CMP M1 Garand Service Grade

I took one of the armorers suggestion on what to use to finish my walnut stock, and used Fairtrimmers.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=79056/pid=42368/Product/MILITARY_OX_WOOD_FINISH__1_2_PINT

I didn't have to strip mine, as it was new wood. It was dry, and now looks perfect.

I didn't have to strip mine, as it was new wood. It was dry, and now looks perfect.

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Thanks for the link Kentucky Jelly, but we need photos.

Its here!!

Drum roll please......

Dated 5-55 I think I scored. Wood looks USGI and is in great shape! Muzzle and Throat measured 1+

Now how the heck do I get this wax like grease off it all?

This is the only marking on the stock, can anyone tell me anything about it?

Nice looking rifle, the stamped numbers are rack numbers

Does that mean anything important? I didnt buy this rifle to sit and look purty so I dont care if its anything special but I would hate to ruin something collectable or something that holds value to someone.

Nope just a number to identify a rifle as it sets in a rack instead of looking at serial number. Stock may not even belong on that rifle.
The numbers have no collector value

Thanks for the info, I would hate myself if I ruined a piece of history.

Re cleaning: I took all the wood off (careful with the top piece held in place by the spring clip it's delicate).

then using a Scrunge pad and Krudd Kutter I sprayed it down liberally (drown it!) and gently scrubbed in the direction of the grain. Use a pistol cleaning rod, some old shotgun mops rags and paper towels to push the grease out of holes and spaces. after repeating this several times I rinsed it in warm water and Murphy's Oil Soap and repeated the whole process several times until the water that came off was clean. Final rinse in plain warm water and dry with paper towels as best you can

Let it dry gently and thoroughly at least overnight. Gently with the grain rub it down with 000 steel wool making sure not to obliterate any proof marks.

Applied a 50/50 Pure Tung Oil (PTO) and odorless mineral spirits 5 coats waiting 12 hrs between coats. Applied 3 coats PTO waiting 36 hrs between coats and rubbing down each coat.

When last coat is dry wipe down and buff with a soft rag.

383-Run down to your nearest Wally and get a spray can of their lowest priced brake cleaner fluid in the automotive section. Strip the rifle down to its basic parts and spray the fluid on all wood and metal. I peels off all the cosmoline and misc crud. Use the whole can on about 3 separte applications. Wipe it down each time with some old cotton cloth. Once dry you can lightly sand any rough spots or simply steel wool the wood. When done apply whatever finish you choose. Nothing too shinney.

CZguy
This is after 1 coat, and had it out shooting with muddy hands. Will post more pics after a fresh coat or two.

Thanks Kentucky Jelly.

Order Update

I got my initial or "Don't Bother Us" e-mail today. I sent my order first class (not priority) on Friday, April 08. I'm surprised to get my order confirmation only six days later.

I'll continue posting updates to give others an idea of processing time.

I think I need some help... I was cleaning all the metal this morning and was hoping to reassemble so I could go shoot it tomorrow morning when something bad happened.... I was wiping goo off of the op rod spring and.... it broke in half right in my hands. I thought I was being gentle but I guess not. I have called every gunsmith and shop in my area and they all say the same thing, call Lee's. Problem is they are only open tue-thur and if I wanted the spring on tue I would order it tue. There is a gun show 30-40 minutes away in Mesquite this weekend but after the drive, admission, and cost of the part I am into it for at least $30. Anyone know of a place in the DFW area that could help today?

$ 7.00 at Brownells. You could do expedited shipping if you need it ASAP.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=38877/Product/M1_GARAND_OPERATING_ROD_SPRING

Thanks for the link.

Theres a place just south and one north of here that have it, problem is they arent open today. I can go monday morning and get it but that means I cant shoot tomorrow like I had hoped.

Do not buy Wolff Op Rod springs as they are heavy duty and are known to cause short stroking.
I suggest ordering one from Orion 7. I know you are wanting to shoot now but you are better off ordering the right spring the first time

Yeah your right, besides the stock could use another coat or two of tung oil while I'm waiting. Who's Orion 7?

Do not buy Wolff Op Rod springs as they are heavy duty and are known to cause short stroking.
I suggest ordering one from Orion 7. I know you are wanting to shoot now but you are better off ordering the right spring the first time

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Orlando has given good advice. Plus one on Orion 7 springs for M1s. They are the best.

Those Orion 7 springs look very nice! I will order 4 Monday morning and change out the springs in my Rifles. I have been wanting to change the op rod spring in my M1s as preventative maintenance, considering their age.

I know the Wolff springs are too strong.

How are the Fulton Armory Springs? http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=38877/Product/M1_GARAND_OPERATING_ROD_SPRING

Dont know anything about Fultons. Personally I dont do business with them

I called Orion 7 Monday and had a new spring along with a small parts kit at my door on Wednesday. Great looking product and great guy to deal with, we had a nice chat and he really knows his stuff. Off to the range to shoot it for the first time after its rebirth, I have a feeling Im going to start the paperwork for another as soon as I get home.

Order Open

After sending my order on April 08, CMP received it on April 11, and I received my "DPU" email on April 14. Today (May 05), I finally have an "order open" on my CMP account. Now I wait for the e-mail that says my rifles have been shipped!

It has been 21 days since I received my initial email. I hope this gives y'all an idea of current processing time.

sweet! pics when it gets there.