My newest addition, Winchester M1 Garand

[midcountyg]

Was at the Easton gunshow all weekend. While walking around this morning I overheard a man say something about selling Garands for 500 bucks a piece. Low and behold, when I asked him if I heard correctly he showed me two Garands. He said he was asking 800 each, but wanted them to sell and would take 1k for the pair. I picked up the first one and saw Winchester receiver and correct bolt. Needless to say I jumped. The other was a SA, and my friend who was with me took that one. We even got four bandoleers of ammo and clips with each rifle. I think we did rather well Now I am going over my rifle and debating on changing out all the SA parts that have been put on it over the years, and trying to make it as correct as possible. I don't have an erosion gauge, but I think the barrel is ok and it is a Danish VAR. I hear these are good shooting barrels and something the CMP buyers look for. I am rather new to the Garand world, so if anyone can offer any info I would appreciate it.

 

[Dave MP]

 

[midcountyg]

I knew that was coming. Let me take a pic

 

[midcountyg]

Here she is. The stock isn't the greatest, but the other parts look real good. At worst case scenario I should have a good shooter.

 

[Inigoes]

She's a looker

What's the first few digits of the SN, is it a high or low serial number?

 

[fivepointstar]

some guys have all the luck

 

[midcountyg]

She's a looker

What's the first few digits of the SN, is it a high or low serial number?

246. I checked the dating and it was made in June 1944.

 

[Inigoes]

Is the SN 6 or 7 digits?

I found a Korean era last month in PA with a 7 digit number.

 

[grb]

some guys have all the luck

No kidding. Very nice pick up on that one. Congrats.

 

[Dave MP]

Very nice!
I know nothing about the Garand other than some of the history. They are great looking rifles. May ahve to look at geting one sometime.

 

[midcountyg]

Is the SN 6 or 7 digits?

I found a Korean era last month in PA with a 7 digit number.

It's 7 digits. I found a break down of serial numbers Fulton Armory published online, and it is saying the June of 1944. From what I gather from my research so far, Winchester only built Garands until the summer of 1945.

 

[Inigoes]

A WWII era Garand is worth more than $500.

You should have gotten a lottery ticket today too

 

[midcountyg]

I have been wanting a Garand for a loooooong time. I was just waiting for the right deal, and it finally came. Now I would really like to restore it to a cherry condition period correct rifle. I don't want to spend a fortune, but would like it to eventually have all the proper Winchester parts. Once I can do that I will repark it and make it look new. In the mean time I look forward to shooting it

 

[JMintzer]

I have been wanting a Garand for a loooooong time. I was just waiting for the right deal, and it finally came.

Congrats!

Now I would really like to restore it to a cherry condition period correct rifle.

Sounds like a great idea! I'm currently doing the same thing on my recently acquired CMP SG Winchester...

I don't want to spend a fortune,

Bwahahahahaha! Okay, you're joking, right? That was hilarious!

but would like it to eventually have all the proper Winchester parts.

Oh, wait... You're serious...

Once I can do that I will repark it and make it look new. In the mean time I look forward to shooting it

Re-parking it will significantly decrease the value that you just spent a small fortune building up.

Winchester parts can easily be 3-4 (or maybe more) X's as expensive as other manufacture's parts. Be prepared for some sticker shock!

A Winchester Op-Rod will easily set you back $400-500, where a WWII Springfield will be under $200. Winchester Lock Bar Sights can be anywhere from $300-600, while WWII Springfield Lock Bars are 1/3 (or less) than that.

A Winchester Follower Rod can be $60-90! A trigger group with correct parts, another $200.

Not trying to pee in your cornflakes, but if you're gonna' do it, be prepared to spend some $$$...

Congrats again on your new rifle!


Jamie

 

[mikec]

Congrats bum

Just wondering, when you buy a rifle like this, do you do a 4473 or do you give the selling dealer a copy of your ATF license and buy it on the license?

 

[Oldcarjunkie]

Congrats, You got a hell of a deal

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Saweeet

 

[Skins_Brew]

Sweet!!!

I am currently waiting for a SA service grade garand from the CMP. Thanks to you and this thread, the wait just got that much harder

 

[BlueHeeler]

I will offer you $550 cash right now for that old busted up rifle. Guns are dangerous, I will dispose of it appropriately for a low cost to you.

 

[Rickhead]

That would be an expensive restoration. If it had a Winchester barrel you'd be a little more ahead. Decent Winchester barrels are $$$$$$$. There are replacement Winchester barrels that say "Winchester" in script, these are not WWII barrels. Now, what about a correct stock......that $$$$$ boggles the mind. If you look long and hard you may be able to get the parts for "reasonable" prices. I've bought rifles just because they had a part I needed.....