M1 Garand Purchase Help please!

[Birdmang]

I don't know much about M1 Garands. I want to buy one. I know about the CMP, and I also have one on hold at a local shop. I took some pictures and looked for markings on it.

This is the picture of the heel marking.



Here is one of the bore.



And the bolt face.






On the right side of the sight adjustment it says "DRC"

When the op rod is pulled back, on the barrel it says "SA 6535448 12 65 MD53"

I had a friend check the "throat size" I believe he said, and I forgot what numbers or measurements he used but he said it was a long way before they re-barrel them at the CMP. I also believe this is a CMP Garand rebuild.

The Op rod is black if that makes a difference.


Now I want one but I don't mind looking around or waiting. The asking price is $625.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[longdayjake]

It is probably worth the $625.

The barrel is newer and probably pretty good. However, that is not a picture of the bore.

 

[cuervo]

The rifle was made in 1942 and re-barreled sometime around early 1966 (Dec 1955 barrel).

Many rifles were overhauled and sold over the years. CMP may mix-and-match parts, but it was probably done at least once long before it went to CMP (or its predecessor, DCM).

You could pull the receiver from the wood to look for a rebuild mark, or look for any stampings on the stock, but probably not worth it.

Look near the end of the barrel to verify it is not a "Blue Sky" import.

The two measurements you're thinking of are throat erosion and muzzle wear. The shop should be able to measure these for you if they have a smith on site.

$625 is a comparable to a service grade from CMP without the wait, so if it's not an import, I'd probably go for it.

DRC is just the mfg of the rear sight knob. The barrel is also a Springfield. Most other parts may still be Springfield or mix-and-match depending on its history.

hth

 

[Birdmang]

Thanks for the responses.

So if it says "Blue Sky Import" near the end of the barrel its a no go?

 

[cuervo]

Blue Sky rifles were imported from Korea about 30 years ago--usually not in the best of shape mechanically even if they looked good on the outside.

If it is a Blue Sky, I would have someone check it out before buying. Not necessarily a pass, just requires a more thorough check before accepting. Definitely check head space if it is Blue Sky, as well as throat and muzzle wear.

 

[Orlando]

Dont even consider buying without atleast Muzzle measuremenst. This is something that needs to be done with the proper gauge for a accruate reading
If its a Import Marked rifle deduct $100.00

 

[smince]

Best shooting Garand I ever owned was a 'Blue Sky' but it had been checked out first.

 

[Birdmang]

I will have it measured again today and return with the results.

 

[USSR]

Birdmang,

Take a M2 ball round and insert the tip of the bullet into the muzzle. If there is 3/16 - 1/4" of bullet showing between the muzzle and the case mouth, then (assuming the rifling is good), you have a good barrel and I would recommend you buy that Garand. The replacement barrels the gov't used during the 65-66 rebuilds are noted for their accuracy.

Don