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A person I know is asking if I would like to buy one of his M1 Garand's. It looks fantastic in and out, the bore is crisps. He's asking $900.00 but I don;t really know what these rifles are worth. I was thinking about getting it so I could enter of NRA shoots, pretty much what he used it for. Any advice?
Thanks in Advance
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In person deal for $900...I think that’s a fine price. You wouldn’t be stealing it but you’re not overpaying either.
If you want one, buy it!
I'd say take it too...
Not a bad price depending on geography. The WW2 serial number is a plus. Check the date and manufacturer of the barrel as a bonus. Most likely the barrel has been replaced like most have. The rear sights would have been lock bar style but like most garands were changed to the later t105 style. The stock looks like either an HRA, Overton, or modern stock but I can't tell from the pic exactly. Most garands have been rebuilt at least once and are a mix of parts. The main concern to most is the barrel. Since you probably don't have a guage just make sure the barrel isn't pitted. Hope that helps some.
Is the butt plate proud of the stock? The first photo makes it look like the stock has been heavily sanded.
Agree, now that you mention it, the butt does look heavily sanded.
The sanded buttstock is of no consequence as it can be replaced without effort. They come up if you keep your eyes open, they were all rebuilt and as long as everything is serviceable it's good for that price. If we were discussing something original the price would be far higher.
In our area, the M1 you have if the barrel is in great shape would run about $1,200 easy. Most folks are looking for a good shooter but the collector are out there. I had a collection of 6 M-1 Garands come in from a collector. A Winchester, two H&R, one IHC and the rest WWII Springfield Armory. The two H&R and the IHC were like new original. The Winchester and springfield Armory were post WWII rebuilts but in excellent condition. I had a collector come in and purchased all six for $12,000.00 US. They were easily worth that much.
Those must have been some nice rifles, and being a collector he probably knew what he was looking at. A nice WRA barrel alone will cost you $500. Garands are all over the map, but if he knows the rifles and paid on average 2k per rifle they had some value. I wish I could see them. As to the OP, yes a butt stock is an easy replacement if you want one but functionally I think it's just fine to shoot as is.
Yes easily replaced, at a cost that will drive the rifle over $1000. Since the Op is a US Veteran he could purchase a similar rifle from the CMP for $750 (backlogged now due to COVID) and whatever fees California will levy, or step down a grade and spend $650 on a field grade.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program
I would keep watching, bet it could be found cheaper since the rifle isn't matching anyway. I sure don't see getting hot about it. Still getting one for a grand is good. We can't do that.Quote:
Originally Posted by AFJon
I was definitely in the $900 range when I purchased my $750 CMP. Notarization, joining a club (I joined the GCA and I'm really happy I did), then sending everything registered plus trying to get a copy of your local dealers FFL.....pay the $900 for a rifle you can see, hold and examine. The CMP people sent me a beautiful rifle and I have zero complaints, but I must admit I was a little apprehensive when I opened the box. Of course, if you really like the "feeling" of Christmas, get the CMP rifle and do your special "present dance" when it comes in. That rifle is $1200 to $1500 here in Southern California. Whichever one you get, it's a Garand and that's all you need to say!Quote:
Originally Posted by AFJon
I’ll add one thing to that...Quote:
Originally Posted by Singer B
They ain’t getting any cheaper!
