Scott Duff: Collectible M1 Garands

Scott Duff * PO Box 414 * Export, Pennsylvania 15632
1-724-327-8246 E-Mail sdufforder@windstream.net 1-724-327-4192 Fax

This page was last updated on 11 March 2010

In the descriptions of rifles, "TE" indicates the Throat Erosion Gage reading and "MW" indicates the Muzzle Wear Gage reading of the barrel. Both gages are available on the Shooter Accessories & Tools page of this website.

Muzzle Gaging with Cartridge NOT

A Comment on Throat Erosion from Scott Duff
It has come to my attention from discussions with many M1 Garand owners that a misunderstanding of an acceptable versus an unacceptable Throat Erosion (TE) reading exists. A note of clarification is in order. When discussing serviceability specifications of U.S. Martial Arms, it is best to review the primary source, the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps documents from when the M1 rifle was the issue rifle to front-line troops. I have in my files TB ORD 587 dated 20 December 1954 entitled Field Inspection and Serviceability Standards for Small Arms Material. A chart on page four outlines the serviceability specifications for the M1, M1C, and M1D rifles “To Accompany Troops Overseas.” The specification given for “Breech Bore Rejection” is “Over 0.306” or a TE reading of 6 on a gage. No specification is given for muzzle wear. If combat troops in the 1950s were issued rifles with a TE of 6 or under, then the same is good enough for a rifle in my collection. I would not go to the John C. Garand Match at Camp Perry with a rifle with a TE of 6, but for general collecting, in my opinion, it matters little.
This is also a good time to note that based upon my observations the TE of a new production SA barrel during World War II ran anywhere from approximately 1.0 to 3.5. Pre World War II SA barrels were usually in the 0.0 to 1.0 range. Winchester barrels were generally in the -1.0 to 2.0 range, but I have seen new WRA barrels with higher and lower readings. An expanded version of this including information on post WII barrels will be published in a future issue of the Garand Collectors Association Journal (GCA). If you are not a member of the GCA and would like to join (as an M1 owner you really should be a member just as a gun owner you should be an NRA member) you may download a membership application from the GCA website at www.TheGCA.org.

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Sale of each collectable M1 Garand includes
a detailed Data Sheet prepared and signed by Scott A. Duff.

Sale of all rifles from Mac’s collection includes our usual data sheet and also a Letter of Authenticity identifying
the rifle as “From the James E. ‘Mac’ McCollum’s Collection.”

!!SOLD!! 010-R1321. M1 Garand, Springfield Armory, Air Force Premium Grade (AFPG) Rifle s/n 5416440. This is the first AFPG M1 we have been able to offer since 1998; they are very scarce. The AFPG rifles were built in the 1960s as match rifles by the Air Force Marksmanship Training Unit (MTU) at Lackland AFB near San Antonio, Texas for use in competition by the Air Force Rifle Team. There are several variations of AFPG rifles and all variants share common features that make them readily identifiable - if you know what to look for. I learned the details of the AFPG M1 rifles from a lengthy telephone conversation with the man who worked in and later ran the MTU shop at Lackland for 25 years. Details will be provided in a future issue of the GCA Journal (You are a GCA member? If not, you should be.) Basic details are that the AFPGs were fully glass bedded and the stocks and hand guards were sealed. The stocks were marked on the flat to the rear of the stock ferrule with the last four digits of the s/n and the month and year the rifle was built. The stock ferrules were attached to the stock with countersunk flat head wood screws. Some contained .30-06 barrels that were sleeved with a USN Mk 2 Mod 0 type chamber sleeve and others were built using 7.62 MM NATO barrels made by SA in the 1960s for the Navy. The bolts were marked 7.62 MM with electro-pencil etching of that information. Some had standard SA-type 1/2- minute NM rear sights and others had the windage knob modified with eight notches and the receiver drilled and a spring and detent installed to allow 1/2-minute adjustment. The bolt lugs and underside of the barrels were heavily polished. Of course they also had the usual match modifications, such as tuned triggers, unitized lower band and hand guard, etc. They were also marked AFPG on the barrels when built. The rifles were then shipped from Lackland to Warner Robins AFB in Georgia for distribution to the rifle teams. Many AFPG M1s do not have the AFPG markings on the barrels. When the barrels were shot out, the rifles were not returned to Lackland for re-barreling. They were re-barreled wherever was convenient, such as at Camp Perry in the Air Force gun van, or if the rifle was at Warner Robins they were re-barreled in the Army MTU at Fort Benning. When they were re-barreled they were not marked AFPG, but they are still identifiable as AFPG rifles. This particular rifle has a SA 10-65 7.62 MM barrel with bright and shiny bore, TE = 1.5, MW = 1.0+, the op rod engagement are of the barrel is heavily polished, and no AFPG marking. The bolt is marked 7.62 over MM and the bolt lugs are polished. The op rod is a 7790722-RA NM. The lower band and hand guards are unitized. The stock is marked 6440 and 4 66 to the rear of the stock ferrule, indicating the last four digits of the s/n and the month and year of the build. The stock ferrule is attached to the stock with screws. The walnut stock and hand guards are sealed. The trigger pull is tuned. The rear sight base is a NM/2A with NM windage knob, and 695 1/2-minute hooded aperture. AFPG Match Rifles are scarce and rarely encountered by collectors. If you collect M1 match rifles, don’t pass on this one. - $2,595

