First let me clarify that when I say "authentic" I am referring to the WWII era/CMP Garands that are sought after. I found a used Garand at the local store made by Springfield armory. Can you tell by the serial # when it was made? And which years are the best to purchase from?
Authentic Garand?
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as far as serial numbers are concerned, go to www.jouster.com.
There are about 10 parts on a Garand that are labeled by manufacturer: rear sight, gas plug, reciever, bolt, charging rod, trigger assembley, etc. (I can't remember the others off hand). International Harvester put serial numbers in the stocks.
One that is completely original is worth the most. Ones that have been rebuilt with parts from just one manufacturer (including the right barrel date for the serial number) come in second. Ones with mixed and matched parts follow.
The reason for so many CMP Garands to have mismatched parts is that the Army armorers would simply strip down a defective rifle and toss all of its parts into like piles. Because they were interchangable, rifles were rebuilt with all different parts. Hope that helps some.
Mark
There are about 10 parts on a Garand that are labeled by manufacturer: rear sight, gas plug, reciever, bolt, charging rod, trigger assembley, etc. (I can't remember the others off hand). International Harvester put serial numbers in the stocks.
One that is completely original is worth the most. Ones that have been rebuilt with parts from just one manufacturer (including the right barrel date for the serial number) come in second. Ones with mixed and matched parts follow.
The reason for so many CMP Garands to have mismatched parts is that the Army armorers would simply strip down a defective rifle and toss all of its parts into like piles. Because they were interchangable, rifles were rebuilt with all different parts. Hope that helps some.
Mark
I would suggest visiting
www.fultonarmory.com
and buying Scott Duff's book on Garand serial numbers. I have a copy at home, seems to me it was about $17. You could have your local bookstore order it, but any time i have asked about any gun books at my local stores, you wouldn't believe the looks and questions i have gotten.
www.fultonarmory.com
and buying Scott Duff's book on Garand serial numbers. I have a copy at home, seems to me it was about $17. You could have your local bookstore order it, but any time i have asked about any gun books at my local stores, you wouldn't believe the looks and questions i have gotten.
That's pricey
Visit
www.jouster.com
and check out their forums, classifieds and advertisers for current prices. $950, as stated, should buy you an almost-perfect M-1.
Visit
www.jouster.com
and check out their forums, classifieds and advertisers for current prices. $950, as stated, should buy you an almost-perfect M-1.