Yeah, I've been looking around and any that I have found in the $900.00 price range here in California are train wrecks. These things seem to cost a bunch more here. Like I said, its going to be a rifle I use in the NRA Shoots so not so much a collector. I do want a collector rifle, I really want one of the ones that came back from the Pacific War at the CMP because my uncles and grandfather fought there. Although my Gramps was a BAR rifleman. Upside is I could sell it the day after I get it and make money on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by rcathey
---------- Post added at 07:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------
I have seen and shot the rifle and the thing is very accurate, the barrel looked beautiful inside and out. Since the Parkerization on the receiver and barrel is super clean I'm guessing it's been gone through. I didn't ask if it is a CMP rifle. He won't be back in town until the end of July so I will more than likely pick it up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommiep54
---------- Post added at 07:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 PM ----------
Not sure, I don't remember it standing proud of the stock when I looked at is when he brought it to the range. He let me shoot it and it was pulling nice tight groups. But, I he was not offering and was not considering buying it at that time so I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to it. I will ask about it, but for the price not sue it would be an issue to me for what I plan to use it for. This is one of the things I love about this forum, you guys catch things that the buyer (me) over looks.Quote:
Originally Posted by AFJon
---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 PM ----------
That's about what I'm seeing here in Californa as well. Even Mosin Nagant go for over $400.00 here, Chinese SKS's at STUIP prices $450 ~ $500 and if it a Yugo dang near $900.00 with 80% bluing I know because I just saw once go for that at my friend gun shop.Quote:
Originally Posted by fjruple
---------- Post added at 08:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:57 PM ----------
And I do hope to get a CMP, but I want to fly down and pick it out. Me and a buddy had planned for this year BUT, COVID kind of put a kink in it. There is no way I'm getting on a plane to fly anywhere in the near future. Not at least until there is a shot for the COVID. Besides, my employer does not like travel outside a 100-mile radius and would make me do a 14 days quarantine.Quote:
Originally Posted by AFJon
---------- Post added at 08:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 PM ----------
That is absolutely the truth! The only one is have seen in the $900 range here in San Deigo is the run down ones, don't even see that price at the pathetic Del Mar Gun Show.Quote:
Originally Posted by Singer B
As the proverb goes, "Curiosity killed the cat"......
If I WAS to decide that a USGI replacement stock was in order for this rifle, what would I look for in a stock?
I've been looking around for information on this rifle and it looks like all that I can tell from the serial number it that it may have been built in 1944, I'm guessing I will need to look at other numbers once I get the rifle to know more?
First thing is look at the date on the barrel. If the barrel is a replacement barrel that is not within 3 months roughly of the date of manufacture of the reciever I would just put a WW2 rebuilt stock on it or usgi walnut stock of any manufacturer because the barrel is probably a replacement barrel. Basically for a ww2 rebuild stock that's a ww2 stock that either has rebuild marks or has had the original inspector stamp/cartouche sanded off during rebuild. Original ww2 stocks with unsanded cartouche are quite pricey and in my opinion unnecessary expense for this rifle ( to each their own). Really, if it's a mixmaster any USGI walnut stock is just fine. If it's got an original barrel and some other stuff you could theoretically restore it, but that's pricey in its own right, some people regard that as changing the rifle's history, and you would want to do research and make sure it's a rifle you would consider worth restoring. I know rattled a hornets nest bringing up a restoration. Really, the stock is fine as is to shoot but if it bugs you I would just buy a usgi walnut stock or a ww2 stock that's been through a rebuild. I may have missed some things and caused more questions than I answered but happy to help.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommiep54
That's where I am with it, if the one on it is un-doable...I wouldn't rebuild it with earlier parts. That's really going to be expensive. Wait an get a correct original. That too will be expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommiep54
Not trying to be a wet blanket here but it's apparent you know very little about the M1 rifle, and that's ok. None of us are born with the knowledge. I've been studying, collecting and shooting the M1 rifle for 40 years. $900 could be a steal, or it could be a not-so-good deal. It would behoove you to find someone who is well-versed in the M1 rifle and have them accompany you to look at and evaluate it before you pull the trigger on the deal. Just sayin.......
