New M1 Owner needs recommendation and advice.

New to M1s, but not things that go bang - lol. I just received two M1s for some work I'm doing. Both are Blue Sky imports and need new barrels. One is a WRAs and the other a SA. Both date to 43. I may just rework one now and leave the other as is for the time being. Assume both in about the same condition, does one command a better price/following than the other??

Anyway, I've looked at a few websites that offer m1 services. Any recommendations? Lessons learned?? Etc. My goal, to end up with a nice shooting grade rifle. I'm not looking to make either of these a correct "safe queen" or National Match clone. Just would like a very solid shoot'n rife. Heck, I'm not all that worried about looks for that matter. Much more worried about function and with all things in life - price, turn around time, ease to work with.

Thanks in advance.

Milton

Hard to say if one commands a better price/following that another. What it sounds like you have are two Blue Sky imports mixmasters. That is they may have WRA/SA receivers but have a mix of timeframe/maker other parts. Some may value the WRA more than the SA since there were fewer of them made.

I haven't had much work done by others. But then again I haven't needed much work done. I have bought parts from several though. Take a look at Tony Giacobbe M1 Garand gun I've bought stuff from him and he does all kinds of work on M1s. His prices are reasonable. Another to look at is Anthony Pucci Orion 7 Enterprises Inc. again bought parts from him and he does all kinds of work. Both guys have excellent reputations and if I was going to have something rebarrelled and/or reparked I'd send it to either of those guys.

Good luck and welcome to the world of the M1 Garand.

Good recommendations from Paul. You might also consider Dean's Gun Restorations: DGR Home Page - Dean's Gun Restorations

You may have someone local who can do it. I would look for a service trained armorer, as your average "full service gun shop" won't have the tools or expertise to do the job right.

Are you sure that your barrels need to be replaced? I'd be interested in how you determined that. If you just want to use the rifles for plinking, a great barrel may not be needed.

All things being equal, the Winchester would be worth more if the small parts were all Winchester mfg. Have you shot either one? A Winchester stock commands a premium as well.

Charlie