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M1-Garand

peterpan
If you buy a M1-Garand and there is a statement in the discription that says..."This is not a parts gun, all numbers match."

Just what should we be looking for when the gun arrives?

Should the numbers on the bolt, receiver, and the triger group match?

Pete
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4 comments

Date Votes
  • peterpan
    I've got a Korean War vintage Springfield Garand and would like to get a bipod for shooting at the range. Evidently there wasn't a GI issue for the M1. Any suggestions?
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  • mark christian
    There is no such thing as a Grand with "matching parts" because unlike the firearms from other nations, M1 service rifles never had their parts matched by serial number to any particular rifle. There are drawing numbers on nearly all parts which inticate the approx. time frame when that particular part went into general issue and when compared to the rifle's serial number would indicate if that part or parts is a correct match for the rilfe. An good example would be a post war operating rod or bolt assembly found on a WWII era rifle-- clearly incorrect, as would be things like a chromed gas port on the barrel or a non lock-bar rear sight...neither of these items appeared on WWII issued M1s.

    Technically speaking every Garand is a "parts gun" because these rifles were built on a type of assembly line with bins filled with parts at each work station where the correct part was added and the rifle moving along step by step. At no time were particular parts ear marked for any particular service grade issue rifle-- you got what was pulled out of the bin, for better or worse! If the seller is trying to convey that the rifle in question is all correct with the proper parts he needs to state this CLEARLY up front. If the rifle is "as issued", which means the way it left the arsenal (very hard to find after 50+ years) this means a big premium or if it is a restoration, where the basic rifle is correct and any non correct parts were replaced, then this means it is worth less money. If the rifle is correct and as issued then the seller should be willing to provide a detailed data sheet listing each major part (for high dollar rifles this means EVERY Part) by drawing number and provide a refund if the rifle is proven incorrect. Buying an M1 rifle sight unseen is rather risky unless you are making your purchase from a major dealer or collector who will stand behind his claims. I'd be asking a lot more questions before I sent my money instead of trying to learn what I need to know AFTER the rifle arrives. The learning curve here is sharp and the differnces between a $500 M1 and a $1500 rifle can be very subtle but can make all the difference in the world!

    Mark T. Christian
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  • 101AIRBORNE
    Pete,
    Welcome to the bored!
    What I advise is purchasing some books on the Garand. Also, you may wish to visit the Garand Forum @ www.jouster.com
    No such thing as "all numbers match". These guns have been rebuilt so
    many times and also matched up by Manufacturer that it is impossible or nearly impossible to find a real as issued Garand. There is way too much to mention in my response. You must get involved in heat treaments/ yes they are marked on the Garand-Serial No./s matching the barrel date......... You can, if certified purchase a Garand from
    www.odcmp.com

    Good luck and buy the books.
    Also: scott duff has a listing of M1's for sale. I did not realize that Mr. Garand was hammering the keys when I responded. You will also want to purchase the Muzzle Wear and Throat Erosion Gauges. Garands can be a fascinating and compulsive item. Just ask Mark
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  • Pinhead
    Welcome Pete, as mentioned already, M1 Garands were built with "matching parts" not "matching numbers". Most were built at a time when the emphasis was building fighting rifles to win a war, not building collectable rifles. There was even some inter-play between maunfacturers when production problems came up(one maunfacturer furnishing barrels or receivers to another one-I do know that Winchester for instance had some early problems and had to rely on Springfield a little). I am no expert on collectibles though. I am a shooter and I love the Garand for what it is-an execllent battle rifle. Collectors are fine people but I'd rather be shooting than studying production charts and variations(makes my head hurt). Good Luck.
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