Would you buy? (pics)

[Glock19Fan]

Hello.

I have come across this rifle in my search for an M1 Garand. He wants $750 for it. He doesnt know TE or ME, but said someone told him is was all SA matching parts, and that when a round is put in the muzzle, the case doesnt come close to the crown. Made in Sep 44, comes with 12 enbloc clips, and Duffs M1 Garand book.

Here are the pictures.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3637/garand1wb6.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7899/garand2rd3.jpg
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4686/garand3ca4.jpg
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2764/garand4ld3.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5862/garand5hu0.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6265/garand6dn4.jpg
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7783/garand7kj0.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9395/garand8en3.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6350/garand9pl0.jpg
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/86/garand10kw0.jpg

Should I pick or pass?

Thanks!

BTW this is a FTF sale, no fees.

 

[Vaarok]

Fair market, it's not a deal nor a ripoff.

 

[iamkris]

Well, there are much better Garand experts out there than me (so I don't mind if someone refutes some of the statements I make) but here's my take:

* Overall looks like a good clean Garand...I've definitely seen better but I've also definitely seen worse
* The wood is about what I've seen on service grades and rack grades...my last service grade came with wood about like that. It does have a nice strong cartouche on it
* The all matching SA is nice...not every Garand is of non-mixed heritage
* The metal seems a bit worn and pitted for a service grade...I'd place it in the field/rack category
* The biggest determinant of grade is TE/ME...tough to tell from the description (is it me, though, or does the barrel look in very good condition? Maybe a newish rebarrel?)
* It appears to have a National Match operating rod...that's a plus.
* Price isn't completely out of line from what you'd see at a gun show
* The Duff's book is worth $25 or 30...the enblocs are worth around $10.

So, if it was me, I'd pass and order from the CMP or better yet go straight to the North or South store. You'll be able to get a much better specimen for $150 cheaper. Then again, I don't know what your timeline is.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I paid $600 for one in better condition about a year and a half ago. I'd offer him $600, see if he'll meet you at $650. Any higher, I'd pass.

 

[Gator]

....all SA matching parts.

That phrase would raise a red flag with me since the rifle is obviously a rebuild. All the parts might be SA, but they are from different periods and don't "match". But the big question is what is the barrel date, that makes a big difference in price. If it has an original barrel, and the TE and ME are good, $750 is a very good price. If it has a replacement barrel then I'd pass and get one from the CMP.