LMR Barrel Swap

[GPlourde]

I need some help, I have an IHC 4578xxx with a 1/53 SA barrel (too early for this SN range). I had purchased my first Garand, a SA 5308xxx that happens to have a LMR 12/53 barrel on it (listed as correct for this SN range). So I was thinking switch the barrels and get an IHC with the correct barrel and a really good SA shooter. The 12/53 LMR barrel lacks the typical IHC punch mark near the rear handguard clip.
It is marked: LMR D6535448 12-53 P M with crossed canon.
I also understand early IHC's lacked the punch mark (am I wrong?)
Does the lack of a punch mark mean this is a replacement barrel?
What would you do?

Information

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[ROCK]

I have a situation similar to yours.

I have a 4.44 IHC with a 1-52 SA barrel and with a bright breech face. I don't know if its an original combination but the finish on the barrel and receiver are original. They will stay together.

I have a 3.8 SA with an original finish 2-53 LMR barrel with a bright breech face and no punch mark. The receiver has what looks like the dark green, smooth satin parkerizing done by SA in the early 50s. That combination will stay together too.

There may be some history there for those rifles. I'm not disturbing them. Who knows what they'll find out in the future.

[geberl]

4638811 LMR 3-53
4639016 LMR 4-53
4639444 SA 3-52
4640270 LMR 7-53
4641536 LMR 6-53
4641606 LMR 5-53
4651260 LMR 4-53
4651271 LMR 5-53
4653670 LMR 7-53
4655011 LMR 6-53
4655060 LMR 6-53
4656575 LMR 8-53
4657118 LMR 7-53
4657312 LMR 6-53
4657501 LMR 7-53
4658243 LMR 3-53
4659045 LMR 6-53
4659316 LMR 3-53

Here are a few numbers I have, wouldn't rule out the possibility of originallity especially if it came to you from the CMP.

[Joe W]

I would just leave them both as they are. Even though the LMR 12-53 would be "correct" for your IHC, without the "punch mark" it will be seen by collectors as a replacement barrel and do nothing for the value of your rifle.
If you can switch barrels yourself then do what makes you happy, it won't effect the value of either rifle. If you would have to pay to switch the barrels then I see no reason to do so.

[ihcfan55]

It was hit or miss on the prick punch mark on many of the early IHC rifles. The prick punch mark was not seen consistently until early 1954, around the 4.51M/4.52M range. So, the lack of a prick punch mark is not really a detractor. If you want to change the barrel out, go ahead, as the 12-53 would be a good match for your serial number range.

[Joe W]

I would just leave them both as they are. Even though the LMR 12-53 would be "correct" for your IHC, without the "punch mark" it will be seen by collectors as a replacement barrel and do nothing for the value of your rifle.
If you can switch barrels yourself then do what makes you happy, it won't effect the value of either rifle. If you would have to pay to switch the barrels then I see no reason to do so.

First off, the original post was in regard to a IHC rifle with a 4.57 serial number so, based on the range stated by IHCFAN55, this rifle should have a LMR barrel with "prick punch".
As far as the earlier rifles, IHCFAN55 has observed more and knows more about the IHC than I ever will. However, until he gets his book published with the latest information, you will run in to collectors like myself and you will have to explain and convince us that the 4.4 mil IHC could be correct with a barrel lacking the punch mark.
It is not very long ago that other very knowledgable collectors have stated in writings regarding both LMR barrels used by IHC and HRA barrels that "if these (punch) marks are not present in these locations, then the barrel is a replacement and not original to the respective rifle." It is further stated, "Coincidence could be very much evident relating to LMR and SA barrel dates for IHC rifles simply through the rebuild process. IE: a replacement barrel could, and does, easily coincide with a serial number of a rifle and it could then be assumed the barrel is original when in fact it is a replacement IF the proof punch marks are not as described above."

Again, I am not doubting what IHCFAN55 has said but my point is, at this time, a vast number of collectors are not aware of this "hit and miss" therory, and a LMR barrel on a IHC rifle that lacked the punch might be a hard sell.

Come on Wayne, seems like you have alot of new information. How about sharing with us in the form of your proposed book. I for one am looking forward to it as I am sure many others are. Joe

[ihcfan55]

Yes, the 4.57M range did have the prick punch. For some reason, I was thinking that Gregg had a 4.53M vs a 4.57M. (Old age and senility are creeping up on me.) I still wouldn't have a problem putting the 12-53 barrel on a 4.57M receiver - it is, after all, a restoration.

As to the book, yes, I do have a treasure trove of new info. I have shared TONS of it on this site, and field questions from collectors every day via email. Putting a book together is a lot of work, and I certainly have a lot more respect for the likes of Scott Duff and Bruce Canfield.

I had hoped to have the book out this year, but my father and mother have both had major problems in the past year, and I have had to care for them. (I seriously doubt that my father, Korean War veteran with five battle stars, will make it to the end of the year.)

In addition, I have been trying to make sure ALL of the data I provide is good, solid stuff, unlike a lot of reference books published in the last several years. For solid info, one must do a ton of research, and I do it every day. I am positive of one thing - when you get a copy of the book, you will not be disappointed, either with the quantity or quality of the information presented.

[Joe W]

I am sure that your book will become the bible for the tractor crowd. May God bless and comfort your parents. Semper Fi, Joe

[GPlourde]

Thanks all for your kind help, I have the tools to rebarrel and have put it off for two years now, will wait and contemplate this for a while.
Wayne, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.