2 groove Garand barrels

[falover]

I am currently laid up with no knee. (long story) As I have lots of time and pretty much immobile I am reading. Real books on paper! One publication is an old war department technical manual. TM9-1275 to be precise. Now as I have gone through this more than once there is one paragraph that has me questioning some of the advice and information that I have gotten regarding the existence of two groove Garand barrels. The general consensus is that the Garand never had this type of barrel and any found are a hybrid of demilled Garands and 1903 surplus barrels. However,the manual states TM9-1275,Section 5, paragraph 5, Data a. Rifling:

Number of grooves...........................4-rifles of old mfr. 2-rifles of new mfr.



Now remember this manual is the 1947 updated version so what is old/new is subject to interpretation. This information has led me to believe the the Garand rifle was fitted with new, two groove barrels at some time in the manufacturing or refurbishing process. Now the questions. Who made these barrels? What arsenals were doing the refurbishing at this time? Are there any records of how many of these barrels were produced and used? I have a two groove barrel that is in excellent condition but due to some of the information I have received, I have been wary of using it. If it is indeed a true USGI replacement barrel it will have a place in an upcoming build. Any and all information, guesses, rumours or other tidbits are welcome and appreciated. Thanks, FAL.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

How about this...no. No 2 groove barrels. Those are made from 1903A3 replacement barrels. What you've quoted doesn't tell me they made 2 groove barrels. Typical jargon of a technical manual. I lived with them for years.

[CINDERS]

Jim did they go along the same lines as the No.4 expedient of faster production or were they specifically made replacement barrels for the 1903 rifles or M-17's as I gather the war would have placed a heavy burden on all manufacturers given the attrition rate. Just asking. TIA
In the back of my mind I seem to recall the life expectancy of a 303 rifle in WWI was about 20 hours it maybe a wrong figure but for some reason sticks out !!!

[Bob Seijas]

IIRC 2-groove barrels were briefly tested and quickly abandoned (there's a note to that effect in some SA record that I read but can't find). IMHO the test rifles were not delivered for issue. It's possible that the manual writer made an incorrect assumption.

[browningautorifle]

Like Bob says, I could see them trialling them. If any had ever been delivered, we'd know about it. If the OP would post good clear pics of his barrel, we'll show him where the join line is mating the M1 stub to the 1903A3 barrel. Bear in mind, I bought an M1 carbine with a "Rare" 2 groove barrel...until I cleaned it and could see it was joined as well. Not a surprise to me. Shot fine and was well received as a shooter by the next owner.

The 1903A3 barrels were a time expedient Cinders, also they showed with trials 2 groove wasn't any LESS accurate...one would think the lands would last longer too. Don't know what the estimate for a rifle life was in action...