!!SOLD!! 010-R1322. M1 Garand, Springfield Armory, s/n 5878217 (1956). This is an excellent condition, original late production rifle, most likely sold by the CMP. The SA 5-55 barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 1.5, MW = 0.75+. All expected 65-code SA parts. The stock is very nice looking well struck DAS cartouche and proof P in a circle with only a few very minor handling and storage dings. This is a very nice looking rifle that would be difficult to improve upon. - $1,595

!!SOLD!! 010-R1323. M1 Garand, Springfield Armory, s/n 6085498 (1956). This is a 100-percent original example of a tough-to-find late M1 that is in very good condition. The SA 3-56 barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 2.0, MW = 1.5. Featured are all expected 65-code SA parts and a very good condition stock with good Defense Acceptance Stamp (DAS) and proof P in a circle. Sale includes an M1 web sling. This is a great example of a scarce rifle that is missing from most collections. - $2,595

From Mac’s Collection !!SOLD!! 010-R1324. M1 Garand, Winchester Repeating Arms Co., s/n 1284431 (Feb. 1943). This is a restoration that was performed on an excellent condition original receiver/barrel and rear sight assembly using original finish parts. This is a very good looking fairly early rifle. Sale includes the original Nov. 1996 dated CMP release paper. The Winchester barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 1.5, MW = 0.75, with no chrome at the gas port. Featured Winchester components include: bolt, unmodified op rod, bullet guide (CM), early follower, early op rod catch (A), single bevel follower arm (.), clip latch (A), follower rod (A), grooved rear hand guard clip, lower band, narrow base gas cylinder with original DuLite finish, single slot gas cylinder lock screw, complete rear sight assembly filled with Cosmoline and pinion staked (most likely original to the receiver), complete trigger housing, trigger guard, hammer, safety, and re-Parkerized butt plate (the only non original finish part on the rifle). The long channel Winchester stock is in very good condition with well struck WRA/GHD cartouche, Ordnance emblem, and proof P. The rear hand guard is the type with the machined clearance cut for the op rod and is too early for this s/n WRA rifle. The hand guards match the condition of the rear. This is an outstanding example of fairly early WRA M1 rifle production. Other than the rear hand guard and the butt plate, this looks like an original rifle and most collectors would have difficulty in determining that it was in fact restored. In today’s market you could not restore this rifle for the asking price. - $2,895

!!SOLD!! 010-R1325. M1D Garand, Springfield Armory, s/n 2155083, CMP Sales Rifle. This is one of the more unusual M1Ds I have ever seen. It is a CMP sales M1D rifle (NSN 1431) that was sold by lottery in November 1998 and came equipped with a Lyman All-Weather Alaskan scope (s/n B6271) instead of the usual M84. The sealed bag was marked M84 with a s/n of B6271 written in ink; that is not an M84 s/n. I had previously heard of several CMP sales M1Ds so configured, but this is the first that I have seen myself. Included with the sale of the rifle are the original papers, box, and all packing material for the rifle and Basic Issue Inventory (BII). A print out of an email about the scope between Dave McClain and one of the previous owners is also included. In addition to the very desirable scope, this rifle is in unissued condition. The black Parkerized finish is in excellent condition throughout. The SA 5-51 barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 2.25, MW = 0.75. The walnut stock is in excellent condition with SA over M cartouche, RA stamp, and three proof P stamps in circles. The walnut hand guards are in excellent condition and match the stock. Included with the BII is a 7/8-inch scope mount, the aforementioned excellent condition Lyman All-Weather Alaskan scope with cross-wire reticle and rubber eyeshield, thin bracket M2 Hart flash hider, an excellent condition T4 cheek pad (MRT/1-52), M65 scope case, and excellent condition M1 web sling. This is an excellent condition example with a rarely encountered scope variation that would never need to be upgraded. - $4,295

