Need help with valuation of possible M1 Garand purchase

[GolfBravoUSMC]

Although I carried one for five years in the Marines I am new to the M1 Garand collector world. I've been involved with Beretta 92FS and 1911A1 pistols since re-entering the gun ownership ranks this year.

I have found a weapon locally that is a mix of Springfield and Harrington & Richards components. The stocks are ok except some severe gouges near the trigger and a small crack on the left side at the top near the receiver. The metal parts look good and I have it from reliable sources it shoots well.

I have posted a photo album here :

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Bob Seijas]

Link doesn't open for me. You don'tmention the price. Why not go to the Civilian Marksmanship Program, it's the best source for US M1 rifles.

[GolfBravoUSMC]

Try this: M1 Garand Photos by GolfBravoUSMC | Photobucket

[Joe W]

If the bore gages OK, I would say between $ 500.00 and $ 600.00 at most. Semper Fi

[Rick B]

The original Barrel Receiver pair correctly and do not look to have been refinished so it has great bones for a restoration if the price is right. Rick B

[Bob Seijas]

IIRC a CMP Standard Grade H&R is $675, excellent condition and verified safe to shoot.

[no4mk1t]

The question you need to ask yourself is do I want this to collect, or do I want it to shoot.
If you want it to collect, then you can begin your quest looking for parts to make it "original".

If you want it to shoot, inspect the barrel for corrosion, throat erosion, and muzzle wear.
Also check for how much clamping tension the stock has. If the clamping tension is little to none, it's not going to be a really good shooter unless you replace/shim/glass the stock.
With the newest M1's being 50+ years old, and the oldest being 70+ years old, original stocks typically no longer have sufficient clamping tension to make good shooters without resorting to shimming or glassing.

[Neal Myers]

Parts have become expensive, especially wood; it's really not worthwhile trying to do a restoration.

I'd use a "poor man's" muzzle wear gauge: a single round of USGI M2 ball stuck point first in the muzzle. Measure how much copper jacket still shows. 5/16" = new, 1/4" = excellent, 1/8" = OK for plinking, 0 = shot out.

Neal

[WarPig1976]

In the northeast here, you will pay NO less then $1000.00 for a Garand in good, fireable condition. Guys are asking $1200 to $1500 at the fun shows!!!

[Joe W]

In the northeast here, you will pay NO less then $1000.00 for a Garand in good, fireable condition. Guys are asking $1200 to $1500 at the fun shows!!!

They can "ask" whatever they want but for someone to pay $ 1000.00 or more for a service grade that CMP sells for $ 675.00, they would have to be clueless.