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Un-modified rear handguard, what does it mean?
Hello gentlemen.
I am kind of new here and to Garands in general, so please excuse me if this is stupid but:
I recently purchased a M1 made by Winchester, serial 23508XX. I have some books on the M1 (Scott Duff's red book + Reisch&Poyers book), but I cannot get an answer on the rear handguard. It seems it does not have the relief cut to prevent binding of the oprod. I attached a pic, maybe you can tell me something about it? Also, the rifle has mostly older parts (older, single slot gasplug, uncut op-rod, follower etc), but I suspect it is a put-together rifle. But most (all but the safety, an early SA) parts are WRA stamped, so I guess that is good.
Could this indicate the rifle was never "updated", or is it possibly a repro? Sorry for the blurry pic, I should learn to take better pics :o
Thank you!
Un-modified rear handgaurd, uncut op-rod
Hello Beginner: Good luck with your new Garand, they are great rifles. You say your operating rod is uncut? . I would research a little more about your operating rod. It is my understanding that firing a rifle with an uncut operating rod can be dangerous. And also, these early uncut rods can be valuable and are prized by collectors. It may be a good idea to get a new rod from somebody such as Fulton Armory. There are a number of other reputable dealers who sell M1 operating rods. They are listed on the internet and many of the books on Garands have a list of outlets who deal in Garands.
Un-modified rear handgaurd, uncut op-rod
Sounds like you got a nice rifle! Shame that parts ordering is an issue. You mentioned a few books, a great one is "The U.S. .30 Cal Gas Operated Service Rifles, A Shop Manual" by Jerry Kuhnhausen. It covers the M1 and military and commercial versions of the M14. It is geared towards gunsmithing. If your are a gunsmith or a machinist it is packed with technical data.