[buffalohunter]

The August 2006 issue of American Rifleman has an article on post-WWII Garands. On page 83 it states "The highest M1 serial number reported in government documents is 6,090,905." I purchased a spanking new M1 NM at the National Matches at Port Clinton, Ohio in 1965 for $148. The serial number is 60947xx which is almost 4000 past the reported highest number. It was manufactured by Springfield Armory and I still have the purchase papers with the serial # on it.
As a side line all that was required was a NRA membership card and $148. in cash. I signed for the rifle, carried it outside and sat down on a bench to open it. Two older gentlemen across from me were watching and I remember one said "what make did you get"? I said Springfield and he replied "It could have been any manufacturer".
Those were the days. I still have it in original condition except I did fire 40 rounds through it when I shot in National Matches. I always thought the metal was exceptionally well finished and the walnut stock is beautiful burl figured. What might I have ?

[MAUSER88]

http://www.jouster.com/serial/assigned.html

Looks like 6,099,905 is the highest serial number.

[buffalohunter]

Mauser88 - the table you have a link to is "assigned serial number ranges", not actual produced receivers.

[10X]

You asked "What might I have?" I am told the government made 20,000-30,000 (I hope that is right) new receivers directly into National Match (NM) rifles. They were not a combat rifle changed into a NM. It appears you have one. You have a treasure.

I will tell you for a fact that the 6,090,xxx to 6,099,xxx serial number range is real. Rifles were made in that range.

[MikeH]

Took this photo at the Springfield Armory Museum just last weekend. S/N 6,084,405 was the last M1 Garand before production shut down at SA:

http://taiwanmilitary.org/mikeh/albums/album22/DSC02220.jpg

S/N 81, OTOH, was the first made completely by production machineries and not by hand:

http://taiwanmilitary.org/mikeh/albums/album22/DSC02218.jpg

[buffalohunter]

The author of the Rifleman article is Bruce Canfield. I would think he would know what he is talking about. The last "production" M1 made (big ceremony with John Garand attending) serial # 6,084,405, was completed on May 17, 1957. However, M1 rifles were not assembled in sequential serial-numbered order. Also National Match M1s continued to be assembled after service rifle production ceased and some used higher numbered receivers. Canfield states that serial #6,090,905 is the highest number M1 reported in government documents.

[10X]

I do not debate the accuracy of the quotes. I only submit the government documents referenced in the article may not be accurate. M1 rifles were made in higher serial numbers than 6,090,905 by the US Gov't.

In any event, the NM M1 you have is the best of the M1s made.

[buffalohunter]

10X, thanks for the information. I just wanted to find out if I have a rarity or was this a common happening ?

[10X]

An original NM M1 is a rarity, irreplaceable. There may be more info on some other forums or internet search.

You might look at this link
http://www.garandguy.com/
He shows a couple of NM rifles in his collection with 6,905,xxx and 6,096,xxx serial numbers

Best wishes.