Ellwood Epp's M1 Garand

Just recieved my M1 from Ellwood Epps. It was in mediocre shape. Not anywhere in the vg condition that was listed on the website ... but no real biggie... I guess as that's what happens when you buy sight un-seen and rely on someone else's judgement. I was disappointed in a way as I have dealt with Epp's before and they were great.This experience has taken them down a notch or two with me.

Anyway...... I test fired it yesterday & everything is a-ok with regards to function. The barrel (internally) is good: decent rifling, good bore and it shot well too. I'm really hoping to turn this around and make a bad situation better. I've always wanted an M1 and now that I got this one I guess it'll have to make do. I am confident it can be revived. Like I said it functions great and shoots well but cosmetically.... I'd give it a 2 out of 10. I will remain positive though and make this a learning experience. I 'll use this opportunity to learn a lot more about the M1 and get to know this one intimately as I rebuild it.

Do I regret buying it? Not really.... like I said it was something I 've wanted for a while and am happy to add it to my collection. Did I pay too much? Absolutely! I figure about $250 too much when I look at the ones in the EE for the same $$$! I think this one is no where near the condition of what was advertised...


So here goes.....
What should I use on the metal.... again as it is worse than described. The only blueing left is on the reciever. The entire barrel, gas tube and action has NO blue left on it what so ever so before this turns into an anchor...... I need to fix it up.

I need to replace the stock too. I was warned that the wood was rough but.... mine is REALLY rough. My forestock is split . Is the Boydd's stock decent for the M1? I have used their 10/22 stock and it was great. How well do they fit in it?

Regards,

Boomer,
That's disappointing to hear. Any chance you could get us some pics? What was the purchase price, if you don't mind me asking?

Steve

The NRA standards for modern and antique firearms are rather specific. A firearm that receives a modern VG rating is a pretty nice rifle. One in G condition is servicable, but pretty well used. Doesn't sound as if yours qualifies for VG.
The correct refinish for an M-1 is parkerizing. This is the easiest real finish that you can do at home. It does help if the parts are blasted first. The gas cylinder is stainless, and it isn't going to park. or blue. A blast followed by a coating - either baked or catalyzed - is the way to go. Nice original M-1 stocks can be had, but are not cheap. A Boyds stock set is reasonably priced, and an option worth considering, but will basically eliminate any collectibility.

I don't have an interest really in the collector value per say. I do plan on keeping the original stock..... just not on the rifle. I want a decent looking M1. I know it works and it shoots ok too I just want to bring the cosmetics up a bit. I want to use it as a shooter.... just like all my rifles. I have several milsurps in my herd and use them all at one point or another.

Regards,

Have you considered replacing just the cracked part (e-bay) and attempting to restore the remaining wood? it's amazing what you can accomplish with a wet rag, an iron, some methylated spirits, black plastic bags and the rear window of a car in the summer.

While the Boyd stocks are nice pieces of wood, the profile is usually wrong for the Garand. Simply said, the stock is too "fat". It takes a bunch of work to whittle it down to the correct size. If you decide you need to replace the wood, check "Doug's Stockpile".

Pax Christi
Rev. Joel+

my experiance with Boyds Garand stocks has been very bad, unless they finally figured out how to make them fit, id avoid them.
search the net GB, AA, or ebay for a nice original stock and handguard set.
i do Garand restorations, and would be happy to talk to you about my rates outside the forum, but id shoot the rifle and make sure you like the way it works , first, you may need to replace a part or 2.

The CMP made stocks are new and nice profiled wood for the M1. Civilian Marksmanship Program eStore.
They have the wood only or complete with metal. Stainless steel finish is done with Caswell Stainless Steel Blackener 370 , Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc.. Clean the gas cylinder in hot water very well before applying. Good luck, Larry