The Found M1

[browningautorifle]

Are the part numbers in the right range so far for November 42?

I thought I better get back to you since no one else seems to want to take this on. From what I can see, the parts you've shown are correct for your rifle. The rear sight lock bar has been identified as a T2 and the book shows a T1...but I wouldn't worry about that. I'd like to have time and the rifle in hand to do up a complete sheet on it. Lots of the little parts I can't tell just by looking. The follower has a number on the bottom but it wasn't mentioned. I wouldn't worry about it, I'm willing to accept this rifle as complete and correct as issued, because it really wouldn't have had any time to be diddled with. A man was issued and came forward with a serviceable rifle. He was probably disabled so that he couldn't retain his weapon, to whatever extent and here it is. Someone was either going to use these two as an assist to liberate the country or they just wanted a couple for a rainy day. There would have been lots lying around initially...I don't recall you telling us what shape the barrel was in after all this time. But, looking at the trigger mech inside...?

[Bob Womack]

Of course, the rifle could also be a product of the field armory on the Normandy beach describe by Ernie Pyle, picked up out of the surf or off a battlefield. Their method was to break the rifle down into its components and throw the useable parts into cans of solvent. After soaking and brushing they sorted the parts into piles and then assembled rifles by grabbing parts with no care for manufacturer. It could be entirely or partly a mixmaster. It would be a period correct mixmaster, but still a mixmaster. American weapons were designed to have all their parts interchangeable for a reason.

This is not to denigrate the weapon in question but to remind everyone of how maintenance was done back then and what the possibilities are.

Bob

[read6737]

Well it is well gumed up.
Just taken me ages to remove the gas tub.
The first 2 parts came off ever so easily but the tube needed plenty of help.
A piece of hard wood was no good, soft steel bar and a hammer worked with NO damage.
First top hand gard came off but the second not, the U support just twists 2mm and will not budge.
Just having to take my time.
More pics soon and numbers if I see any.

[Bob Seijas]

"second not, the U support just twists 2mm and will not budge."

Don't try to twist it off, slide it forward.

[read6737]

Got it off in the end.

the number on the cannon is D35448-16-R 8SA

[browningautorifle]

Interesting, a saw cut gas cylinder at the sight base. So there has been some fiddling. But still, the solid gas cylinder lock screw. Is that a machined bullet guide?

[read6737]

OK
What are the other markings on the cannon?
the bullet guide does not look hand cut but it is a bit caroded.
I cannot see any saw marks on the tube below the sights,
am I missing something.

Does any one want me to photo anything else or something in more detail ?????????

[browningautorifle]

The gas cylinder has a transverse saw cut from left to right at an angle. This is to tighten it up on the barrel when you tighten the front sight screw. The numbers you speak of are drawing numbers and inspector's marks.

[read6737]

If you mean the cut that runs down fron the sight locking dove tale,
then yes it does loon a little rough on the edges.
can see the reason for the cut,
did it become a standard modification?
or a manufacturing addition?
What is the meaning of the inspectors marks if there is any?
and are the numbers ending SA the right age for the date?

[browningautorifle]

did it become a standard modification?

Yes, it was a mod to tighten a loose gas cylinder.

What is the meaning of the inspectors marks if there is any?

There is a meaning but I don't have it. They all appear at different stages of manufacture.

Are the numbers ending SA the right age for the date?

From what I saw yes. The barrel is marked for date of manufacture on the side under the Op Rod Handle...