M1 Garand: Springfield or Harrington & Richardson?
- Thread starter TCW
- Start date
- Status
No difference at all. Both weapons were made by government contractors. You can't go wrong either way. If you are looking for a shooter and not a collector piece you may want to go with the HR simply because the HRs were made in the early 1950s and might have seen less use than an SA which might have seen action in WW2 as well as Korea. However, it's just luck of the draw since most of these weapons have been rebuilt at least once anyway. If you go with the SA, you might wind up getting a nice SA rebuild or one of the later SAs made in the late 50s or early 60s. You pays your money and you takes your chances. 
All that being said, I prefer SAs. Mostly because I had the good fortune of touring the former SA site in Springfield Mass. It was almost a religious experience for a Garand nut like myself.
All that being said, I prefer SAs. Mostly because I had the good fortune of touring the former SA site in Springfield Mass. It was almost a religious experience for a Garand nut like myself.
jefnvk
Member
Springfield. No H&R's were made for WWII, so to me, a Springfield holds more value. That is how I went anyways. When I was picking and choosing through the racks, there wasn't a very noticable difference is condition between the two, there were good and crappy examples of both.
If you are mail ordering, I would definitely reccomend getting a Service grade. There were just too many beater racks for me to take a chance, anyways.
And the real difference is that they were made in two different places
If you are mail ordering, I would definitely reccomend getting a Service grade. There were just too many beater racks for me to take a chance, anyways.
And the real difference is that they were made in two different places
jefnvk
Member
Well in that case go ahead. The gun won't have any real historical value, so I'd go with what is cheaper.
Just a note on the Greeks, you may want to put a new stock on it if you are doing other work. Lots of repaired stocks from what I seen. THen again, my buddy got one with a brand new stock that just needed finishing.
Just a note on the Greeks, you may want to put a new stock on it if you are doing other work. Lots of repaired stocks from what I seen. THen again, my buddy got one with a brand new stock that just needed finishing.
Cortland
Member
Well, for it's worth the stock on my service grade Greek was in great condition. There are few small dents, and it was horribly stained and discolored, but nothing that a little steam and TSP couldn't fix.
stevenorlando
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2009
- Messages
- 3
What is a "rack grade" Garand?
I came across this ad:
"Springfield Armory M1 Garand CMP , complete w/ box, H&R 1954 mfr, rack grade. She’s all there. $799"
First of all, is that a good price, second what is a "rack grade" However, the stock wasn't in that great a condition
Steve
Hello All!Thanks for the info! I'm going for a rack grade, because I'm re-barreling it (Wilson .308) and getting a parkerizing job. Probably getting a Greek
I came across this ad:
"Springfield Armory M1 Garand CMP , complete w/ box, H&R 1954 mfr, rack grade. She’s all there. $799"
First of all, is that a good price, second what is a "rack grade" However, the stock wasn't in that great a condition
Steve
stevenorlando
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2009
- Messages
- 3
"rack grade"
Hello All,
I found this on the CMP website:
"RACK GRADE: (Fair)
Rack Grade Rifles. Most of these rifles have been refinished or rebuilt at least once while in military service and will likely have some parts from other manufacturers. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the finish; there may be some minor pitting on the metal parts; wood will be basically sound but may be well used with minor hairline cracks, poor fit, and many dings, scratches and gouges; wood may not match in color, type of wood or condition. These rifles may have some foreign parts and wood may be Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety. Rifles do not have import marks. Bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections; the barrel crown may be nicked, and the muzzle may gauge more than “3” on muzzle gauge. The Throat Erosion will gauge more than “5”The overall appearance and condition of the rack grade will generally be rougher than any other grade. Fair condition. "
I assume that is what is meant by "rack grade"
Steve
Hello All,
I found this on the CMP website:
"RACK GRADE: (Fair)
Rack Grade Rifles. Most of these rifles have been refinished or rebuilt at least once while in military service and will likely have some parts from other manufacturers. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the finish; there may be some minor pitting on the metal parts; wood will be basically sound but may be well used with minor hairline cracks, poor fit, and many dings, scratches and gouges; wood may not match in color, type of wood or condition. These rifles may have some foreign parts and wood may be Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety. Rifles do not have import marks. Bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections; the barrel crown may be nicked, and the muzzle may gauge more than “3” on muzzle gauge. The Throat Erosion will gauge more than “5”The overall appearance and condition of the rack grade will generally be rougher than any other grade. Fair condition. "
I assume that is what is meant by "rack grade"
Steve
gc70
Member
stevenorlando said:
That's a good trick - a Springfield Armory H&R rifle. The rifle was either made by Springfield Armory or by Harrington & Richardson Arms, but certainly not both.
