Springfield Garand
I traded for a Springfield Garand today, made in 1942, rebarreled by Springfield in 1952. Muzzle erosion is a 2. How can I tell if it has all original parts?? All the major parts are marked S.A., but I know the numbers aren't the serial number. Serial number range is 573XXX.
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A few years ago + (it feels like a decade), I bought a newly produced Garand, by Springfield.
Still, to this day, I haven't fired it. So, it's in great condition, save for a bump, here or there. I think I have the original box, and everything that came w/it.
At the time I bought it, I really wanted a Garand but, I felt WAY too overwhelmed by the Garand market (so much to know, when dealing with rifles that could have fought in WWII). So, when this Garand came to the market, I figured, what could be better? A brand new Garand by Springfield, this is a no-brainer, right? [:D] It takes all of the guess work out of the purchase, I thought.
But, I've come to learn that these rifles were assembled on cast receivers, and they used a variety of parts to build them. [V]
So, these are my concerns:
1. Are these rifles any good?
2. Do you think that these will be collectable, in any way?
3. Anybody have an old range report on this rifle?
4. Do they have decent barrels?
5. Walnut stock, or was it some other wood?
6. Cast receivers -- they sure don't sound very sexy. [xx(]
I'm inclined to think that it will not be collectable, in any way. I'm thinking that I should just shut up, shoot it, and enjoy it, right?
I've searched the Internet, and it's been tough to build a case for this rifle, good or bad. I know that folks (some) into Garands had contempt for these rifles. I'm thinking that, considering the fact that SA was using USGI parts, that these rifle posed a threat to those in the market USGI parts.
Also, it's been tricky trying to find these rifles auction side. How do you search for a SA Garand that's less than 10 years old? [:p]
Any thoughts?
**Edit:
Well, I just pulled the rifle from the safe, and it doesn't have any bumps or bruises, knock on walnut/wood. [:D]
Since I've managed to keep it in pristine condition, and the fact that I have the box (says I bought it in 2002), I think I should keep this one, and sell something else. Well, unless somebody has to have it. [:0][:p]
Honestly, I want to buy a nice Garand from Mark. But, I need make room for it, as these darn Garand's take up A LOT of room. Plus, if I sell something I already have, I won't have to take as much money out of the bank, to pay Mark.
So, I'm just trying to sort thru what I have, and what I should do -- sounds like I should talk to a shrink, huh?
I'm looking at it (the SA Inc. Garand) right now, and it's a nice rifle. [:)]
Not too long ago, I bought a '43 Springfield Garand (the receiver's from '43; other parts, IDK) from a friend. But, to be honest, I don't know if I have a good rifle, or something that will blow up in my face (I think the rifle's safe, I'm just trying to add humor to my post). [B)] This is what I should sell, I think?
So, it's back to somebody I trust, I think I can trust Mark. If he says it's good to go, I'm thinking it's good to go.0 -
You need to be more specific when you search the auctions. Your rifle was made by Springfield Armory Inc, a commercial company, not Springfield Armory, the US government manufacturing repair facility. Just be sure to include the INC in any search.
Some folks think that this is a desirable rifle:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=271565525
This one went for a good price.
Yes, they have a cast receiver, but that doesn't mean that they aren't serviceable. My recollection is that the first 200 receivers were made by Lithgow in Australia, & there were problems with them, so they changed to another supplier. I don't know what barrels were used, they may have been USGI. Some rifles were made in other configurations, & I believe some had fiberglas stocks. No, it will never be collectible, but it's still a nice rifle. But, if you aren't happy, sell it; it's your choice.
Neal0 -
The commercial Springfields are not bad rifles and with the exception of the new production receiver and wood, most of the parts on their early rifles were all USGI and all in new or like new condition. The "problem" is that the cost of producing a new M1 is well above what it would cost to purchase a decent used USGI example and in fact may well be much higher than a excellent condition USGI rifle. Parts are also a problem; the era of plenty of cheap USGI parts floating around is long since over and lots of parts are now new production and have originated from places overseas that folks don't want to talk about.
The Issue with collectibility (or lack of) is all based on one thing: There is absolutely no limit to the numbers of new production M1s that can be cranked out. All it takes to build up new M1s is for someone to find parts, refinish them or outsource, add the parts to a new production cast receiver, screw on a new commercial barrel and then add some new wood from Boyd's in order to create a new rifle. There is a finite number of original USGI M1 Rifles and Uncle Sam is not going to be buying any more of them.0 -
The first rifle I bought was a Springfield Armory, Inc. M1 Garand, probably 15-16 years ago, and I still have it and shoot it.
I don't know anything about the receiver in the linked auction, but mine is a Breda(SP?) and from what I've heard, they are of reasonable quality. Once I started buying milsurp M1s, I scoped the Springfield and have had a lot of fun with it.
I would guess I've put between 3,000 and 3,500 rounds through it over the years. Replaced the Op Rod (silly Don used commercial ammo for awhile) and replaced the Clip Latch Spring with Fulton's Heavy Duty model, but that has been it.
I have no idea why the one in the auction neal linked went for $ 1,675.00. I don't see any collector value in them, nor do they have any history, but obviously at least two people disagree.0 -
I had one of these Breda receiver Kingdom of Norway Garands. I sold it to an FFL pal last week for $1000. Once I thought it was worth $1700 unfired, but since it was not a WWII USGI few were interested. So I put my money in a nice S&W 44 special.
Had it not been a friend who wanted it, maybe I would have sold it on GB.0 -
Get some ammo and shoot it![:D] I have a Springfield Armory Inc. M1A, it also has a cast receiver. No problems, just shoot it and don't sweat the cast vs. forged arguement. Springfield Armory Inc. makes quality firearms, I have never had any issues with their rifles or pistols. 0 -
Oso2142,
quote:Honestly, I want to buy a nice Garand from Mark. But, I need make room for it, as these darn Garand's take up A LOT of room. Plus, if I sell something I already have, I won't have to take as much money out of the bank, to pay Mark.
So, I'm just trying to sort thru what I have, and what I should do -- sounds like I should talk to a shrink, huh?
Nope, no reason for a shrink, or to shrink...just get another safe[:D][:D][:D].0
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