11 June 20 Garand Picture of the Day

Photos show serial number 1607 that was the first M1 rifle sent to Winchester on Sept 19, 1938. The records were found by the late Frank Mallory of SRS in 1999 includes the receipt signed by Col Robert Sears and Edwin Pugsley.

Canfield's book "The M1 Garand Rifle" goes into details about Winchester testing s/n 1607.

Billy Pyle's "The Garand Stand Report" issued #116 had a article on s/n 1607 by Brad PedersonAttachment 109204Attachment 109205Attachment 109206Attachment 109207

Research suggests that was not the last rifle made, although they have qualified it by adding "regular production." I have always felt that it was just the rifle chosen for the final ceremony, but they went right on assembling them as receivers and parts turned up. Some examples are the X6mil rifles and the 500 from 6100000 to 6100499. Certainly National Match rifles were assembled as late as 1963.

1607 was a very good year, especially around here.


Bob