Looking at an M1 Garand Tomorrow

Might pick up a Garand tomorrow. I've seen pics but they aren't the best.

One big issue is the seller can't seem to find any markings on the barrel. He hasn't taken it apart so it may be hidden under the hand guard.

Rifle is an April 1944 Springfield.

Says the bolt is marked NM (National Match) but can't find any other markings on it.

It all seems a bit strange to me but I figure I'll go take a look at it.

Price is $730 out the door which doesn't seem too bad if it is a USGI barrel and the receiver wasn't re-welded.

So I look for weld marks on the receiver, a spot weld on the barrel, a two groove barrel or a joint in the barrel. All are no go's for purchase.

Anything else? If it is a commercial barrel, it is worth that?

Wood looks like a light walnut with the exception of the front handguard which is much darker.

Why would a NM bolt be on a standard rifle? I guess if I find a NM star on the barrel I'll have my answer but I don't really see that happening. Doesn't the bolt cover have a manufacturers code on it?

I will be able to take it apart before final decision.

Sounds like a parts gun with a replacement civilian barrel. If it's fit, then 7 bills is not bad but try to hack him down a bit...

Best of luck! Looks like you are going one up me again.:crying:CMP has my order but no update as of yet and I will have to work backwards and pick a WWII as only HRAs avalible.
I hope you score big.

He's already come down a fair amount. Taxes and background check included in that and he knocked off some more for my gas. It's a long run.

CMP only has post war rifles which is less desirable for my purposes of my displays. I know it's not WWII correct but it's better to have a '44 receiver in my opinion than a postwar receiver from H&R. I doubt I'll ever shoot it more than a couple of times. I don't like the idea of a commercial barrel so much but I know they are becoming more common these days. It also sort of defeats the purpose of a WWII rifle.

Barrels can be had though. Correct date and all...

That's what I'm thinking but then I'm putting another few hundred into it. Is it worth doing that with what I would have in it?

That all depends on the barrel cost. If you shoot it for a bit as is, wait and see. The barrel might come at a deal. Or just keep it as is and shoot it...by the way, what's a bolt cover? You mean the lot number and manufacture code on the bolt? Yes they were marked by SA, WRA, and so on.

I have an original April 1944 SA rifle if you need to check anything. Certain barrels such as Buffalo Arms or even Winchester will not have a date on the side, you will have to check the top of the barrel for markings. I don't know what a NM bolt looks like ?

Bolt is what I meant. Not used to a large flat bolt. All photos I've seen have numbers. He said he saw no other markings on the rifle so I'm assuming he didn't see the numbers on the bolt. Is it an aftermarket of some sort if it does not have numbers?

I've read Marlin barrels won't have side numbers also.

Correct, WWII Marlins are usually not marked on the side. The WP on some WRAs was missed, we saw several at CMP on Navy 7.62 conversions. You need to look under the hand guard. I've never seen a bolt marked NM, but a few WWII bolts were unmarked, I don'tknow why.

This is one of those "Rare" cases where pics tell a thousand words... If he sent you a picture heavy Email, you'd be good to go.

I'd guess he means NM op rod, not bolt.

I'm heading out the door soon. If I get it, I'll post photos. Not feeling real confident going into this but we'll see. I think I know all the major issues to look for.

Anxiously awaiting your results as mine is 3 or four months in the future.

I'm back, six hour round trip. I didn't return home empty handed. I looked it over very carefully, not a re-weld, not a drill rifle. It has a 7-51 SA barrel. I found markings all over it including the bolt so nothing unusual there. Bore looks good, passed the bullet test OK. It does have an import mark but it is extremely faint and I can't make it out. Will try later with more light, etc. Overall finish is OK but it does have some surface rust that the seller didn't notice. Interior looks good. Stock is in decent condition but has two areas where I expect painted rack numbers were sanded off so I'll have to redo it to get a uniform color. Rear sight is post war and works well. It is the OP rod that is marked NM not the bolt. It has an oiler but no cleaning kit or sling.

Due to the surface rust I was able to get it for $680 out the door so I'm pretty happy. I think I can get it looking pretty good.

Photos when I get some time. Thanks for the advice.

Good enough then. Job well done!

I believe it is an ARL ORD ARLINGTON VA import mark. Only the top third of the letters are stamped.

Congradulations. Look forward to the photos though viewing them might erode my patience waiting for mine.

Sounds good. I would not be concerned with the import marking,IMHO just another part of that rifles history. No one is any longer concerned with British Proof Markings and I would think, down the road, other import marks will not be a detraction either.