M1 Garand Question

ChrisStreett

April 04, 2014 05:38

I know that there are narrow base and wide base gas
cylinders for M1 Garands.. I have been told that a
M1 Garand (manufactured around 1944) should have a wide base
cylinder... My question is, will a narrow base fit the
rifle? there seems to be more narrow base cylinders up for
auction then wide base...

thanks

rick

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  ChrisStreett

  April 04, 2014 05:38

  I just picked up an M1 Garand in great condition, the receiver is marked on the left side C A T Gorgia, VT. The stock is after market, as it has no inspector stamps or other markings on it.
  Can anyone give me an idea what this is? Who C A T is? Is value comarible to armoury rebuild?
  Thanks for the help.
  W.D.

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  nmyers

  April 04, 2014 06:15

  Before you do anything, you want to figure out exactly what you have. If it is all original, you may not want to replace the barrel. If you could post photos, that would be a big help. Or, at the least, describe the markings on the stock.
  
  Wear at front of the barrel is called muzzle wear, & it is measured with a Muzzle Wear gauge. If you have a single round of USGI M2 ball ammo, you can use it as a "poor man's MW gauge"; stick it point first in the muzzle, & measure how much copper jacket is still visible. You really need to know this measurement, as there could be other causes of poor accuracy.
  
  Wear at the rear of he barrel is called throat erosion, & is measured with a Throat Erosion gauge. It's caused by hot gases, but usually does not have an effect on accuracy until it is really extensive.
  
  Yes, it's likely your rifle has been rebuilt. If so, replacing the barrel will not affect the value in the future. Surplus USGI barrels are now rare, but occasionally show up on the GB auction side. Most folks just rebarrel with a commercial Criterion barrel, a high quality product that will give you many years of good shooting.
  
  Neal

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  ChrisStreett

  April 04, 2014 06:30

  Thanks Neal. I told you I have a lot to learn. I did try using an M2 round, there was "zero" copper showing, it went all the way in to the case neck so I'm guessing the barrel is pretty well shot out.(I have a M1917/original barrel/marked 9/18 and an '03, also original barrel both check much better with the "poor man's gauge".)I'll go over the stock again and check the barrel markings when I get home.
  I appreciate the advice. Thanks again.

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  charliemeyer007

  April 04, 2014 07:16

  Save the "original" parts, I'd rather inherit a good shooter and I'd would much prefer to enjoy it now as one.

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