Is Orion 7 a reliable source for original parts?

[HDSledge]

I read that the owner has been in business for a long time. Found some mixed but mostly good feedback but it is all years old. I contacted them about a type one barrel band and Michael responded by email that they have one. I have already bought and returned a couple of bands from other sellers misrepresented as original.

Can anyone give me a thumbs up/down on Orion 7 / M1Garand.com as a reliable source for original USGI parts?

Information

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[painter777]

Oriongroup on GB

Have dealt with Tony and Michael.
Bought UEF carbine stocks from their GB auctions.
Under described as they were much nicer in hand.
YMMV, But they treated me great.

CH-P777

P.S. Also bulk 5.56, .300, brass, all was as described.

[HDSledge]

Tony is retired. I just spoke with Michael and ordered the band. He has been working with his father rebuilding garands and carbines since he was 13 years old. They have a couple month wait time on certain rebuilds and have a brick and mortar operation. I may do business with them in the future.

I'll follow up when I get the band.

[HDSledge]

The one on the left is the snapped original equipment barrel band. On the right is the replacement I received, claimed to be original. Enough in this pic to decide on original vs repro?

I'm still new to the carbine world so I'm not sure if the obvious differences indicate a reproduction band.

Observations/opinions?

[painter777]

HD,
Until I cal get on the other computer/ Thursday, give a look at this known original on auction.

M1 CARBINE BARREL BAND TYPE I, 2 spot weld | eBay

Also take more pics of yours.
I'll post my own pics Thursday, This laptop wont let me use my photobucket.

I'd go ahead and post in the carbine forum, we'll get more replies, now that we aren't directing at a auction with your part.

ITEM NUMBER IN CASE MY LINK DOESN'T WORK:

222353522465



Charlie-painter777

[HDSledge]

That one has the rounded edge on the band like my original does so I'm leaning toward declaring the replacement I got a reproduction unless someone chimes in and changes my mind.

[AFJon]

That one has the rounded edge on the band like my original does so I'm leaning toward declaring the replacement I got a reproduction unless someone chimes in and changes my mind.

Is this the one you ordered?

C3a, Barrel band without bayonet lug*

[HDSledge]

Is this the one you ordered?

C3a, Barrel band without bayonet lug*

Nope. He said they only had one and supposedly that was the one I received. It is a lot better approximation than the one in the link to their sales page for 37.99. Which I now notice claims that everything on the page is original USGI.

Does my comparison pic above tell you anything conclusive?

[AFJon]

Not an expert, but I believe if the part has the asterisk (*) symbol next to the listing it is a reproduction. The Garand parts list note everything that is reproduction with the asterisk (*).

[scharfschutzen63]

I dealt with him once and will have nothing to do with him again. He sent me parts which were misrepresented and had an attitude when I brought it to his attention.