Do I buy this M-1 Garand????

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DDawg

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First off I want to apologize because I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times.
I just came across something and I want some opinions and guidance on whether or not to move on this

What I'm looking for in a Garand is not some high value or rare collectors rifle. but the most accurate representation of this rifle that 'hopefully' saw service in WWII that is within my budget.... about $1,000. Preferably the rifle should be able to shoot, but mainly I want to own a piece of American history that I can pass down the the grand kids. I am trying to avoid frankenrifles, and old rattle traps as much as possible.

What I found at a local gun shop (where I have purchased new guns before and have no reason not trust) is this:
M-1 Garand
Springfield Armory
Ser# on back of receiver 2099619
has origional cleaning kit in the butt stock
not sure if stock is origional, no damage but definitely used.
no import markings anywhere (that I can see) dealer said he couldn't see any
dealer says the bore is good (I don't really know how to tell)
not sure of serial numbers on barrel.
not sure where the gun came from, but not CMP.
no visible damage or missing parts (that I can tell)

Price $799

This may not be a whole lot of data, but I'm looking for more of a first impression gut feeling. Based on your experience does this sound like something that you would seriously want to investigate? or some thing I should put down some cash to hold?

I'm confident the dealer knows what he's doing so I'm not expecting a deal of the century.
What are some quick things you would look at that would tell you more about this gun? or Questions you would ask.

Once again sorry if this has been asked a lot, but if it is a good deal then I would hate to loose it.

Thanks for your help
DD
 
I can’t really comment the particular gun you described but if you really want a piece of history, order one from CMP. Service grades are only $595 and it might be exactly what you are looking for. Plus, if you are not a Garand expert you don’t have to worry about over-paying when you buy from CMP. The Garand in your local shop might be a great deal but I would be cautious unless you know exactly what you are looking at. If you wanted a really nice Garand, get a correct grade from CMP for $950. Plus, nothing better than having some WWII goodness delivered to your front door :D.

http://www.thecmp.org/m1garand.htm

Trust me, the paperwork is worth it.
 
As Winston said, if you are not a garand expert go the CMP route. It will take longer, but you won't get screwed either on price or the quality of the unit. There is a lot of junk on the market such as rewelds and etc.

I could not be happier with my H&R Service grade I got this year.
 
If the barrel is original to the receiver then its probably a good deal, if not then go with the CMP.
I don't have my book handy, but IIRC 2.1 mil would be a late '43 or early '44.
 
"If the barrel is original to the receiver then its probably a good deal"

How do I tell, or where do I look on barrell??
 
+1` on the CMP -- and if you're in Georgia, go to the CMP South Store in Alabama and actually select your rifle to get a receiver that's actual WW2 vintage. The two I've purchased from CMP dated from Feb 42 and Sept 40 -- neither weapon was 100% correct parts-wise for WW2 service, but that's just dates on parts, nothing on either rifle would be anachronistic for WW2 service (unlike a re-arsenaled M1 carbine, for instance).
 
Well… that serial puts it in 1943 sometime late October early November. (see: http://www.jouster.com/serial/Springfield.html). So there MAY be some service in it.

As to the bore, there are others who can give you a better summary on what is should look like and how to do a very substandard field check of the muzzle with a round (if the shop will let you… the probably won’t). But if it’s not shinny with defined rifling and you want a shooter, you may want to say no.

If you are willing to roll the dice on WWII issue, you can go the CMP route and for only a bit more (and in your budget) get a blessed and pure Garand. There is always a field trip to the CMP South Store if you want to make a pilgrimage.

But beware! If you got the CMP by mail route you get addicted to the trucks pulling up to your house with goodies. First it’s a Garand. Then a Carbine... Then you are pacing waiting for your C&R. Then before you know it, you are wondering where you are going to stash the new Mosin that you had to get because you didn’t have a Tula from that year.

How do I tell, or where do I look on barrell??
Click to expand...

Pull back back the operating rod handle and look at the exposed area of the barrel. there will be a SN there.
 
The Correct grades are all from the mid-late 50s.

You can include a polite note with your order, asking for a WWII serial number. They pick your rifle from pallets stacked 10 rifles to a layer. If that WWII serial number is in the TOP layer, they will probably honor your request. They say they won't dig below the top layer.

But other parts will probably be post-war. Stock might be a new replacement.

They honored my request for a WWII rifle. My Service Grade is in the 2.4 million range, and the bolt is correct for that period. The barrel is dated 1955, and of course the sights are the post-war upgrade. Trigger group is HRA (post-war) with stamped trigger guard, of course. Gas cylinder lock is the "no hump" type, i.e., wartime. And the stock is a very nice, brand-new replacement. Also, somebody, probably the Greeks, re-parkerized it very nicely.

I'm very happy with this rifle, but don't expect a WWII museum piece. History didn't stop for these fine old rifles with VJ Day. Every post-war modification, including the new stock, is an honorable addition to the rifle's history.

These rifles continued to give service right through the Cold War.
 
Has anyone been to the CMP South Store lately?? Do they have a decent selection?
 
YES!

If you want to know more about what's in the South store try the forums over at odcmp.com. You can usually find 2-3 guys that were there the day before you posted. :)

FWIW - I see CMP guns going for about what you posted around here. I was VERY happy with my CMP purchase(s)
 
I haven't been to the South Store in a while, but every time I've been there they have several aisles of Garands out on the floor (couple hundred guns, maybe?). Plus carbines and the other stuff they sell.
 
Quote:
How do I tell, or where do I look on barrell??
Pull back back the operating rod handle and look at the exposed area of the barrel. there will be a SN there.
Click to expand...

CORRECTION.... There will be a part-drawing number, date of manufacture (Month-year), and makers initials.

The only serial number on the M1 rifle is on the heel of the receiver. There are no "matching numbers" on an M1. Parts "correctness" must be determined by comparing the drawing & revision numbers of major parts to referrence tables as to when these parts were used and what serials (Receiver only.) were made during that time frame.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever
 
Thanks for all the help, I think I'm gonna pass on this Garand.. Buy some of Scott Duffs Books, then head to CMP.

DD
 
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