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Hello and Glad to be Here!
Found a M1 (SA) at a swap meet - SA# 6086*30
But in researching Spingfield Armory the last production SA was 6084145.
I have lurked and read (felt reasonably informed) and well liked what I saw and she came home with me!
I am about to disassemble and note rest of the numbers found etc...
Kind of a SN# mystery?
After the last "official" rifle came off the line there were a whole bunch more manufactured(or numbered, I don't really understand it myself). After 6.084 the numbers jump to 6.086---. Yours is pretty darn close to the beginning of that series. Somebody here has more information on this, I'm sure.
According to the GCA Journal of Winter 2002,Volume 17 #1 the last SA Garand serial number is 6100499. It has an article about the rifle by Scott Duff.
GL,Quote:
Originally Posted by Grateful Lead
It is alleged to be the last one assembled and accepted. At this point when M1 rifle production was ending, many serial numbers were completely out of normal linear assembly sequence as seen by barrel dates varying by six months and more. It's more a point of confusion than anything else.
Much thanks for the responses.
Little more research at my end and a quick takedown (gas plug won't budge...).
Couple more pieces of info - the barrel has a few 'proof' marks while the number reads SA F 65354** 4 56 A227B and there is a stamped 'M' (match barrel?) not in line with the serial number but close to where the barrel contour begins to taper -yes, two more more 'P's as well.
The chamber is bright and sharp (lands/grooves sharp as well). Frankly the chamber muzzle and barrel had me leaning in on this rifle - looks really lightly used. Also noted a fair bit of dried cosmo is in the trigger group...
The stock is loose fitting - has a 1/2" P in cirlce aft of the Tguard ; and a '36' stamped 'in the well' fore of the trigger assembly under the barrel....
I look forward to further exploration and testing!
A clean rifle is a happy rifle, and a happy rifle hits it's target!
My understanding was a group of guys behind a Sergeant went in and made a few hand full's skipping thru the serial numbers and all were made for Match. The source was a good one and I was told this 10 years ago. You will not find the 17 or so to be near each others order. Rick B
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I don't think that M stands for match. I see them all the time on the late barrels.
The M indicates the barrel was magnafluxed.
M = "magnetic particle inspected" (Magnaflux is the company's copyright name).Quote:
Originally Posted by dryheat
Thank you for the info.
I am only familiar with MPI on ar15 type barrels. I did not know this metallurgy (?) process was being used for some time. :clap:
That said are there any additional facts/issues I should/need to be aware of with this rifle from a soon to be 'shooter' standpoint? :dunno:
Thanks.
The only additional thing I'd suggest is treat it very carefully while using it . Why ? because at some point in the future , someone is going to offer you more money for it than may seem reasonable or sane .
Oh and ..... always use the right ammo for the Garand .
Jack