Best book about Garands - correct parts

[Scott2K]

What's the best book for finding out which parts should go on which Serial # receivers to be "correct" and how to recognize the parts?

-Scott

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[M1Riflenut]

So many authors,so many answers......
I'll probably get some flak for this but the latest Poyer/Riesch book is probably the best to start out with for a quick referance easy to learn guide,but I also highly recommend Scott Duffs blue book of serial numbers and data sheets for a good referance and his big Red and Blue books. I have most all of the others as well but these are the ones I found myself using the most over the years. The Harrison books,IMHO,will steer you wrong more than once.

http://www.scott-duff.com/DuffBooks.htm#m1Garand

http://www.amazon.com/M1-Garand-1936.../dp/1882391195

[HKGuns]

I am extremely happy with my copy of the Red Scott Duff book.

[Bill Hollinger]

I have the "Red Book" also.

[Phrogpilot]

Also remember, Garands are NOT an exact science, they were military rifles built to serve one and only one purpose, kill the enemy. So many collectors get wrapped up in the mindset of "if it doesnt have this exact list of parts by number or date, it can not be original...". As with the early IHC's and some other rifles, we are just now learning that it is not always the case. Many a collector has changed out original parts in order to restore a rofle to what was believed at the time as correct... Just food for thought...

[Milsurp Collector]

What's the best book for finding out which parts should go on which Serial # receivers to be "correct" and how to recognize the parts?

-Scott

In addition to the Scott Duff book(s) mentioned I also like this one M1 Garand Photo Essay

[M1 Rifleman]

The books mentioned are just a yardstick to use in evaluating a particular rifle. With over 70 years having passed since the M1s first inception, there are too many variables to consider when evaluating any given rifle. I wouldn't go "hog wild" and change out parts willy nilly without evaluating the rifle to see, first, if the parts currently in place are actually correct. Scott Duff indicated in one of his books, that if the part "appears" to be incorrect; might actually, be correct.