SA parts on a HRA Garand?

[Mike in NC]

kikokat,

I couple of things suggest your rifle is not of Greek origin. I don't think the rifles returned from from Greece came back to the CMP before 12-03. Second, I think I have heard the observation that no HRAs as late as the 5.7 million range went to Greece. It is not uncommon for original 5.7 million HRAs to have 1952 dated HRA barrels as other posters have previously mentioned. You can also see SA barrels on a few original HRAs in this serial number range. The few I have seen have been 1953 SA barrels, late 1953 barrels if I remember correctly. I doubt any other SA part could be original in this fairly late HRA.

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[kikokat]

Mike,

Thanks for your observations regading my HRA. As you noted, consensus would indicate it's probably not a Greek return. Also that the barrel is likely original.
I have no doubt the SA stock was probably added at CMP, or perhaps prior, but is not original to the rifle. I had been told previously that it was possible the SA trigger group may have been original as HRA did run short of some parts on the later rifles and got some parts from SA. Not too likely apparently.
I have no plans to change anything in any event. It's a beatiful looking and shooting rifle as it came, and I'm quite happy with it.
I want to thank you and all the other gentlemen who were kind enough to offer their knowledge and experience.
Best regards,
John

[Rhino6]

kikokat,

I couple of things suggest your rifle is not of Greek origin. I don't think the rifles returned from from Greece came back to the CMP before 12-03. Second, I think I have heard the observation that no HRAs as late as the 5.7 million range went to Greece. It is not uncommon for original 5.7 million HRAs to have 1952 dated HRA barrels as other posters have previously mentioned. You can also see SA barrels on a few original HRAs in this serial number range. The few I have seen have been 1953 SA barrels, late 1953 barrels if I remember correctly. I doubt any other SA part could be original in this fairly late HRA.

In reference to the SA barrel use on late HRA:








I had never fired old 157 until recently, took it out to the range and fired 5 clips. The old girl will shoot, LC69 grouped very well and my match load of 168SMK even better, much better. The old timers here will remember this from the old forum, thought it was worth bringing up again since we were on the subject.

An interesting side note, look at the bolt, somebody nervous stamped the drawing number, look closely.

Bob Seijas did the data sheet for the article, I took the pics.