Sources for M1 Garand Info

General Firearms Other Semi-Automatic Rifles
1

I am looking for information to help me determine what exactly I have, and if it may be worth it to try a re-build. There are a lot of M1 forums, but I see a lot of confusing not clear at least to me information on determining what my current configuration is. I have also talked to a few folks at gun shows and received some contradicting information.

I have tried to research date codes and match bolts/barrels to receivers for correct period builds, but there were many more variations than I imagined.
To be honest it has been overwhelming.

Does any know of a reliable shop that could go through my rifle and detail condition, parts, and estimated value in current condition, as well as what it would cost to try to build it to correct period specs?

It would be great in they were located near Central VA, but shipping is an option for quality shops.

2

I have three potential options for you…as I doubt you will find someone local as good as the guys on the CMP. You could ask that question there and you might find a good source local to you.

There may be a closet M1 guy on here but this site is really focused on the newer platforms.

  1. Go to the CMP Forum and ask some questions of the great folks over there. (Best Option)

CMP Forum

  1. Pick up a book. “The M1 Garand: World War II” by Scott A. Duff (Second Edition -Red Cover)

  2. Post some pictures and questions here, with parts and drawing numbers and I will attempt to help as I should have all of the necessary reference materials. (This will be your slowest option as I am not as good as most folks on the CMP and my time is limited.)

Whichever source you choose, documenting your M1 on this sheet will help whomever you decide to work this problem for you.

M1 Garand Data Sheet from the GCA

My '42 WRA

3

HKGuns gave you some very solid advice.
Scott Duff’s books are all great, but I believe his stuff on the Garand may be his best work. That will be a great place to start. After that I would look in to the CMP website to answer any final questions.
If you are interested there are two good Garand guys I know who have done great work on my stuff in the past. I will go home and see if I still have the paperwork or a link to a website.

4

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, lots of good info. This should keep me busy for a while, looks like this will be quite a project.

5

Another suggestion is The M1 Garand Rifle, Bruce Canfield

6

Some good info here. http://www.jouster.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?3-M1-Garand-M14-M1A

7

Lots of good info above,but check this out. The CMP does work on M1 rifles and other older Military stuff and there prices are fair.
http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/custom-gunsmithing/services-for-the-m1-garand/

8

This guy has done some work for me and I’m very happy with it.
http://shuffsparkerizing.com/

9

Yes, Shuff is “the man” for this type of work. Great suggestion Average.

10

What did you find out, and where did you look.

C&R world can be a little scary, especially when it comes to US firearms. There are a lot guys out there who take advantage of people’s ignorance.

Gunboards.com is a great place, some very knowledgable members there. CMP forum can be a little touchy, some miserable old coots lurking there.