H&R or Springfield Garand?

[GRIZ22]

I have 2 late (1955) Springfields and a H&R (1956). As Vern said these late M1s had all the improvements made. M1s got better as they made them and the high SNs were the best.

The H&R I recently got from CMP came with a new Boyd's stock that is very tight. CMP did the equivalent of a bedding job for the price of a SG.

 

[dscottw88]

This is a tough decision, I'm still fifty fifty.

 

[shootr]

Re it being a tough decision - best part is, there's no wrong answer. They're great rifles. If it's in the budget, you might consider a correct grade, as it'll be in better shape.

 

[dscottw88]

I would get a correct grade, but I'm just so tired of waiting and I would hate to take the time to save a little more and find out that they ran out so I couldn't even get one.

 

[S4Lee]

Hey, guys... I went and looked at the M1 I was eyeing the other day again.

The stock actually looks like it's in pretty good shape. Some wear and minor scratches, but no major gouges. There's a tag on the rifle that says:
Throat Guage 2
Barrel 3-65

The SN is about 1.6M, and I think it was built in late 1942. The metal also looks to be in good condition (no visible rust), and the action is smooth. They're asking $900 for it.

I was considering a Correct grade from CMP, but I'm almost tempted to go for the local rifle for about the same price (w/ tax) rather than taking chances. I don't know exactly what the numbers above mean. Throat Guage = Throat Erosion, I'm guessing, but what does the Barrel number mean? Would these values be considered 'good'?

Thanks for any help!

 

[dmftoy1]

Usually there's 2 numbers, TE and ME (Throat Erosion and Muzzle Erosion). If I remember correctly a 2 on TE is pretty good. I'm sure the guys over at odcmp.com could answer it for you though. FWIW.

Regards,
Dave

 

[nolyaw]

You would not be taking a 'chance' on the correct grade; I was at the CMP north store a couple of weeks ago, and the 30 or so Correct grades I was able to view were *beautiful*. You would be happy with what you got, believe me.

 

[Gator]

Throat Guage 2
Barrel 3-65

A reading of "2" for TE is like new barrel. New barrels run from 0-3. A more important (as far as accuracy) measurement is the ME.

3-65 is the date the barrel was made, so obviously the rifle has been rebuilt. The correct grade from the CMP will hold its value and is a better buy.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The barrel number means it was rebarreled with a barrel made in March of 1965 -- probably in the last arsenal re-work in the US (if this rifle didn't come from overseas -- the Greeks and Danes kept their M1s in service a bit longer.)