Production date of an M1?

[mpthole]

I just bought my first M1 Garand, and man is she a beaut! I'd like to find out the production date of it, but am coming up empty on my web searches. It's a Springfield Armory, with a serial number 10099xxx.

**edited**
I just found this link that goes to this PDF. Looks like mine is a newer, commercial production. Oh well.

 

[cracked butt]

You have 1 too many digits there but try this chart:

http://www.jouster.com/serial/Springfield.html

 

[cracked butt]

 

[dscottw88]

I wish i could help but unfortunately i'm not Garand expert, not yet anyways. I'll get my own Garand some day... I am hearing people say that the ammo these days is too "hot" for the rifle though. what does this mean? and how would one fix it?

 

[30Cal]

I wish i could help but unfortunately i'm not Garand expert, not yet anyways. I'll get my own Garand some day... I am hearing people say that the ammo these days is too "hot" for the rifle though. what does this mean? and how would one fix it?

The operating rod is really long and if you push too hard on that piston (heavy bullets and/or slow burning powders), it can get bent or worse, make a really big splintery mess out of the rifle. Stay with bullets under 180grs and IMR4064 or faster powders. The commercial match loads (168grs) should be fine as well as 150grFMJ. When in doubt, call the manufacturer and ask if a particular load is Garand-appropriate.

There are vented gas plugs which give you more flexibility as far as ammo.

Ty

 

[mpthole]

LOL at Cracked Butt!

I was pretty tired last night when I wrote down the # and posted it. I'll double check tonight after work and try to get some pics up.

 

[mpthole]

Ok, here it is. You were right, I had one too many digits!

hi-res

so, best I can surmise is that it was made in Jan '43. Don't know if was ever issued... still pretty cool if you ask me.

 

[Marion Cobretti]

Most likely December 1942.

Considering it is a WWII date, it has probably been rebuilt one or more times.
Unissued, not very likely. A good way to determine this would be to pull back the op rod and look for the date on the side of the barrel.

 

[mpthole]

More...

 

[Marion Cobretti]

Definitely a rebuild, you have a Winchester safety. Still looks very nice though. Get out and see how it shoots!

 

[GarandOwner]

GREASE THAT GARAND!! The picture of the right side of the receiver shows that all of the grease has been cleaned off and no lubricant is replaced on the Operating rod track.....Included for your viewing pleasure is a diagram that shows all the places you need to grease on your Garand. not lubricating can cause failures and causes excessive wear on the metal.

This diagram came out of the US army field manual FM 23-5 for the U.S. Rifle Caliber .30, M1


And according to the Book " The M1 Garand: WWII" Written by noted historian Scott Duff : your rifle was made in January 1943

 

[Sunray]

The receiver was definitely made in 1942. The Springfield Research Service still does Date Of Manufacture on-line, but nothing else without paying for it.
http://armscollectors.com/sn/usmildates.htm

 

[cracked butt]

Very nice rifle.

What's the make and date of the barrel? You can view it by locking the oprod back and viewing the exposed portion of the barrel.

 

[mpthole]

The last two digits on the barrel are "44"

GarandOwner: I put some LSA on it. I'll think I'll be ordering that accessory package from m1GarandRifle.com. In the meantime I have an NRA book on rifles that ought to help me in the maintenance and cleaning of it.

Thanks all!

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Order some of the Greek ammo on clips from the CMP. It is a fantastic deal and the ammo was purpose-built (to VERY high standards of quality) for the M-1.

As said, watch for heavy (over 165 g) commercial loads and faster powders.
Many are OK to use, but the correct ammo is plentiful right now and cheaper that it ever will be again. Cheaper that dirt and others are selling that same Greek ammo at a slight markup from cmp, too.

Enjoy your rifle!

 

[Zap_Branigan]

is that a service grade or a field grade? I havnt decided which grade to buy yet, but good lord thats a real beauty of a rifle right there.

 

[mpthole]

Neither, that I know of. It was purchased through a friend-of-a-friend. I think it was sitting in someone's sister's closet for the last 30 years. It's going to take me some time to get the story on this rifle as I don't see the guy very often.

 

[Swampy]

As said, watch for heavy (over 165 g) commercial loads and faster powders.

CORRECTION: Anything up to 180 grains is OK in the M1.... and you should not shoot any powder that is SLOWER (not faster) than IMR-4320.

Both slower powders and heaveir bullets have the effect of flattening the pressure curve, which raises the tail of the curve (Where the bullet passes the gas port.) to a point above design spec. This could be damaging to the M1 rifles gas system.

BY the way, mpthole.... nice rifle. Rebuilt for certain... just like 99% of them. Two big giveaways without even seeing the markings on any of the parts.... the birch replacement buttstock comes from late 50's & 60's... and the rear sight is the post WWII version put on all older rifles during arsenal re-works.

Best,
Swampy

Garands forever