M1 Korean War

[agtex08]

Hi all,
I bought a CMP service grade Garand while deployed. Ended up with a H&R made in 53 with a new CMP stock. The receiver is most likely a Greek return because of the black ish finish from what I've researched. Since its most likely a pieced together rifle that isn't original, I was thinking of refinishing the receiver and barrel to its original finish so they'd match. What would a late Korean War Garand have been finished with from the factory? Thanks for the help.

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[us019255]

Why bother? The new finish is part of the military history of "The greatest battle instrument ever devised". If it were mine I would do three things. 1. Document her history (including CMP papers), shoot her, and make sure she eventually is passed on to a child or other person who will take care of her.

[Seaspriter]

Why bother? The new finish is part of the military history of "The greatest battle instrument ever devised". If it were mine I would do three things. 1. Document her history (including CMP papers), shoot her, and make sure she eventually is passed on to a child or other person who will take care of her.

This is good advice. Generally doing less is best (except for safety issues). Whenever I see the words "REFINISH" my heart cries and my head screams. 99% of the "refinishing" work turns a grungy gun into a fake: over-finished by a Bignorant who thinks a wartime gun's wood is supposed to look "light and bright," and its metal must be "polished shiny black."

On the other hand, I've seen many "purists" slather coats of raw linseed oil over a gun thinking that because this was done in the battlefield, it is therefore proper restoration. A decade later the sticky finish has gathered dirt and dust, the oil turned yellow then brown, and the gun lacks any spark of energy except when shot at the firing range.

If interested in a few ideas about how to "restore" a wartime gun (versus "refinish"), take a look at a piece I wrote for Enfields (98% applies to M-1's).

Dropbox - Laws Principles of Restoration V1.0.pdf

Of course, any other expert opinions are always appreciated and healthy debate is enlightening.

Best, Robert

[browningautorifle]

What would a late Korean War Garand have been finished with from the factory?

Probably a gray Parkerizing. Nothing too hard for someone that does that. Just a bead blast and park...try Chuckindenver hereabouts and he can do it...if he has time.

[agtex08]

Thanks Jim, appreciate the help

[Orlando]

Stop before refinishing anything. Are you 100% sure its a Greek Black refinish? Original finish can be very dark. Most people dont know the difference between original finish and Greek Black. As soon as they see a dark park tey automatically think its Greek
Greek black is easy to spot as it looks more like a thick black paint

[Rick Cummelin]

Stop before refinishing anything. Are you 100% sure its a Greek Black refinish? Original finish can be very dark. Most people dont know the difference between original finish and Greek Black. As soon as they see a dark park tey automatically think its Greek
Greek black is easy to spot as it looks more like a thick black paint

I totally agree with Orlando--you may be making a HUGE mistake. Most original H&Rs I have fondled were a VERY dark grey parked finish. Either post some good photos, or get an opinion of an expert before proceeding.

[imntxs554]

On the Parkerizing before you chose, call around on that Garand and talk to Dean at DGRGUNS.COM and he will match the Parkerize intended for that Garand or any other Military rifle you would like to have that done too. Here is one of his M1 Garand Parkerizing. He's a good guy to talk to.

[bacarnal]

The two M1D's I recently got from Perry are an almost black parkerization, not a paint. The gent at the counter said they were Greek. The gas cylinder does have a black paint on it which resembles stove paint and will not come off with acetone, paint thinner, PB Blaster or oven cleaner (hey, had to try it). I would have removed it with my bead blaster, but someone stole my compressor over the weekend.

[Orlando]

The two M1D's I recently got from Perry are an almost black parkerization, not a paint. The gent at the counter said they were Greek. .

He told you they were Greek returns or were "Greek Black" ?
The Greek Black looks absolutly nothing like parkerizing and is very easy to identify once you really know what it looks like. Looks like a black enamel paint
USGI parkerizing ranges in color and can be black