you can tell whether the parts are any good is to take it to a gunsmith. Value as purely a wall hanger would be in the 200-300 range. That is assuming the stock is original and that there are some good parts. If all the parts are good and it's only the reciever that is at issue then 500 ish would be fair.


Gary

Hi Gary,
<O</O
The rifle was my Uncle’s who past away last year and I don’t know if he ever tried to fire it. I would like to buy it from the estate, for a wall hanger if nothing else, but we really don’t know what it is worth. What kind of a price range are we talking if some of the major parts are worn out? (I suppose that can't be answered without knowing which parts?). Is there an easy way for a novice like me to check any of the major components for excessive wear?
<O</O
Thanks,
<O</O
Lee<O</O