Garand: Desirable but reasonable Serial Range?

[usabaker]

In July, a NEW California law will levy an additional 11% tax, on top of the 8.5% I already pay, meaning I will need to pay 19.5% Tax on any firearm and ammunition I purchase after July.

As such I "Plan" to (talk to the wife) purchase one more Garand before July. Along with all the other things to look for is there a desirable serial number range I should be looking for. Keeping in mind that I'm going to be limited to a $1000.00 to $1200.00 price tag, just because I really can afford more right now.

I'm looking at these right now as far as serial numbers go...
The two Winchesters are in an Auction, so knowing this my bet is they will outrun my price range)

333829 Springfield
450348 Springfield
1321399 Winchester
1617041 Winchester
1968958 Springfield
223165 Springfield
2628740 Springfield
3534936 Springfield
3285268 Springfield
3652534 Springfield
4209850 Springfield
4212305 Springfield
4263912 Springfield
4314607 Springfield
4335657 Springfield
4342675 Springfield
4346931 Springfield
4357265 Springfield
578941 Springfield

[usabaker]

receiver serial number is not a gauge of condition or original as-issued correctness

Steve, Thanks for the help. The The serial number wasn't a big issue for me other than information; if it existed from the SRS; I was just curious if there was a preferred Serial Number range as it was one of the variables.

[Bob Womack]

There is a certain individuality to the idea of "desirability." When I was out shopping I wanted a low-mileage Springfield Garand with some finish left on it so I looked for a post-Korean War serial and found one. There's also some benefit in that choice because all the performance updates are present in a largely intact late rifle. Now, the stock on my was shot out and loose, so I kept it but ordered a tight, new one to shoot the rifle with. Some people specifically want a WWII weapon. Some want a Korea-era weapon. Some drill down further.

Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder.

Bob

[browningautorifle]

The serial number wasn't a big issue for me other than if it existed from the SRS;

I looked in the SRS #1 and no hits on any of them.

[Singer B]

Can't go wrong with any of them. I have a post war 1956 Springfield that is absolutely beautiful since it never saw any real service. My WW2 Winchester is a true beater and still needs lots of love since it had more SA parts than Winchester parts. They all have their own stories and I would break it down as mentioned above - pre-war, WW2, Korea, post war and pick which era you would prefer.

[RCS]

Over the years, I have found two WW2 M1 rifles. The first was purchased by a USMC Officer at the end of the war and sold to an enlisted USMC
Seabee who in turn sold it to me. It was rebuilt during the war with a 1940 receiver, Buffalo Arms barrel and SA internal parts, looks like new.
The second rifle was April 1944 completely original but well used (still will print a nice 100 yard target -have photos) came from veterans estate
in remote area Wisconsin woods, only rifle plus a shotgun.
Note operating rods were not modified with the relief until post war rebuilds, checked my Rock island 1943 shop manual and some TM's

[usabaker]

I looked in the SRS #1 and no hits on any of them.

Jim, Thanks for looking

[usabaker]

I would break it down as mentioned above - pre-war, WW2, Korea, post war and pick which era you would prefer.

Might be right, I have WWII era, perhaps I'll go with a Korea Era just because my Dad served in Korea. I found some from 52' for under $1000.00 just don't know the condition of the bores. But I could always change the barrel like you said. I asked one of my buddies if he had time to run by the CMP and see what they have and if there is a big enough selection that might be worth taking a trip to visit him and the CMP; since I have my Type 3, buying out of state is easier.

[usabaker]

I looked in the SRS #1 and no hits on any of them.

Jim, can I ask you a favor to look up serial 450348 looks like a 1942. The stock has SA GHS stamped in it, but it looks like the at the heal of the stock has water damage, recoverable but still not great, the buttplate is rust city, the rest of the rifle is very good,

Thanks in advance

[browningautorifle]

450348

Nothing in SRS #1 even comes close Bill. I know other guys here have later SRS tables...maybe there's something else has come to light?

I did look up all the numbers on your list before...nothing on any of them.

I was just looking at that rifle and from it's pics might be a pile of original parts...might be a good deal.