M1 Garand 1941 Springfield

[Midmichigun]

Gents!

I don't spend much time on this side of the fence, as I usually play with the Arisaka crowd!

However, I would like to show off my NEW (to me) M1 Garand receiver. While I have a .308/ NATO kit to convert a Garand, I won't spend it on this receiver, as I would like to actually dress it up USGI.

I am told that the Serial Number: 224,357, is an April make of 1941.

What drew me to it, was the two tone nature of the beast! According to the seller, this was the earliest SN that he had encountered with the two tones. I had never seen a two tone before, and was at a loss as to what it was until he explained...

I am told that the two tone nature, is due to a lead annealing process used on some receivers. Especially for grenade launching purposes, until a change in steel was done.

Here are some photos...



Two tone heel



Drawing numbers and heat code:



Just like with my 1903 that I am working on, this will be a multi year project, if I stick to my "guns" and rebuild with 1941 parts.

I have the "correct" bolt sourced for this already... so now onto the expensive and hard to get things to find!

Thanks for looking!! And wish me luck!

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]

After the grenade launcher was developed, earlier receivers were annealed whenever they came in for rebuild. Some were also done at depot levels. That means you could find a two-digit with two-tone, I've seen 3-digit receivers that were annealed.

[browningautorifle]

Very nice receiver. Can't wait to see the end result, whenever that is.

[emmagee1917]

Ahhh.....the grenade launching fable that refuses to die .
The M7 launcher and the poppet valve vent gases at firing . The bolt does not travel back , therefore cannot strike the reciever heel , therefore cannot harm it in any way .
The recoil from firing moves back to the reciever and to the stock through the reciever legs , again no force on the heel.
Chris

[Joe W]

Ahhh.....the grenade launching fable that refuses to die .
The M7 launcher and the poppet valve vent gases at firing . The bolt does not travel back , therefore cannot strike the reciever heel , therefore cannot harm it in any way .
The recoil from firing moves back to the reciever and to the stock through the reciever legs , again no force on the heel.
Chris

Granted, but I think you may have misinterpreted what Bob said. He states "AFTER the grenade launcher was developed, earlier receivers were annealed ........", which is correct, but he makes no reference to the grenade launcher being the cause. If you have Canfields new book, see page 357 for comments by Bob Seijas on the "Lead Pot Annealing".

[Bob Seijas]

Thanks, Joe. Whatever the merits (and I have my own opinion), Ordnance changed to a less brittle steel. To be perfectly accurate, earlier receivers with the original steel were annealed. The change was made at the time of the development of the launcher.

[emmagee1917]

I am told that the two tone nature, is due to a lead annealing process used on some receivers. Especially for grenade launching purposes, until a change in steel was done.

Actually , I was refering to the OPs comment .
Chris

[Joe W]

Sorry Chris, I didn't notice the last sentence of the OP's post until now. In any case, the comments by Bob Seijas in Canfield's book are an interesting and informative read.

[Midmichigun]

Gents,
Thanks for the informative correction on the annealing. That is why the OP generally posts on the internet forums... to understand... learn... and humbly be corrected.

I will certainly buy Bob's book for the correct information, as I don't recall this being in the Canfield book that I currently own.

Perhaps the myth continues due to the proximity of the events tied to the statement "around the time the grenade launcher was developed" makes one conjure that they were related... I will mention this to the individual who sold me this receiver....

When I get a chance, I will post the bolt that I have sourced, for this receiver.

[RCS]

These bolts (NOS) would have been correct for your rifle when manufactured, both revision 2 heat lots J9A and RE2

During rebuild, the bolts would have been parkerizedAttachment 55360Attachment 55361