The M1 is one of the most important firearms ever produced. It served faithfully from World War Two (as the standard issue rifle) all the way into early Vietnam (in the sniper role). This is a Springfield-built M1 sold through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). It was originally built at the Springfield Arsenal in January of 1945. This rifle is in good condition with some minor rough spots. It is essentially a parts correct gun. All parts are of Springfield manufacture and were made within the correct time period, with a few being within one month of the production period. Essentially, Springfield used parts made at the end of January and used them to build the rifle at the very beginning of February, likely only be assembled within two or three days of the parts being produced. This is very common with mass production, particularly firearms. The blue CMP tag indicates the rifle is in “Service Grade” condition. It also states the muzzle tightness as “0” while the throat is a “1”. Looking down the bore of the rifle, there is no rust or pitting. It will shoot extremely well. The stock appears to be original to the era and has the usual stamps in the wood. The is some minor pitting at the tops of the rear sight protectors. The receiver and barrel exhibit some minor finish wear. The rear of the receiver exhibits light machining lines. The stock is original and has some small dings in it. Most if not all these could be steamed out. There is a P-stamp, a slightly dinged SA and GAW cartouche, and clearly visible crossed cannons. The GAW cartouche was stamped on the stock of M1 rifles roughly between serial numbers 1,978,000 and 3,627,000. Many people like to modify the M1 for competition shooting. A word on handloading ammunition for this purpose. Normally, only 150gr bullets should be used in a standard issue M1. This is done to preserve the operating rod. Extensive use of heavy bullets in an unmodified Garand will result in the operating rod bending, meaning the gun will no longer function until the part is replaced. In order to use match 168gr loads or heavier bullets, a Schuster gas plug must be fitted. For 220gr round nose ammo, adjust the plug so that the fired cases eject no more than five feet away. If they are ejecting something like twenty feet away, your operating rod is in danger. Hornady .30-caliber 225gr spitzers will usually be too long to fit and require single-loading into the chamber. These gas plugs work well, and I enjoy shooting my personal M1 Garand equipped as such. One important characteristic of the gun is the name Garand. It is named after its inventor after all. Today, most people pronounce it “Guh-rand”, the last part coming out like “grand” or “rand” (like Remington-Rand). This is not how Mr. Garand pronounced his own last name. The correct pronunciation is “Gare-rind” with the first part sounding like “dare” (“I dare you to…”) or “bear”, and the second part sounding like “wind” but with the rolling “r” sound instead of the “w”. Most people continue to pronounce the word as many always have (even in WW2) because of tradition but it’s nice to hear the correct pronunciation now and then. The rifle here comes with a CMP hard case (not shown), a certificate (not shown), and a sling.

Parts List:

Stock: Walnut, metal butt plate with flip open cover, SA GAW cartouche, P stamp, Crossed Cannons

Cartouche: GAW (s/n’s 1,978,000 to 3,627,000)

Forearm: Handguard, walnut, solid retaining pin w/stakes in place, not removed - original to gun

Sights: Type 3 Peep rear sight w/lock bar, Blade front sight with Type 3 screw

Barrel: “3 SA 1 45”

Receiver: “A 1 7 B”, “D26291 35”

Bolt: “D28287-19SA B-18”, flat extractor pin, Jan 44-Oct 45

Trigger: Type 2, no marks, no tooling hole

Trigger Housing: Type 9, “D28290-14-SA”, Nov 44-Jan 45

Trigger Guard: Stamped, milled hook, no marks, Jul 44-Oct 45

Hammer: Type 2E, “C46008-7 SA”, Aug 44-Jan 45, spring housing Type 2, plunger Type 2

Safety: Type 3C, SA-11 w/ Tooling holes, Oct 43-Dec 57

Op Rod: Type 6, “D35382 9 SA”, Dec 43-Jan 45, no relief cut, flat side

Op Rod Catch: Type 2, unmarked, Jul 42-Dec 57

Gas Cylinder: Type 2C, wide base, May 43-Dec 57

Bullet Guide: Type 4, stamped, wide slot, not marked, May 44-Oct 45

Follower/Slide: Type 2B, marked “12”, Oct 43-Mar 45

Follower Arm: Type 4, No Marks, No Bevel, Drop Forged with markings, Jul 41-Oct 45

Follower Rod: Type 5, long fork, Jan 44-Dec 57