Madness? Garand with serial number under 2000

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Originally Posted by gsimmons

We need pictures by the way.

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Well, OK then:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff031-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff023-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff020-1.jpg
Seems to have weld spots on both sides. Somehow, I forget about the LH side when this subject comes up. Probably because all the usual illustrations show the RH view.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff021-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff019-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff030-1.jpg

More to be had if you want.

Looks like a 1600 serial range, SRS has a number of 1600 serial numbers listed for the different companies of the 29th Inf in 1938. Some problems with the hammer being chipped too

What a nice gun...

I think that a receiver without the 7th round correction would make an excellent choice for a gas trap restoration with one of those new gas trap front end kits (I think these kits have been reduced to around $2000 now). Depending on the serial number, you could have your choice of either the fluted gas cylinder or the later one

Yes, the rib mod dooms it. If the object of a restoration is to simulate original construction, a rebuilt rib screams that it isn't.

I'm sorry, the new kits are just too expensive. $4000? Almost? And then you have what exactly? Other than a shootable lookalike...mind you, I would like to shoot it with you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmoore

Thanks for input, y'all!

My hesitation comes from having a bit much going on from several fronts, in all likelihood.

Have already made some photos without doing a detail strip. Further disassembly will have to wait until it's paid for.

Replacing the the wood will make it much more visually appealing. Fortunately Bubba did not abuse the metal.

I still want to build a "replica" gas trap rifle one of these days. But this receiver just seems awefully nice for such a fantasy project.



I became an M1 "parts collector" long ago after realizing that "original and 'as left the assembly line'" rifles from WWII were extremely scarce. Far scarcer than Axis Powers rifles. Those who do manage to obtain "reference grade" historically correct rifles typically have do do LOTS of research and put in large amounts of time and money. Especially now that there is a small industry dedicated to "improving" rifles for profit.

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That's kind of what I was getting at. The first one I bought and I had absolutely no idea what to look for or at. Its a SA 276XXXX S/N. The second one is a SA 297XXXX S/N. The last one is IH 513XXXX S/N. They are all imports and I know the first one is a real mixmaster of all kinds of parts. The barrel is totally shot out. The other two are not in bad condition, and time permitting I will get them all out and see what I have.

I have heard it both ways. The Army recalled all of the Gas Traps to convert them into Gas Port guns. Also heard the Army didn't actually recall them, but sent out directions to lower commands to modify them. Either way an unmodified receiver is a rare bird. If you must have an unmodified receiver to have a "True Gas Trap" might not be many Gas Traps around.

jmoore, if you can send or have someone send me the serial number of the 1600 rifle by email, I will see what information is available and return by email.

receivers with original low guide ribs are around, CMP has sold them in the past auctions too, there are difficult to fake - when weld-ed up to the high rib and machined, the welding will leave a dark color to the area

There was no recall and no directive to lower levels. The new front end was developed in 1939 and used to build test batches as early as the 13000 serial range. It was much cheaper to use up the old style parts, then upgrade them when they came in for normal refurbishment in 12 - 18 months. Not all Gas Traps had accuracy problems, most did not. Remember that this was two years before WWII, and we were at peace. About 48,000 GTs were built through June 1940, serials ran into the 50,000 range.