Jon
For this rifle, I'm not looking to do a restoration. I guess it's my lack of knowledge on the M1 Garand that is causing me to mis-frame my questions; when I asked what I should be looking for in a rifle, it was really what would fit. In looking on Gunbroker and eBay I noticed that there were differences called out on some of the stocks and was not sure if the 'fit' was different between manufactures Springfield -vs- Harvester -vs- Winchester -vs- XXX.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommiep54
That is not to say that I wouldn't 'prefer' something that is close to what came with the receiver when it was shipped or arsenaled; I would but it is not a big concern, just seems sort of silly to buy something where you would have a Springfield with a Int. Harvester or any other manufacturer stock. This is simply a shooter that I want for matches and the stock plays no real role in that respect. I would like it to look unmolested just because that is my preference, I have an aversion to mil surplus sandpapered rifle stocks and having people think I was the Bubba.
I really don't know at this point if I would even restock it. When I first saw the rifle I didn't notice if the furniture had been sanded or if the buttplate was proud of the stock, I guess because buying it was not on the table. I guess I will know at the end of July when I pick it up. Everything is speculative at this point. Thank you for the help
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What is considered furniture original parts for this rifle? Is it just the cartouches or is it more?Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
I guess I should buy a book the M1 Garand and learn a bit, from what I have been reading even buying from the CMP can lead to questionable buys.
Jon, I know ABSOLUTELY zero about *collecting* the M1 Garand. I do know about is condition and shoot ability, this is really what my decision was to buy this rifle was based on. I was looking for an M14 for the NRA and CMP matches are the range where I work at and then this popped up out of the blue. Having seen it shoot, handled it, and shot the rifle myself. I already knew that it would serve me well as my first NRA High Power Match and following CMP Match rifle. Add to the fact that I would not be able to find a Garand in this condition at $900.00 in California -ever- it felt right. Now if it turns out that receiver, parts, and barrel are correct, well bonus. But I was not buying a collector rifle. This rifle is still what I consider low cost compared to some of my bolt actions rifles, I spent more for my Bergara then this rilfe. I also don't see how I can lose money on this rifle, I know I could turn it the day after I bought it for the same or more then I paid for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by musketjon
What this experience will help me with is the day I decide to buy a collectors M1 Garand. And you are 100% correct I will indeed ask for help from knowledgeable people before I buy that collector rifle, even though I intend to get it from the CMP. Trust but verify.
Well you guys over there are obviously spoilt for choice when you can afford to discuss whether a Garand shooter is worth $900!
Over here that would be a steal. Add on 50% and hope you're lucky. I won't tell you what my Garand cost, because many wouldn't believe me, but if I were to sell it (I would have to be at the point of bankruptcy to do anything so irreversible!) I would simply stick a "1" in front of the 3-figure sum I originally paid.
Well, we're way past that. A basic rifle now, they're all parts guns or Danish returns now...are $2500 CDN or better. I sold a LL original parts for $2800 CDN about seven years back. Just saw some newish "Originals" being offered at $5000 CDN...FFS. Couldn't guess if they sold or not. Hope not...Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Chadwick
I think that I paid DM 1200 for mine in 1996.Garands last seen on sale for € 1500, ie about two and half times what I paid. Forget gold, invest in steel!Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Chadwick
Ex Crab, thanks for the confirmation:
Take the price you paid (converted into euros), stick a "1" in front, and there you have todays's price range for Garands.
Better than money in the bank, and more fun!
[UPDATE] I picked up the M1 Garand toady and indeed the stock had been sanded -A LOT- but it doesn't keep her from shooting. Shes look purrty inside, and although it will add a bit more to the price, I think I will change the stock -Just Because- I'll be keeping her anyhow and giving her to one of my kids eventually so why not. I field stripped her and took some pictures to find out what her real story is, any positive or negative feed back is welcome.
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Is that a High-Standard barrel? Marked with 30/06? Looks like it was a civilian addition?
Jim-- Definitely an aftermarket barrel as US Ordnance would not marked the barrel .30-06 which is a civilian designation. The operating rod is post-war probably a National Match operating rod which should be stamped NM on the top. The triggerguard is also a civilian repair job by brazening. Any armorer would have switched out for a new triggerguard probably a stamped one. A previous owner probably wanted to keep the milled WWII triggerguard and had it brazed to provide proper tension on locking the action to the stock. The M1 is still worth $900.00 easy.
