Garand handguard question (Garand experts)

[Fburgtx]

I purchased two front M1 Garand handguards this past weekend at the gun show. Both are in nice condition and both are walnut. I'm not putting them on a "correct" rifle, so I'm not that concerned about the maker, but I was curious.

One is a rather slim profile and also happens to have the ferrule screwed to the back. The other is more "proud" around the front ferrule, and doesn't have the ferrule screwed to the back (nor does it have any screw holes).

I haven't had the chance to invest in any books which show the different variations, but I would appreciate any info that someone could give me regarding this variation. Why do some have the rear ferrule screwed on, while some are just a "slip" fit?? Don't have any pictures, but could post some if necessary. Thanks!!

 

[nbkky71]

The screws in the handguard is a method used in accurizing the M1 rifle. In match/accurized rifles, the front handguard is 'floated' from the barrel and the screws are used to provide strength & support.

 

[Swampy]

fburg,

nbkky is correct. The one with the screws was used on an accurized M1 at one time. The other one sounds like an aftermarket commercial handguard.

Best,
Swampy

Garands forever
2007 NRA Missouri State 600 yard Service Rifle Champion.... with an M1

 

[30Cal]

There's a good chance that the match modified handguard has no liner. You NEVER pick up a match M1 by the upper HG because they're easy to crack or bust the screws/glue loose. Frankly, they're a little delicate.

Such a handguard would not be legal under the as-issued rules used for the CMP JC Garand Match.

 

[Fburgtx]

Actually, they both have liners. I thought perhaps the one with the screws was a later variation or something. They both appear to be original manufacture (1940's-1950's). Thanks for the input!

 

[marlena]

My brother recently died and among his personal effects was a commendation to my father who was a POW of the Japanese and then served in Korea. He died in 1960. The commendation signed by President Harry Truman. I think that it was for the development of a "cold weather trigger" for the M1 rifle during the Korean War (I was a child when he died.) Could this be accurate? Marlena

 

[Swampy]

My brother recently died and among his personal effects was a commendation to my father who was a POW of the Japanese and then served in Korea. He died in 1960. The commendation signed by President Harry Truman. I think that it was for the development of a "cold weather trigger" for the M1 rifle during the Korean War (I was a child when he died.) Could this be accurate? Marlena

Marlena....

Depends on who your father was and did he have any involvement with M1 developement or any of the US arsenals.

I'd contact Scott Duff. He's one of the top M1 authorities on it's history and developement.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever
2007 NRA Missouri State 600 yard Service Rifle Champion... with an M1

 

[30Cal]

Bill Ricca knows a ton about the various M1 accoutraments. Both he and Duff have websites.

 

[marlena]

Thanks for the information on Scott Duff and Bill Ricca. I will try their websites. I am a history teacher and in doing research on the weapons used during WW II I came across a narrative that told about how although the American soldiers loved the M1 for a variety of reasons, the trigger would freeze in the extremely cold temperatures where some of the fighting took place in Europe. To cope with this, solders would urinate on their weapons to get them to fire again. This chicked with my memory of my fathers's work on the development of a "cold weather trigger" for the M1 during the Korean War I had heard about as a child. I have tried to find information on this and found this website by accident. Thanks again for your help. I shoot sporting clays and have a 28 guage over and under Caesar Guerini, but have little knowledge of other weapons so this has been a big help. Marlena