[Ranger 40]

I bought a pair of Garands for parts. These rifles are in outstanding condition one is a Spfld. one is an H&R. The problem is this. They were sold by the VFW and both guns had the gas piston screw removed, no problem. Once the upper handguard is removed the barrel is brazed to the receiver. The braze is about the size of a dime. The fellow who owned these guns had been shooting them for some time. I have been told that to fire these guns with live ammo could be a problem. They were issued for use with blanks after WW11. Why did the Govt brase these guns? Does anyone know if they are damaged from the braze? How would the Govt. know that these gun would not be used with live ammo? I understand that I can have the Recs. checked or Black Lighted for cracks. My question is more on the history. from other gun users.:confused:

[Jim K]

That is probably not brazing, it is more likely welding, which got the receiver a lot hotter. The Army loaned those guns to veterans organizations for ceremonial purposes. The Army welded the blank adapter in place, and then welded the barrel to the receiver so the whole barrel could not be changed without leaving obvious traces. They never intended that the rifles ever again be fired with live ammo, and wanted to know if anyone attempted to do so. Depending on how hot the receiver/barrel were allowed to get, the rifles could be dangerous.

Note that I said "loaned". If the VFW sold those guns, their action was illegal, and you have stolen government property. However, some rifles returned by veterans' groups have been sold through CMP, and are legal. I strongly advise going back to the person who sold the guns to you and get a straight answer. Otherwise, if the Army ever tracks those rifles, you could end up losing them, at best.

Jim

[Ranger 40]

Thanks Jim. I did not know why the braze, and yes it is brazed not welded. So far as the history , The VFW in a small town closed years ago the guns were given to a Police Dept. by the Fed. after a time the P.D. was allowed to dispose of them. This was some 40 years ago.
They do not have blank adapaters on the muzzles, the pistons were open so that they could only be fired like a bolt action. The Spfd. was used in NRA Military matchs for many years. I will have them tested by a local metals lab.