Garand value: would it be fair to say that pretty much any WWII era garand...

in reasonably good, shootable condition is worth about $600 or more? Even if it's been rebuilt, parts not matching, etc?

From what I can see on the CMP site, the rack grade guns may be pretty well beat up, cracked stocks, pitted metal, etc. and they go for $400 or so...

I'm hopefully buying a Garand today (haven't seen it yet) and supposedly it is WWII era manufacture. As I've said before I really don't know anything other than I want one. I realize there are a bazillion M1 threads but it's almost too much for me to absorb at this point. The CMP is sold out of the service grades so I can't get an idea of price, but the next highest grade starts at $900 so I imagine a service grade usually goes for $600 or so, right?

Thanks ocabj. Unfortunately I don't have gauges so I'll have to guesstimate on the condition of the muzzle and throat.

Well the deed is done, and for better or worse, I'm happy. I got an M1 and an M1 Tanker in .30-06 (I know they weren't made that way, right?). Both in seemingly stellar condition; the stock on the tanker is obviously new, and I believe both have been rebarrelled and probably reparkerized. The stock on the M1 is old-looking, lots of shallow dings, but no cracks, and fits well.

If you please, someone tell me the history/origin/date of the following:
(I'm particularly interested in the apparent similarity in the numbers on the trigger groups/front right of receivers; I'm assuming those are marks from the "rebuilder")

M1 Garand:
Receiver:
U.S. Rifle
CAL 30 M1
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
30156XX
Front right of receiver under op-rod handle:
D 28291 34
Above that: looks like Y 0 8 B

Trigger group:
D28290-8-SA

Front of barrel:
BLUE SKY/ARLINGTON VA.
Rear of barrel:
2 S A 7 44

Bolt:
D28287-1 W.R.A. (Winchester, right?)

Op rod:
D 35382 SA


M1 Tanker:


Receiver:
U.S. Rifle
CAL 30 M1
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
10041XX
Front right of receiver under op-rod:
D 28291-17
Above that: looks like R 3 SS

Trigger group:
D28290-5-SA
Bottom plate inside rear: 24

Op rod:
35382 8 SA

Rear of barrel:
looks like Fed.Ord.Inc.S.E.M.CA 3006

Bolt: 6528287-SA
B-2-0

http://www.fulton-armory.com/tea/m1serial.htm

According to this, one receiver was made in 1942 and the other in 1944... does that sound right? Any info on the parts/barrels/etc?




Also found some good info here: http://www.northcapepubs.com/m1gar.htm

Well, from googling and searching old threads I've found that Blue Sky (later morphed into Arlington Ordnance) imported M1s and carbines from Korea (reimports) and some have had bad experience with them, while others have had no trouble. I guess I'll have to shoot it and see how it functions, eh?

BTW, I assume national match ammo is the proper pressure to run an M1? I have some 1962 vintage stuff.

For those (none) interested, the other ("Tanker"/T-26 replica) would seem to be a buildup by Federal Ordnance on a Springfield action, and has a similar (questionable) reputation. From what I've read, some hate the thought of them, some claim they're all "re-welds", some claim they're garbage, and the 2or 3 people I can find who actually have owned/shot them say they liked them and had no problem with them, and would buy another if they had the chance.

Hmmm.... I guess it all comes down to how they work, doesn't it? Hopefully I'll find out soon. What's a good place to buy M1 clips? I have a couple but would like some more.

I'd still like some feedback from gurus as to whether the document numbers on the receivers and receiver serial numbers seem to match up.

Thanks.

What's the difference between regular lake city and national match ammo? I have some of both.

Is the national match the 162 grain stuff (IIRC)? And regular military ball is 150 grain?

Thanks Jeff and Guy. Some good info.