I've revealed my love affair with the 1903 Springfield, but have an even closer affinity to the M1 Garand. Although I never owned it, this particular rifle holds very special memories for me. It is a Springfield National Match M1 Garand issued to me in 1961/62. Unfortunately, Uncle Sam wanted it back when I was no longer in his employ.
This particular rifle is a Springfield, SN 537445, which according to
http://www.fulton-armory.com/faqs/M1G-FAQs/tea/m1serial.htm was manufactured in March of 1944. With that date of manufacture, I doubt it first left Springfield as a NM rifle, but who knows?
When it came into my hands, it appeared to be brand new, complete with the 1/2 minute NM sights and NM stamped on the barrel. It was, however, not glass bedded. Lacking the tools to remedy that, we cut strips of wet or dry sandpaper, folded them to expose cutting surface on both sides to fit between the trigger group and stock to assure a good, tight fit in stock. Not as good a bedding, but field expedient.
I know the odds are slim to none, but CMP now has a lookout for this number, advises that it has not passed through DCM as of this time but promised to notify me if it ever should show up there.
In the meantime, I'll have to be content to fondle it's adopted twin, which left DCM as a service grade but which I accurized to NM standards (w/original service rifle barrel). It is glass bedded and shoots every bit as well as old 537445 today, with the aid of the 3X scope pictured in post #13 above.
Not holding my breath but will be very happy if the day ever comes for a reunion with this old friend.
Regards,
hps