Hello. I'm new to this forum and wanted to share this M1 Garand story. My 35 year old son has been a history buff for many years. And of course he has watched all the WWII movies, both real and movie screen i.e. Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers etc. But the one thing that always caught his eye was the M1 Garand. And he always said he wished he could at least shoot one, to know what it's like to feel its power, to respect it, to pay honor to those who had to use it, and to hear that famous "ping" sound upon clip ejection.
Well, at 35, he will be graduating with his masters degree in spring of 2012 and I really wanted to get him something special. Something he would appreciate and keep for the years to come. And so I found a really nice M1 with a serial number placing it manufactured in March, 1943. I found it on Gunbroker.com and I think I got a good deal at 750.00. Of course, it has the etching on the barrel tip of CIA Imports, but otherwise it looks to be absolutely in original condition and in pefect working order. I do find it odd that the forearm is of a different color wood but knowing furniture like I do, it looks to be original b/c the wood has discolored where it meets up with the holding rings; a good sign that it has aged right along with the rest of the wood. The stock is walnut, the forearm is a bit lighter wood but is a hardwood for sure. All markings seem to be correct i.e. SA on working parts but no marking on the butt plate. It passes the bullet test also.
I also have a 1943 UFH bayonet and scabbord coming along with a full bandoleer of '43 ammo and clips to complete the package.
I could have given him a watch, or a gadget/widget etc, but who in the world gets a true piece of history like an M1 Garand?
He will never hunt with this rifle. He will surely run a clip or two through it, but otherwise it will be a keepsake. Just thought this was a good story of a proud dad getting his son something special from a very special time and generation in our history.
Thanks for letting me share it with you. Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. I would love to gently clean up the wood a bit, maybe with tung oil or Formby's wood cleaner/feeder. Thoughts? Anything else to look for?
I look forward to being a part of The Highroad!
Well, at 35, he will be graduating with his masters degree in spring of 2012 and I really wanted to get him something special. Something he would appreciate and keep for the years to come. And so I found a really nice M1 with a serial number placing it manufactured in March, 1943. I found it on Gunbroker.com and I think I got a good deal at 750.00. Of course, it has the etching on the barrel tip of CIA Imports, but otherwise it looks to be absolutely in original condition and in pefect working order. I do find it odd that the forearm is of a different color wood but knowing furniture like I do, it looks to be original b/c the wood has discolored where it meets up with the holding rings; a good sign that it has aged right along with the rest of the wood. The stock is walnut, the forearm is a bit lighter wood but is a hardwood for sure. All markings seem to be correct i.e. SA on working parts but no marking on the butt plate. It passes the bullet test also.
I also have a 1943 UFH bayonet and scabbord coming along with a full bandoleer of '43 ammo and clips to complete the package.
I could have given him a watch, or a gadget/widget etc, but who in the world gets a true piece of history like an M1 Garand?
He will never hunt with this rifle. He will surely run a clip or two through it, but otherwise it will be a keepsake. Just thought this was a good story of a proud dad getting his son something special from a very special time and generation in our history.
Thanks for letting me share it with you. Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. I would love to gently clean up the wood a bit, maybe with tung oil or Formby's wood cleaner/feeder. Thoughts? Anything else to look for?
I look forward to being a part of The Highroad!
