HankB
Member
Well, as was discussed here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93236 I decided to get myself a CMP M1 - though I had seen other (alleged) CMP rifles that were in pretty grim condition, recent reports were sufficiently encouraging that I decided to take a chance.
I ordered a service grade Springfield Armory rifle, and I received it two weeks to the day after sending in my order. (I think that's really good service - Thanks, CMP!)
First impression - I think I got lucky.
There are only a few "dings" on the stock - just enough to add character - and the metal looks really nice. I'd venture to say that in general appearance, this rifle looks better than any of those I saw at the Austin gun show last week. The stock and handguards are well-matched, a rich, dark reddish-brown color - I see no reason to use the "Easy Off" or "Dishwasher" methods of stock refinishing I've read about.
Metal has only a trace of wear around the high points. There was no indication of what the throat and muzzle erosion measurements were, but the lands at the muzzle look clean and sharp, though there is a little copper fouling visible. A prism bore viewer seems to show a little roughness in one of the grooves near the throat - I'll have to see if it cleans up any. Otherwise the bore looks good. The only metal that's a little sub-par appears to be the buttplate, which has a somewhat speckled appearance.
A tag attached to the rifle has the letters SA G3 US written on one side, with TD on the other. Any ideas on the meaning?
The rifle appears to be mid-50's production, with SN 5,92x,xxx. The right side of the receiver (normally covered by the stock) has a T and an 8, with F6528291 below. (Drawing number?) The barrel has a large P, a space, and a T stamped in the side, followed by SA F6535448 10 55 A223A. There's a P and a smaller M following this number. (Is it possible it's still wearing the original barrel?)
Bolt is 6528287-SA with A15 below.
So it looks like these parts are all "correct" Springfield.
The other major parts: Op rod, 6535382 HRA; trigger housing, 6528290 HRA N; safety, HRA;
There's masking tape on both sides of the stock just above the buttplate, with the number "189" written on in magic marker. The tape is old and brittle - it's gonna be fun cleaning it off without messing up the stock.
There are only two cartouches on the stock - a "P" in a circle behind the trigger guard on the pistol grip, and a 1/2" square cartouche on the left side with 3 stars at the top above a stylized eagle.
If anyone can shed some light on this rifle's pedigree, probable date of manufacture or the meanings of the cartouches, I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks . . .
I ordered a service grade Springfield Armory rifle, and I received it two weeks to the day after sending in my order. (I think that's really good service - Thanks, CMP!)
First impression - I think I got lucky.
There are only a few "dings" on the stock - just enough to add character - and the metal looks really nice. I'd venture to say that in general appearance, this rifle looks better than any of those I saw at the Austin gun show last week. The stock and handguards are well-matched, a rich, dark reddish-brown color - I see no reason to use the "Easy Off" or "Dishwasher" methods of stock refinishing I've read about.
Metal has only a trace of wear around the high points. There was no indication of what the throat and muzzle erosion measurements were, but the lands at the muzzle look clean and sharp, though there is a little copper fouling visible. A prism bore viewer seems to show a little roughness in one of the grooves near the throat - I'll have to see if it cleans up any. Otherwise the bore looks good. The only metal that's a little sub-par appears to be the buttplate, which has a somewhat speckled appearance.
A tag attached to the rifle has the letters SA G3 US written on one side, with TD on the other. Any ideas on the meaning?
The rifle appears to be mid-50's production, with SN 5,92x,xxx. The right side of the receiver (normally covered by the stock) has a T and an 8, with F6528291 below. (Drawing number?) The barrel has a large P, a space, and a T stamped in the side, followed by SA F6535448 10 55 A223A. There's a P and a smaller M following this number. (Is it possible it's still wearing the original barrel?)
Bolt is 6528287-SA with A15 below.
So it looks like these parts are all "correct" Springfield.
The other major parts: Op rod, 6535382 HRA; trigger housing, 6528290 HRA N; safety, HRA;
There's masking tape on both sides of the stock just above the buttplate, with the number "189" written on in magic marker. The tape is old and brittle - it's gonna be fun cleaning it off without messing up the stock.
There are only two cartouches on the stock - a "P" in a circle behind the trigger guard on the pistol grip, and a 1/2" square cartouche on the left side with 3 stars at the top above a stylized eagle.
If anyone can shed some light on this rifle's pedigree, probable date of manufacture or the meanings of the cartouches, I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks . . .