Big 5 Garands

[greendevil41]

Yeah, this one surprised me too because the more I looked at it, the more I realized that it was correct other then the nice condition SA/GAW stock. Unmodified -3 op rod, short fork rivited follower rod, -12 bolt, single slot gas cylinder lock screw, chamber in the white, -3 hammer, -9 safety etc. In fact, everything lined up with the Duff book except the type II lock bar sights and those show up on the December '42 gun in his field guide so I think they're actually original issue to this piece since nothing else on the gun has been changed out and the finish on the sight assy matches the gun exactly. Anyone know for sure when these Type II's started showing up on '42 rifles? Apparently a few people had looked at it but thought the price was too high. Wait till they get to Big 5 and see what they get for a hundred dollars more!

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[EdG]

greendevil41,
I have a 986xxx Nov. ’42 rifle with the type 2 long pinion lock bar. The elevation cap is checkered. Have always felt this rifle to be original but the rear sight could be an update. Yours could be original although I would have expected a type 1 short pinion lock bar. As time goes on more and more info will come out. Many ideas about parts have changed over the last few years. For me, the 800000-range rifles in original configuration have been the hardest WWII to find. As yet, I still do not have an original example. I think you’ve made a good find at a very good price.
What is the heat lot of your -12 bolt? I want to guess W9B.

[greendevil41]

Ed,
Yep! W9B. I can't wait to get it home!

[EdG]

Bingo on the bolt heat lot!!! W9B is ubiquitous in that serial number range.
It appears you’ve got a near-original WWII M1.
The rear sight pinion and lock bar are questionable but as others have said, I would not change them just now, if ever.
Only the stock can be said to be changed for sure.
Again, great find. I’m still looking for an original 800000 and one as close as yours especially at that price would get my approval.
Great eye, greendevil41!!! Thanks for sharing.