We Need to Outlaw Sandpaper

[Singer B]

I obtained this Winchester M1 Garand last week from an on-line auction. I already had an SA and obtaining a Winchester was on my "want" list. I knew from the pictures it had been sanded (thanks to what I learned on this site), but I wasn't ready for how bad. When I shouldered the rifle for the first time, I literally thought the gun was crooked. It turns out it is just a bad case of "Bubbasandpaperitis."

I attached a few photos so persons new to collecting can see what they should be looking for. When I dismantled the rifle, I found that the only Winchester part in it is the receiver (the barrel is a SA-1-48). I was slightly disappointed, but this now makes it easier to decide what to do with it. I will replace the wood with a correct period (and worn) stock and WW2 era milled trigger guard so it can be returned to its correct WW2 set-up. I do have one question for the experts - the gas cylinder on this rifle is a very dark black color, almost like a paint (photo attached). Is this a correct USGI part or an aftermarket part? Between the overdone sanding and fake flash hider, I am wondering if Bubba replaced the original cylinder with a non-USGI part?

Thank you in advance for your expertise and advice!

Information

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[usabaker]

I will replace the wood with a correct period (and worn) stock

I might have a Winchester stock I will have to dig a bit. However, if you aren't hard set on an original, Dupage Home | Dupage Trading Company has one they have made in the Winchester M1 Garand style for a reasonable price. I bought one to put on mine so that I'm not using the original stock when I decide to use it for NRA High Power Rifle .

[togor]

Sometimes it's soldiers with time on their hands working those stocks.

[browningautorifle]

Yes, I've seen these sanded like that before. That one's done. Wood can be had, sometimes even a matching military set...anyway, it can be had. The gas cylinder is OK but has been painted. Just use a liquid stripper and melt it off, maybe even acetone. I doubt Winchester left you any finish. You can always get it redone with a stainless Oxinate finish.

[Singer B]

Thanks for the info. I'll strip that cylinder and try that finish. I'm going to search for an original Winchester stock. I know it will probably be pretty beat up and dinged, but to me, that is what the true character of a 1942 military rifle should be. I have a beautiful 1956 SA but she doesn't have any history. This Winchester does.

[browningautorifle]

a 1942 military rifle

That stock could be a search and a real steep price, good luck.

[CINDERS]

Another of Bubba's likes is copious layers of varnish on the woodwork!

[ssgross]

copious layers of varnish on the woodwork!

I prefer this...so much easier remove with a cabinet scraper while preserving the underlying character. But this one...oh my.

I bet that the advert purposefully excluded pics that would have shown the damage too. I hope you got away not paying the current market value of what you were hoping for.

[Singer B]

I prefer this...so much easier remove with a cabinet scraper while preserving the underlying character. But this one...oh my.

I bet that the advert purposefully excluded pics that would have shown the damage too. I hope you got away not paying the current market value of what you were hoping for.

I did ok. I could tell from the photos it had been taken down quite a bit and would need some new wood. For this project, I have plenty of time and patience and have faith a proper set of wood at a reasonable price will come along. It is a new hunt that I will enjoy.

---------- Post added at 10:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 AM ----------

That stock could be a search and a real steep price, good luck.

Thanks! It will be worth it when it's done.

[browningautorifle]

I did ok.

You did fine. You have it now, that's what's important.