Your rifle is still not difficult to correct, barrels, sights, op rod and SA GAW stocks are still around.
My friend (who travels around doing estate sales) found this 2.7 with SA 4-44 barrel in a remote area of Wisconsin back in the 90's. He called me and said there wasn't interest as the condition was not that good, I told him to buy it for me. It was a veterans estate and the only rifle, rest were 22 rim fires and shotguns. Every part is original from April 1944 and has a nice bore too. I even test fired it at 100 yards using different lots of M2 ball and some AP, everything worksAttachment 110146Attachment 110147Attachment 110148Attachment 110149
I can't find the braze-on the trigger guard? maybe it was the grease or am I just not seeing it? I removed the grease in this picture. I didn't even think about the 30-06 stamp, I just thought it was a replacement High Standard. Thank you for the feed back and help.Quote:
Originally Posted by fjruple
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Looks great to me! that's a really nice find; so when you sending to me? :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by RCS
Congrats!! That is a great buy at $900!
Mr Baker, you have the milled trigger guard which is correct, as I stated above, the parts are around without being expensive to restore your rifle
RCS, Since I'm only using this rifle for NRA Highpower Rifle and maybe Reduced Range Palma matches I'm not sure if I want to rebarrel a rifle with a perfect shooting barrel, maybe the other parts but I'll have to research to see what I need, I haven't looked at the part numbers yet to determine what is and what is not correct. I'm pretty much set on changing the stocks and handguards; they being sanded this much is bugging me even though its not hurting anything. Thank you for the help.Quote:
Originally Posted by RCS
Since it appears your M1 doesn't have any real collector value and is going to be used to shoot at competitions, why not dress her up? There are services out there that will reparkerize it and perform a trigger job so everything will look uniform and your trigger will perform better in your competitions. Drop it in a nice new stock and you will have a real beauty that performs as good as it looks. I have never used this service, but for about $200 plus S&H, you can get the trigger job and reparkerizing done. Maybe someone else here can recommend a good place to have those services done also. Good luck!
Order s Parkerizing
Interesting site. Boy real one-stop shopping. I think if I change the stock and handguards she'll look just perfect though. The pictures I put up really don't do the Parkerization justice, everything matches just a bit of ware at the front section of the barrel.Quote:
Originally Posted by Singer B
Yes, that I know...the thing I wondered was this a High Standard barrel, I have no ides what kind of stampings they used. I would originally have guessed it was a civilian barrel, maybe the makers mark is under the lower handguard? Like the top of the barrel at the back?Quote:
Originally Posted by fjruple
Hi Jim, During my inspection of the rifle, and bit of coaxing of gas cylinder that was nice and tight, I removed both upper handguard and there were no marks there. Question, Are there supposed to be part numbers and maker marks stamped on the gas cylinder? I did not find any on the one I took off. I did find a lot of carbon build-up though, looks like this rifle has not had its gas cylinder and piston cleaned in a while.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
I think only the earliest had markings. RCS has some of those he's displayed. The later ones didn't...no markings.Quote:
Originally Posted by usabaker
Jim, Thank you for the information.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Springfield and Winchester both had the drawing number on their early production gas cylinders .
Springfield from June 1940 until early 1941 and Winchester from Dec 1940 until around Oct 1941Attachment 110173Attachment 110172
RCS, Thank you for the information and pictures.Quote:
Originally Posted by RCS
Which is the better of the these two books, The Book of the Garand by Julian S. Hatcher, or The M1 Garand (Weapon) By Leroy Thompson. Or is there another I sould consider?
Thanks in advance.. Bill
What's wrong with Scott Duff books? These, I have the first two... M1 Garand Compete Set (6 Books) - Scott Duff Historic Martial ArmsQuote:
Originally Posted by usabaker