Question about H&R M1 Garand with VAR Barrel from Denmark?

[Nascarboy18]

I just came across an H&R M1 Garand in my trader today for $550. I called the guy, he says it has a VAR barrel, so it must have been in Denmark or something. He also said the stock is not original, It has a tiger striped stock. I need to know if this gun is worth $550. I've always wanted an M1 but my wallet keeps disagreeing. But this price isn't bad. Is it worth it? Also how much trouble is it to change the stock on a Garand? I most likely would want to put an original stock on it. If I bought it and regreted it how much do you think I could sell it for? Maybe on an auction site like GunBroker. Any information at all would be wonderful. Thanks in advance.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Yes, if all the parts are there it's worth it. If they're in good or great shape then bonus. There's nothing wrong with the tiger stripe stock, it's just not the first one that was on it. Changing them is easy. If you wanted to sell it, and assuming it's in good shape, you can make a bit as well as sell it easily.

[Nascarboy18]

Thanks for responding man, this really helped me. Anyone who has anything else to say is more then welcome to!

[purple]

AFAIK the Danes had few, if any, HRA or other post-war US Garands. They used wartime WRA and Springfield rifles, which were furnished from US stocks in the 1950-51 timeframe, although I have seen one Danish stock which was stamped with the s/n of one of the early post-war Springfields. They also used Breda and Beretta made rifles which they purchased directly from Italy in 1954/55.

Chances are that this HRA rifle was fitted with a Danish made VAR barrel in the US. Many of the VAR barrels were fitted to ex-Danish rifles which were sold by the CMP. VAR barrels were also available in Garand parts kits which were sold by various vendors. That said, HRA receivers are among the best and the VAR barrels have an excellent reputation for accuracy. If it is sound and servicable it seems a good buy.

[Cajun J]

I purchased a VAR barrel back in the late 1990s to put on a WWII Springfield receiver. At the same time I purchased a Tiger stripped stock and also installed. Came out with a really good looking and good shooting rifle. VAR barrels are accurate in my experience. The stock actually came off of a CMP rifle in Addison back when they were crushing some of the M1 rifles and saving the stocks. $550 is a decent price if the rifle is in good shape.

[gulliver62]

Is it worth $550...probably. You are buying a shooter not a collector as it is a mix of parts. So the real issue is the overall condition of the parts. All can be replaced but if necessary can run up your $550. I mention the items below because if you are at the top of what you can spend at this point, $550 is pretty cheap (it would be in Georgia) and I always suspect too cheap.
At least see if you can fire a clip through the rifle to see that it fully functions.

Make sure that the headspace on the rifle is checked. It's real easy to change bolts and barrels on the Garand and sometimes people don't check it as they should.
Barrel, Muzzle Wear and Throat Erosion are a good indication of wear. VAR usually had a very tight throat (i have measured a couple between 1 and 2). If you can check do so. MW > 2.5 and throat > probably 5 indicate that the barrel has been shot a lot or care has not been taken around the muzzle. May still shoot but is something to notice.
Muzzle crown, check for nicks and dings. This could affect accuracy, easy fix if you or your smith have the tool.
At least do a tilt test. Take out the op-rod spring and see that the op-rod moves freely back and forth. If it binds there is an issue. Simple as tweaking the lower band, or as complex as a new op-rod or gas cylinder.
The op-rod tip (silver part that goes in the gas cylinder) should be checked and should measure .525 or better. If it's too worn it might not cycle well (can be re-tipped).
The op-rod also has a tab that rides in the receiver that keeps it on track. At least look at this and see if it looks excessively worn.
The gas cylinder can also be worn but you need a gauge or at least some known size stainless steel pins to check.
Check that the sights are tight and have a positive click when you move them (and that they do move)
Make sure the trigger group is tight when you lock it in the stock (this is an easy fix if it is not but does affect accuracy)

great rifles, I hope it works out for you.....also be prepared to buy a lot of 30-06 because you are going to love shooting the gun

[kilroy]

If it is in good shape that is a great price. The VAR barrels are known for accuracy provided it doesn't have pitting or is shot out. HRA rifles are some of my favorites.

---------- Post added at 08:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 AM ----------

AFAIK the Danes had few, if any, HRA or other post-war US Garands. They used wartime WRA and Springfield rifles, which were furnished from US stocks in the 1950-51 timeframe, although I have seen one Danish stock which was stamped with the s/n of one of the early post-war Springfields. They also used Breda and Beretta made rifles which they purchased directly from Italy in 1954/55.

Chances are that this HRA rifle was fitted with a Danish made VAR barrel in the US. Many of the VAR barrels were fitted to ex-Danish rifles which were sold by the CMP. VAR barrels were also available in Garand parts kits which were sold by various vendors. That said, HRA receivers are among the best and the VAR barrels have an excellent reputation for accuracy. If it is sound and servicable it seems a good buy.

Did the Danes get the rifles from the US, or did the US supply rifles left in Europe to them? I just picked up a Dane from the CMP and would like to know more about them. The stock is stamped with a serial number, it has a VAR on a WWII Springfield receiver, a Beretta op rod and lock bars.

[purple]

Tough to say. The Danes had these rifles for 40+ yrs so there were many parts changes done over that time, incl a swap of Italian and various Danish made parts. Some of the rifles still have original barrels. Most I have seen show evidence of post-war rebuild in the US, incl replacement op rods and many 1946-49 dated replacement barrels. I have a Raritan Arsenal marked ex-Danish navy rifle in pristine condition and am aware of some others like it. Some of the stocks still have the wartime cartouche. Others are post-war replacements with either SA or Raritan marked stocks. Based on the many of the Danish rifles that I've seen, I'd believe that these were all furnished from military assets in the US.

[USMC6094]

The Danes got rifles from us, and had them made under contract in Italy by Beretta and Breda. The VAR barrels are on par with the US LMR tubes that were sought out by all the services shooting teams for thier accuracy. I dont believe the Danes got any Post-war Garands from us, but I could be wrong.
If you decide to get the rifle, get it checked out, if all the parts are in-spec, the muzzle and throat check out, then 550 is a STEAL.............
Good luck my friend

[shootnstarz]

My nephew got a Dane with a VAR tube and proceeded to wax everybody's tail at the local mil rifle matches. Got 7Xs out of 20 rds in the last one he shot. Show off !

Rick