Opinions Wanted - Replace SAI Garand Barrel and Stock

[cat.smith63]

Hello. I'm sort of a newbie to M1 Garands. Back in the mid 90's I picked up a Springfield Armory Incorporated M1 Garand, shot it a couple times and then stuck it in the safe.

Recently I dug it out and started researching it. It appears I have a GI Springfield Armory receiver from 10-1944 (3.2 million serial number range) with a correct bolt, a GI trigger group with mostly GI Springfield Armory parts, a GI OP rod, etc.

It has a commercial barrel marked SAI Geneseo IL and 30-06 and a replacement stock.

I am not overly concerned about the cost of a correct GI barrel and stock. I am more interested to know if it is worth it from a historical point to try and restore it to GI status.

Secondly, if I decide to restore it where can I send it to get the barrel swapped. I am in Missouri and a local source would be ideal.

Thanks for your input.

Information

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[Brian Dick]

I think Douglas made the standard grade barrels for SA, Inc. if memory serves and they are fine. I have an SA, Inc. M1A purchased in the late 70's that was originally sold with a standard barrel marked exactly the same as yours on the M1 Rifle. I shot it until the late 90's with no problems other than I had to use a small base die to size brass for it. The only thing you'll change by installing a GI barrel and stock is the fact that it has a commercial replacement barrel and stock. Unless you're going to restore it piece by piece back to it's factory configuration which will be an expensive and time consuming endeavor, I'd just leave it alone, shoot and enjoy it.

[Bob Seijas]

Restoring a rifle is usually not wise economically -- like a hotrod car, the cost of building it is usually greater than what somebody else will pay for the finished product. Nevertheless, it's a rewarding project -- but do it for your own satisfaction.

[Joe W]

I am not overly concerned about the cost of a correct GI barrel and stock. I am more interested to know if it is worth it from a historical point to try and restore it to GI status.

Thanks for your input.

From "a historical point" IMO, all you would be doing is adding another chapter to its already troubled history. If the rifle is a decent shooter enjoy it as is. But as Bop implied, the bottom line is do whatever makes you happy.

[shooter88]

I replaced the barrel on my Garand about 3 years ago. The one that was orginally on it was very worn, and would swallow a muzzle guage. To keep it correct, I bought a USGI Sprngfield barrel off ebay that was not nearly as well used. I sent it and the rifle to Shuff's Parkerizing to have it installed. They did a good job and it wasnt terribly expensive. Shuffs Parkerizing and Military Restorations