Since you can buy SA or H&R field grade rifles (the grade better than rack grade) directly from the CMP for $495, the price stinks.
Both of mine are 1950s HRA in excellent condition. One is still as is from CMP with all the paper works service grade. THe other one is a Greek return which ive shot a few times and even used it to put down a hog. I also installed Schuster Adjustable gas plug on it.
I wish i have a Springfield but i already moved to other interest. From my experience, they all shoot the same and main thing to get is it should have a tight bore and no sloppy bolt .
I wish i have a Springfield but i already moved to other interest. From my experience, they all shoot the same and main thing to get is it should have a tight bore and no sloppy bolt .
dprice3844444
member
check out criterion barrels,you can get them match grade and chrome lined.
MtnSpur
Member
Springfield Armory M1 Garand Rework
My father-in-law had an Arlington Ordinance Rework Springfield Armory M1 Garand that had a "dip & hang" replacement stock in a dark stain that wasn't sanded but rough. I believe he got it in the 70's? for about $100 and change. The stock was ill fitted and the operating rod rubbed hard on the inside. When we inherited the weapon I took her apart and very carefully sanded the offending wood where the operating rod was sliding against. Then refinished the stock and both front and rear handguards. Her present condition and she feeds and fires flawlessly:
My father-in-law had an Arlington Ordinance Rework Springfield Armory M1 Garand that had a "dip & hang" replacement stock in a dark stain that wasn't sanded but rough. I believe he got it in the 70's? for about $100 and change. The stock was ill fitted and the operating rod rubbed hard on the inside. When we inherited the weapon I took her apart and very carefully sanded the offending wood where the operating rod was sliding against. Then refinished the stock and both front and rear handguards. Her present condition and she feeds and fires flawlessly:
Last edited:
vanfunk
Member
My service grade H&R came from the CMP entirely correct, except the gas plug. For $620, I got a pristine, collector grade rifle shipped to my door. Can't beat the CMP!
Vanfunk
Vanfunk
Tim the student
Member
Holy old thread Batman!
Steven, welcome to THR.
As has been noted, it is a good trick. It is one or the other, not both. But, it may have parts from all manufacturers. The name on the receiver is the one that counts.
That price sucks, IMO.
If it was initially a rack grade, I see no reason to think that it has been much improved. You can get them far cheaper from the CMP - and the CMP actually has great CS. Does this seller have good CS? Maybe, but I'd trust the CMP more.
You can get a great rifle (with great CS to back it up) and a case of ammo for less than that from the CMP.
Steven, welcome to THR.
As has been noted, it is a good trick. It is one or the other, not both. But, it may have parts from all manufacturers. The name on the receiver is the one that counts.
That price sucks, IMO.
If it was initially a rack grade, I see no reason to think that it has been much improved. You can get them far cheaper from the CMP - and the CMP actually has great CS. Does this seller have good CS? Maybe, but I'd trust the CMP more.
You can get a great rifle (with great CS to back it up) and a case of ammo for less than that from the CMP.
Double Vision
Member
The CMP is the way to go when shopping for an M1. Good luck!
Sunray
Member
OP is 6 years old.
- Status