"Big Five!" most collectable M-1s

[Bob Womack]

I find it one of those great conundrums that admittedly by all, one of the least well-built Garand types (Winchester) is one of the most sought-after.

Bob

[Bodyman]

(grin).

[1-12 INF (M)]

Took 6 M1s to the range yesterday. All Service Grades, 2 HRA, 2 WRA, 1 IHC and 1 SA for a bake-off to see which shot the best with GI M2 ball. Did 5 shot groups off the bench at 50, then 100 yds. (it's a 100 yd range).

First place - WRA. Second place - WRA.

Of course, this anecdotal evidence means nothing in the larger sense, but I was surprised.

[goo]

sheesh! i feel so inadaquate
i only got one..
...
http://www.pbase.com/mrclark/image/73421082.jpg
...

[Bodyman]

Educational Order Winchester (resto is fine for me because let's get real; original (???!!!) ... don't hold your breath ....),
Gastrap (numbered parts are just sexy but keystones are, well, ...),
Any pre-Pearl Harbor that is even substantially original (earlier the better - flushnuts, short pinions and sight seals are just so darned cool),
Any original Winchester or WWII SA would be exciting,
Any sniper (but somehow M1C's are extra sexy, but an MC1952 with a Stith-Kollmorgen, well now that is it, ...).

And for you guys that think I am solely a WWII guy, I while back I picked up a near mint HRA with an LMR at the North store that is just killer - what a sweetheart. It was on the 'correct grade' shelf but I'll be doggoned if I can't figure out why - it is right as rain and near flawless (!!!). Now I look at it and argue with myself whether or not to actually shoot it (yea, I know ...). I am almost afraid that some day I will just grab it when I go to the range ... The north store is a half day drive that I try to NOT make because my credit cards (and my wife) screams when I do ....

[Garandrew]

Ive got a pre war SA 8-41 with flush nut, correct WIn-13, SA/EMcF from 3-43, with SA annealed reciever, SA 1-42, with type 1 lockbar rear sight, and SA/GAW from 1-44,
Those are my Big 5!
Andy

[GPlourde]

For me,
British Lead Lease
Original 1942
Original 1943
Win13
IHC/HRA
Am a lefty so M1C and D's for some weird reason, don't excite me!??

[mark1]

Lets see -
WRA 13 1.6m
IHC 5.1m
SA 94,xxx
SA M1C 3.5 m
SA M1D 4.3m

[Loy Hamilton]

Gas trap ----- don't got!
Prewar SA --- got
Winchester -- got
IHC --------- don't got!
S/A GAW ---- got

I'm getting there!

how 'bout the Navy Trophy Rifles?? 0-66, 0-65, etc?

[Maplebacon]

I find it one of those great conundrums that admittedly by all, one of the least well-built Garand types (Winchester) is one of the most sought-after.

Bob

They may not be as "pretty" as the others finish-wise, but I would not say they are not well-built.