brand new (sort of) M1D **PIC HEAVY**

[jjjxlr8]

I picked up a "new" in the box M1d tonight and was wondering about the stock markings, or lack there of.

This rifle came from the DCM back in 1996 and has paperwork indicating it was rebuilt (built?) at the Tooele Army Depot. It's been in the box since, along with two others just like it.

The stock only has two visible marks on it: a very faint circle P in the usual spot behind the trigger guard and then a more prominent P without circle on the pistol grip (see photos). Shouldn't there be some type of inspector mark on the left side of the stock?

Also, the barrel doesn't have the D7312555 drawing number on the side. Is this one that should be marked on top?

Here's some photos for your review...any information about it would be appreciated.

Information

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[garrettbragg12]

Can't help with any of your questions, but I have to say... WOW!!!! Talk about gun porn!

[Bob Seijas]

Amen! touele is known for having built M1Ds. How sweet!

[jjjxlr8]

Well, the barrel is properly marked on the top so I guess that answers my first question:



Now the question is...should I shoot it?

It's pretty cool to have one straight out of the depot, but I've never shot an M1D and this one is begging to be put together and fired. The collector in me is saying "don't do it" and the shooter is saying "it's a rifle, it's meant to be fired!"

[Buntlineguy]

Who did you buy it for? Yourself or the guy that gets it when you're gone? Do what makes you happy.
B

[jjjxlr8]

That's a very good point. It was always my intention to shoot it, but after seeing it in person, I started having second thoughts. It really should be used....gently.

[Rick Cummelin]

You answered the barrel question already, so I thought I'd reply to your stock marking question:

Shouldn't there be some type of inspector mark on the left side of the stock?

The answer is: Not likely on a Toelle rebuilt rifle. Why? Two reasons: 1) By 1969, stock stamping at most rebuild facilities had ceased, to be replaced by the scribed marking on the receiver leg, as shown in your photo. 2) Stocks were sanded and re-oiled, and most cartouches on the left side of the stock were removed at that time, cuz the left side usually had more dings & dents than the right side. I don't recall ever seeing any type of rebuild stock marking/cartouche on a Toelle Vietnam-era rebuilt M1D. and I've seen lots of them.

BTW- nice find! Should you shoot it? Only if you are curious if it shoots (most likely it will). I shot my rebuilt M1D many years ago and was disappointed by the accuracy--or lack of it. The barrel on mine looked new, but accuracy was not great, just average. Removing the scope actually helped.

[garrettbragg12]

As for the shoot/non shoot, shooter M1D's aren't impossible to find, so if you want one to shoot, you could always save up and buy a shooter. How many do you come across that are still in the box/wrap from the factory? Just my .02. Again, incredible find

[jjjxlr8]

One thing that I noticed is that the bolt seems to catch in it's most rearward position. The action is not smooth at all, even after applying some rifle grease in the recommended locations. Is this normal for a newly re-built re-finished rifle?

[browningautorifle]

Sometimes the Parkerizing can be rough. It may take just a bit of break in to smooth up. I wouldn't worry about it.