We Need to Outlaw Sandpaper

[Singer B]

I obtained this Winchester M1 Garand last week from an on-line auction. I already had an SA and obtaining a Winchester was on my "want" list. I knew from the pictures it had been sanded (thanks to what I learned on this site), but I wasn't ready for how bad. When I shouldered the rifle for the first time, I literally thought the gun was crooked. It turns out it is just a bad case of "Bubbasandpaperitis."

I attached a few photos so persons new to collecting can see what they should be looking for. When I dismantled the rifle, I found that the only Winchester part in it is the receiver (the barrel is a SA-1-48). I was slightly disappointed, but this now makes it easier to decide what to do with it. I will replace the wood with a correct period (and worn) stock and WW2 era milled trigger guard so it can be returned to its correct WW2 set-up. I do have one question for the experts - the gas cylinder on this rifle is a very dark black color, almost like a paint (photo attached). Is this a correct USGI part or an aftermarket part? Between the overdone sanding and fake flash hider, I am wondering if Bubba replaced the original cylinder with a non-USGI part?

Thank you in advance for your expertise and advice!

Information

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[usabaker]

I will replace the wood with a correct period (and worn) stock

I might have a Winchester stock I will have to dig a bit. However, if you aren't hard set on an original, Dupage Home | Dupage Trading Company has one they have made in the Winchester M1 Garand style for a reasonable price. I bought one to put on mine so that I'm not using the original stock when I decide to use it for NRA High Power Rifle .

[usabaker]

might have a Winchester stock I will have to dig a bit

Walt, don't have one.. A number of stocks but no Whinchester..

[Singer B]

Walt, don't have one.. A number of stocks but no Whinchester..

Thank you for checking. One will turn up. Ssgross may have one. I really appreciate you taking the time to check!

[togor]

Sometimes it's soldiers with time on their hands working those stocks.

[eb in oregon]

Sometimes it's soldiers with time on their hands working those stocks.

Some soldiers shaved the stock to take off a bit of weight back in the day. Of course that was a big "no no" but some guys get crazy trying to save a few ounces.

[Bob Seijas]

I wrote an article for The GCA Journal on a military study of gear GIs discarded to save weight, fascinating. The biggest was they saved EITHER the shoe packs or the galoshes, but never both. They tossed things for even a few ounces, like the mess kit forks, saved only the spoon. The results were good, IIRC they cut their load down from over 100 lbs to less than 60.

[browningautorifle]

Yes, I've seen these sanded like that before. That one's done. Wood can be had, sometimes even a matching military set...anyway, it can be had. The gas cylinder is OK but has been painted. Just use a liquid stripper and melt it off, maybe even acetone. I doubt Winchester left you any finish. You can always get it redone with a stainless Oxinate finish.

[Singer B]

Thanks for the info. I'll strip that cylinder and try that finish. I'm going to search for an original Winchester stock. I know it will probably be pretty beat up and dinged, but to me, that is what the true character of a 1942 military rifle should be. I have a beautiful 1956 SA but she doesn't have any history. This Winchester does.

[browningautorifle]

a 1942 military rifle

That stock could be a search and a real steep price, good luck.