Italian Military 7.62 M1 garand rifles pics

[FlightRN]

Good Day ,
There was a question a number of months ago about 7.62 Garands. In talking with a few collectors over there, it seems when Italy adopted the NATO standard cartridge, rifles that were in stores were returned for conversion. New (shortened and rechambered) barrels shortened op rods (marked 7.62-2) and apparently new production stocks and handguards were installed. The receiver banner stamps were also modified by removing the "CAL.30" reference and "7.62-2" stamped on the ledge just aft of the rear sight base. Few have surfaced but I've noticed that the font and markings of the original banner stamp are slightly different. The one in the middle still includes "US RIFLE" with what can be assumed to be "CAL 30 M1" under it. The other ones show no signs of ever having "US RIFLE" roll stamped. It is conjecture on my part, but maybe different production timeframes saw different banners?

Best Always,
Michael

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[gioca]

Michael very likely your conjecture is correct. The conversion from 30-06 (7.62-1) to 7.62 NATO (7.62-2) began in the late '50 and ended in the second half of the'60 and consequently the timeframe was about ten years long!

[Prince Humperdink]

I have some de-milled Springfield,and had a WRA Receiver that had Cal.30 M1 removed in such a manner w/the new 7.62 stamped there.So sad They were destroyed

[Rotor]

I’m going to build one of these one day. I have the 7.62 Italian kit from Sarco on the shelf.
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Mine came with a SA barrel with 1/2 " chopped off the breech ( that had been used) and op rod.

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Op rod is marked 7.62mm
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The chamber looks nice but I have not checked dimensions.
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The gas port has certainly been enlarged. ( Does that look big to anyone else?)
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The stock is very nice and has a much slimmer profile than the USGI post war stocks.
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L to R; New F.A.T. walnut 1/2 " Short M1 Garand stock, USGI walnut and USGI Birch.
The heel on the terni stock is very SA looking.
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Botton to top; New F.A.T. Italian walnut 1/2 "Short M1 Garand stock, USGI walnut and USGI Birch
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JR