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This is a Federal Ordnance rifle built on WWII rifles. I also have the same marking on the side of a 2 million M1. These were later 70's or early 80's built rifles if my memory serves me correct.
These might have been earlier in South El Monte, California. There is no need to worry, it is NOT anything to do with US arsenal manufacture other than who made the receiver and attendant parts. Mine came with a beautiful California claro walnut stock, lockbars and a new barrel. I bought this thing long before I knew better, but it shoots well although not famously tight groups.
Mine was apparently in salt water for some time as the metal below the woodline is severely pitted. I found a 2 mil receiver one day at the South Store and bought it for a transplant of the usable parts.
Good luck with yours. I would term it shootable (with knowledgeable inspection) but of little worth in collectors' circles.[/I]
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IIRC, Fed Ord built most "tankers" on welded receiver halves. You might want to look up the drawing number & see if it is correct for the serial number.
Neal
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I was watching this on an on-line auction, and did not bid on it based on the questions about its origin and quality.
It went for $920
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Seems someone was anxious for a tanker. They seem to work OK most of the time, but nothing supernatural. I'd rather have a regular rifle. Which I have...
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I've got several Garands and love them. There is something about a short Garand that interests me, however.
Frankly, though, Shuff's magazine conversion Garand interests me more.
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My Tanker (or whatever you want to call a shortened M1) is light and I have since replaced the walnut stock with a very lightweight stock from Midway (I forget the manufacturer) and it is easy on these old arms when I carry it afield.
Only two were ever build by US military. There are no military Tankers although the museum at Springfield has a wide variety of modified Garand designs which makes for interesting viewing. Warbird downin Texas used to build some of the finest tankers as do several other smiths. I can tell you the muzzle flash is somewhat excessive as you would expect from a short barrelled rifle. Proceed at your own risk with this forewarning.
I can find no evidence of a weld on my receiver but I will check the serial against the drawing number. I already have a replacement receiver, but that purchase was based on the severe pitting under woodline. Probably will just go ahead and junk out the receiver in the end.
