M1 Garand NM annual codes on barrel

[gfguns]

I understand these codes were featured in an article Winter 2003 Volume 18 Number 1 of the GCA Journal. This is before my time as a member and I dont have that issue. Are these codes available elsewhere? Thanks

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[gfguns]

I went to the GCA web site to look for GCA Journal back issue information but nothing there unless I missed it.

[Bob Seijas]

1959 = Greek Cross, looks like the block Red Cross symbol
1960 = 4-point star, looks like the stars in the Pittsburgh Steelers logo
1961 = Triangle
1962 = 5-point star, usually part of NM star PT in a row
1963 = 7791036 NM barrel without annual code in the chamber area

[Bob Seijas]

Here's one of mine that was rebuilt twice as new improvements came out. It didn't get redone in 1961 because that was only the NM op rod and not cause for upgrade if the existing rod was OK.

[gfguns]

Thanks Bob, that is a big help. I wonder why there is no code for 1963

[Bob Seijas]

Dunno, but I'm guessing that the special barrel was enough to delineate it as '63.

[Joe W]

I had asked Bob Seijas this on more than one occassion. Bob told me that the only thing he could think of was very old speculation that it it is either a RIA or Erie Army Depot mark put on rifles that were inspected after the National Matches but were not used and did not need any refurbishing. But Bob also said that theory has holes in it too, so it's still a mystery. I had last asked him about it when asking about the rifle posted by "gfguns" and Bobs answer was " nothing new".

[Joe W]

If anyone doesn't know what the "ducks foot" is, it is a mark found on some late NM rifles, on pistol grip, just below the proof mark.

[Phil McGrath]

Bob, what you thoughts on a 5pt star stamp like the one used on the M1 on a 03 barrel under the date stamp, not the sunburst on the muzzle.

[Mark in Rochester]

I have a 4.3 with NM barrel marked under the oprod with a * in the area and an X stamped on top of the receiver at the front left corner. Barrel dates to the receiver - no other markings