January 1940 Gas Trap Conversion......Restoration?

[SRiverrat11]

I know a fair amount about M1's, but I know next to nothing about these. Mr. Canfields book didn't have much, neither did Mr. Duff's so I'm coming here for opinions, Some of the pics are a little blurry, but they weren't before I blew them up, so I apologize in advance. the serial number on this is 26,174 the Gas Trap data sheet in Mr. Duff's red book on a January 1940 is 26,171. Only 3 off, kinda cool. Thank you for any help. Scott

[Jakeroub]

Are the guide ribs modified?

[SRiverrat11]

I honestly can't tell. I don't know much on that subject.

[browningautorifle]

I honestly can't tell.

You have to strip the action or at least open the bolt and take a picture down inside.

Also the barrel is late, matched the date on my LL, SA-328219. The op rod number also, same. Is this rifle restored then? Is that what you're trying to establish?

[SRiverrat11]

You have to strip the action or at least open the bolt and take a picture down inside.

Also the barrel is late, matched the date on my LL, SA-328219. The op rod number also, same. Is this rifle restored then? Is that what you're trying to establish?

I know they changed gas traps to gas port’s especially the ones that hadn’t left the factory, but what about ones that had? Were they sent back to Springfield or did a regimental or division level armory change the barrel, gas cylinder and front sight. Obviously, the chances a collector with the right parts and knowledge could have easily done this in the decades after but, any chance it was at a unit armory?

[SRiverrat11]

And if it does show the 7th round stoppage repair, why would that mean its a restoration?

[browningautorifle]

And if it does show the 7th round stoppage repair, why would that mean its a restoration?

They were built up with weld and a restoration back would mean it would be ground down again. You can see the weld in pic one. Here's an article to show you, scroll down. Marines The M1 Garand: The First 400 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Some guys would grind the weld back down but not always. The rifle could have been assembled from parts would account for the later op rod and barrel...

Others will be along to confirm or deny these points...

[SRiverrat11]

I'm really not sure what I'm looking at.

[RCS]

If a receiver has had the 7th round repair, most of the time there is a discoloration where the ribs were built-up, reducing the ribs back to the low rib configuration will
not hide the discoloration nor will Parkerizing (unless jet black). All the dated 1940 barrels were used in the early direct conversions, then later barrels as rifles were
cycled-in for rebuild. Canfield states new SA GHS stocks were used but I have seen alot of early stocks converted to used the trapdoor butt plate. It is really difficult
to prove your rifle is a direct conversion and an easy restoration. The saw cut gas cylinder was used later on and would be incorrect on a direct conversion

[SRiverrat11]

The saw cut gas cylinder was used later on and would be incorrect on a direct conversion

I have read that they did the saw cut for barrels that did not have a snug fit with the gas cylinder. do you know the period that was, and this being a restoration is ok, its still a very nice rifle that I could afford.