"Gap Letter" IHC Garand
I recently purchased a Garand at a gunshow, totally for the historical reasons and paid what the other Garands were going for.
When I took it to my favorite shop to show it off, I was told it was a "gap letter"ie;spaces between the"u.s"and"rifle","cal"and".30", model and that I got a good deal.
I didn't think to ask what the story was about the gap letter models, but I've noticed most IHC Garands don't have the spaces.
I'd appreciate any info anyone could provide.
By the way, the only thing not IHC marked is the barrel, but since the only one I've seen was almost $400,I can wait!
Thanks to Everyone!
Stephan E. Ripsom
When I took it to my favorite shop to show it off, I was told it was a "gap letter"ie;spaces between the"u.s"and"rifle","cal"and".30", model and that I got a good deal.
I didn't think to ask what the story was about the gap letter models, but I've noticed most IHC Garands don't have the spaces.
I'd appreciate any info anyone could provide.
By the way, the only thing not IHC marked is the barrel, but since the only one I've seen was almost $400,I can wait!
Thanks to Everyone!
Stephan E. Ripsom
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"Gap letter" receivers were manufactured by Springfield Armory for International Harvester. The distinctive gap in the middle of the first two lines was an attempt by SA to make all 4 lines on the receiver the same length, so that they would appear similar to markings applied by IHC. This is a rare & desireable variation.
Many IHC rifles were assembled with barrels made by Line Marker Co, & are marked "LMR".
I am baffled by your statement that the only thing not marked IHC is the barrel; the stock, handguards, gas cylinder, butt plate, & many other parts on IHC rifles were not marked "IHC".
Neal0
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