New Garand to me! ??????

[moodyholler]

I purchased a 308 garand today. Serial number 233xxx, Springfield. Barrel marked under op rod "7.62 NATO" "MK 11" 10-51 or 61 stamp is almost illegible. What do I have? Bore is minty. I see no signs of a chamber insert but it could be there. Is it ok to shoot? Thanks, moodyholler

 

[secluded]

Should be fine to shoot and should not have a chamber insert. These were placed in the barrels/chambers of -06 rifles to shoot 7.62 NATO. If there was an insert in the chamber you would also have a block in the magazine to assist in feeding the shorter .308 round. Seeing as how your is marked 7.62 NATO it shows it was rebarreled so no insert was necessary. BTW - The chamber inserts were found "unsatisfactory" according to Bruce Canfields "Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine" book (Awesome read BTW).

The barrel stamp is most likely a "'61" since the new barrels were not made in 7.62 NATO in the 50's. These were originally done by Springfield for a Navy contract to convert thier Garands.

If in doubt have a competent gunsmith check it out first.

Have fun!