M 1 Garand Question

[Scott Powell]

I have an M1 Garand, that thanx to JasonS i have found out was manufactured in 1944 ( when i bought it I was told it was a 1960's model ) How can i determine if the rifle is oiginal,or put together?
thanx!
scott

[rott51]

Scott,
You need to list more information for us to help you, or you can buy one of Scott Duffs books on the garand. It is difficult to know for sure if any military rifle is "Original" as issued to the GI but you can determine if the rifle has all the "correct" parts it would have had when issued. You can tell this by the various stampings on the parts. Provide us with the serial # that you see on the top of the receiver ( you can X-out the last three digits if you feel more comfortable) and the name of manufacturer( Only Winchester and Springfield made WWII era Garands). Pull the operating rod back (exposing the magazine), then look at the side of the barrel and there should be some numbers that will signify the date of the barrel. There is more to it but this can get us started. Let us know what you find- Robert

[bodes]

I have an M1 Garand, that thanx to JasonS i have found out was manufactured in 1944 ( when i bought it I was told it was a 1960's model ) How can i determine if the rifle is oiginal,or put together?
thanx!
scott

Well, Scott first and foremost all original (factory made) M1 garands aren't easy to find.....In the process of being issued to the troops, while cleaning have a tendancy of parts getting intermixed (troops cleaning off cosmoline en masse or in the field).....Not to mention periods of refurbishment....The first thing you need to find out is whether/not your serial # on the receiver matches the date on the barrel (to make sure not a barrel replacement)....Also make sure the stock is original to the piece....Cartouches in the stock will tell you which period made/by whom.....Parts should be made by the same contractor....For example Springfield Armory parts should be marked SA....And lastly, the finish throughout the rifle should be correct for the period.....Your WW2 should be all parkerized finished parts.....Good Luck.....Bodes

[bodes]

I have an M1 Garand, that thanx to JasonS i have found out was manufactured in 1944 ( when i bought it I was told it was a 1960's model ) How can i determine if the rifle is oiginal,or put together?
thanx!
scott

Scott, this website should help you answer some questions.....Bodes


M1 Garand Information

[Scott Powell]

thanx for the answers, very helpful! ok the serial number Sringfield Armory 3217349

the barrel is marked SA 1-52
the trigger mechanism is marked 6628290-SA
the bolt slide is marked 7790722-SA
the reciver is marked D28291 35
is this good?

My son has my digital camera ,cant post pics tonite. thanx again for the help

[bodes]

thanx for the answers, very helpful! ok the serial number Sringfield Armory 3217349

the barrel is marked SA 1-52
the trigger mechanism is marked 6628290-SA
the bolt slide is marked 7790722-SA

is this good?

My son has my digital camera ,cant post pics tonite. thanx again for the help

Scott, your barrel date should be from late '44 to late '45 to be correct for that serial # range.... Appears the barrel has been replaced....Possibly for use in Korea....Bodes

[Scott Powell]

I doubt seriously the Stock is original, the lower part is dark deep brown,almost "blood " color and looks like it has "been there " ,whilst the top stock is light brown.