M1 Garand Lower Band Pin Question(s)

Bob and Jim, with regard to the photo, my point is that if it has been struck more than once, how can one tell whether the second impact was made immediately after the first (because the first wasn’t firm enough) or fifty years later - after removal and replacement of the pin?

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Originally Posted by Patrick Chadwick

how can one tell

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I can't.

The photo was meant to illustrate staking, not to assert originality. It's the most recent one I had for an article. Whether the pin has been removed is a matter of opinion. Scott Duff is good at it, he's had a lot of experience.

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Originally Posted by Ms15710

Thank you for the reply!
I would assume as much that there’s no feasible way it would fall out on its own with indented metal to keep it in.
Moreover, is it safe to assume that on these completely undisturbed rifles the staking is only on one side of the lower band? And evidence of disturbed metal on both sides is rather suspect?
I am just on the lookout for an all original rifle, and am taking all of these details into consideration so I know exactly what to look for.

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You're welcome, happy to help!
Correct. Once a pin is staked in place it's typically there for good unless a rather considerable amount of effort is used to remove it. Often this would mean using something pointed to get between the staking and defeat it thus driving the pin out one side or the other.
The staking was done on either side so as to prevent the pin from being driven out either direction. The only pin that comes to mind which could be driven out in one direction only is the one that retains the front sight base on the M-16-type rifles. That's a tapered pin, which was only staked on one side.
An all original rifle SHOULD come with proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the rifle's actually original. This is actually quite rare, and many just come with stories. That said, buy the example for the proof that you uncover through dedicated research and consultation, and the proof that it's presented with. As they say, "buy the rifle, not the story!"
Cheers,
--Brian

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Originally Posted by bob seijas

The photo was meant to illustrate staking, not to assert originality. It's the most recent one I had for an article. Whether the pin has been removed is a matter of opinion. Scott Duff is good at it, he's had a lot of experience.

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Is it possible to reach out to him about something like this? Or does he rather be left alone than be pestered by requests/comments from the community on these types of issues regarding their specific rifles; similar to how so many come to Rick B. with concerns about their stocks. I would personally like to reach out to him about something I discovered, but I would rather not bother him if he does not want the attention.