Did Fifty Collectors Really Ruin 50 Early HRA Corrects?

[Joe W]

FWIW, an original rifle is the grail for collectors like me who want "as manufactured" examples. If it was assembled with a grooved clip, that's the way I want it. "Correct" seems to me to be an arbitrary term that implies some standard of what somebody thinks should be on an average rifle of the period. It obviously changes as more information is found. Original is set in stone: it was made that way and that never changes.

I don't think I even want to think about using the terms "Original and/or Correct" when talking about NM rifles especially Type 2's, that may have been arsenal rebuilt on a few occassions. Don't think I even thought about it until just now. LOL

[DaveN]

Where you there when that rifle was produced? do you no the guy who snuck it out of the factory or armory, I think not. I collect veteran rifles that most likely saw a lot of action, and served this and other countries well. If they gave out purple hearts to M1 garands mine would have a few I'm sure. It's like this, there are veterans who served and combat veterans. They all served and God bless them all, but which ones have the story you want to here most?

[Bob Seijas]

Where you there when that rifle was produced? Do you know the guy who snuck it out of the factory or armory, I think not. I collect veteran rifles that most likely saw a lot of action,

Well, that's a collector philosophy shared by many, including Scott Duff, and I understand it. It just isn't mine. Was the beat up rifle used in combat or just drug through the mud by ten guys in Basic Training? Who knows. On the other hand, a stamp collector values a mint example far higher than one that was actually used on a letter and cancelled with an ink stamp. It's just a different focus. Don't knock it just because it isn't yours.

[byronroland]

I am new and just bumped into this thread, reading and learning. Interesting. Now for my question. I have an M1D, supposedly CMP (I have the certificate and assume it is not a forgery). It is one of the Greek return rifles or at least I think as much, it was sold by CMP in Oct. of 2007. Barrel is marked S-A-3-52 and is numbered D7812555 A _ 6 _ _ (difficult to read). OP rod is HRA as is the bolt and both appear brand new. All other parts are Springfield and in excellent shape, as new.

The barrel MW is a 3 at best, it swallows a M2 to the brass and a new and pristine Gage falls in to the very top of the next to last ring before last band (#4).

The stock as received was very rough, had no place with balance of rifle, same for forearms. Stock had no cartouche (s) did not appear to be walnut and stock metal was rough to match the stock. But, the stock shows real signs of use, repairs, multiple indents from seating rounds in en bloc before loading, a real rough life-but, no cartouche-none and not due to being "worn" off.

All the parts except for the OP rod and bolt (only HRA and new parts) are blued. Bright, shiny and very nice work. Good depth and application. Would be nice for a commercial rifle.

I purchased a decent SA stock set with D version handguard and tung oil finished. The gun looks good as it is and shoots decent, will hold 2" at 100 yards. Have an original M84 scope and mount as well as a repo set for use.

Now the questions, I would like the gun should shoot better, at least 1 MOA or better. Would like to use this for JCG matches. I am thinking of re barreling. Should I re barrel and blue or take the opportunity to Parkerize the rifle complete and replace the HRA parts with Springfield? Or, sell this one and get a standard?

I still have original stock and handguards, can put back as it was.

Personally, I see the blue as a real negative, barrel makes the rifle a no show for any use, barrel is a replacement (although correct) anyway.

If I re barrel, will do it right-maybe not a NOS M1D as they are so pricey-but a good barrel. Same for Parkerize.

Am I wasting my and your time? Is it even worth the discussion?

Thanks!

[Redleg]

There were a bunch of pristine grooved handguard clips for sale on ebay recently. I bought one.

[Eugene Onegin]

Do you think those 50 guys had a copy of this book?