From Mac’s Collection 449-R1307. M1D Garand, Springfield Armory, s/n 3576897, RARE variant with 1-inch mount and Weaver K-4 scope. Based on the appearance of this rifle it is my opinion that Mac built it from a loose receiver and loose US GI M1D barrel. I do know that quite a few years ago he did have a few loose US GI M1D barrels. I have priced this rifle as it not being CMP sales. The rifle is equipped with a 1-inch scope mount and Weaver K-4 scope rather than the more common M84 scope and 7/8-inch mount. This is a rare variant. The Parkerized finish of the receiver is a uniform flat black in color over light speckling in the base metal. I recognize this finish as the Parkerizing that Mac was doing in his shop about ten years ago. The US GI SA-1-52 M1D barrel (drawing number D7312555 underneath the rear hand guard) has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 2.0, MW = 1.0. The walnut stock and hand guards are in excellent condition. I did not remove the cheek pad to check the stock for a cartouche. The stock has two proof Ps in a circle and a proof P that is not in a circle. Accoutrements include: 1-inch scope mount, Weaver K-4 scope with bright and clear optics, proper lense cover, US GI T37 prong type flash hider (with white ink DAS stamp on the bottom), US GI T4 cheek pad marked MRT over 11 62, and M1 web sling. Only a small percentage of the M1D rifles were equipped with the 1-inch mount and Weaver K-4 scope; few collections include one. A loose 1-inch M1D mount with Weaver K-4 scope and lense covers command a significant premium over the 7/8-inch mount and M84 scope. This is a very nice looking example. Sale includes Letter of Authenticity to Mac’s collection by Scott Duff. - Reduced to $3,225!

From Mac’s Collection !!SOLD!! 379-R1276. M1 Garand, Harrington & Richardson Arms Co., s/n 4660861 (1953). This is one of the rarest, and in my opinion, one of the most interesting of HRA M1 rifle variants. HRA began production at s/n 4660000; this rifle is only 861 numbers into H&R’s assigned serial number range. This is an original rifle with the exception of the bolt, which has been added to make the rifle correct. It is exactly as those described in the article I wrote for the Garand Collectors Association Journal, Volume 15, Number 4 and includes the World War II era parts that are typical of HRA M1s in this serial number range. Overall, it is in very good condition. The HRA 4-53 barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 2.0, MW = 1.0. Featured parts include: HRA D65 bolt, 6 SA op rod with modification cut, early WRA op rod catch, 6528290 HRA H trigger housing, SA revision 9 hammer, HRA safety, DRC windage knob, W in a hexagon elevation pinion, HRA gas cylinder lock screw, and HRA stock with deeply struck Ordnance emblem on the left side and proof P. The stock and hand guards are in very good condition. The early HRA similar to this one is one of my favorite post WWII rifles in my collection. The use of WWII SA and WRA parts by HRA early in production is an interesting part of the early 1950s M1 rifle production story. This is a scarce and very desirable rifle that is missing from most collections. - Reduced to $3,295!

299-R1255. M1 Garand, Springfield Armory, s/n 3810522 (June 1945). This is an old DCM (forerunner of the CMP) sales rifle from March 1986 when the policy was one-in-your-lifetime. This is a very nice looking restoration of a late WWII rifle. It is based on an old US GI re-Parkerized finish receiver. The Parkerized finish on all components is in very good to excellent condition. The original SA 5-45 barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 2.75, MW = loose, Parkerized chamber mouth, and no chrome at the gas port. Featured parts include: -19 bolt, unmodified revision 9 flat side op rod, -18 trigger housing, -9 hammer, SA_11 safety, WWII stamped trigger guard, 13 follower, type 3 lock bar rear sight, and all other expected parts. The stock is in very good condition with well-struck NFR cartouche, Ordnance emblem, and proof P. Sale includes a M1907 leather sling marked MILSCO 1943 (easily worth $125 to $150) which is reflected in the price of the rifle. Also included are the original DCM box, four DCM documents, and manual. The owner’s name and street address have been concealed for their privacy on the Internet posting only; the original box label and document are intact and will be provided to the buyer. This is a very nice looking late war example. - Reduced to $1,425!

From Mac’s Collection 199-R1208. M1 Garand, Winchester Repeating Arms Co., s/n 165494 (May 1942). Winchester’s first assigned serial number block was 100001 to 165500. This rifle is the highest know serial number in that first block. In my opinion that is pretty cool! The rifle is a restoration with the receiver being re-Parkerized and two-tone, indicating that it had been lead pot annealed. The Winchester barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 1.0, MW = 2.0, with no chrome at the gas port. Featured Winchester components include: bolt, round firing pin (.), extractor (.), unmodified op rod, early narrow slot bullet guide (B8875W.R.A.), early follower (CM), early op rod catch (CM), single bevel follower arm (.), clip latch (CM) follower rod (CM), grooved rear hand guard clip, lower band, narrow base gas, front sight, single slot gas cylinder lock screw, rear sight base (CM), cover without ribs, aperture (CM), long pinion with type 2 lock bar, checkered windage knob, checkered elevation cap, single hole large pad trigger housing (CM), trigger guard, hammer (CM), trigger with extra hole, safety (C46015-4W.R.A.), and forged stock ferrule. The trap-type butt plate is a mid WWII SA. The stock has a visible WRA/WB cartouche, Ordnance emblem, and proof P in a circle. The stock also has a CSAA (San Antonio Arsenal) rebuild stamp on the left side and three proof P stamps. The stock has been sanded and scrapped on the sides and has a few chips out of it at the butt plate. The rear hand guard is the early type without the machined clearance cut for the op rod. The front hand guard matches the condition of the rear. If you want to own the highest know s/n in Winchester’s first block, this rifle is for you. - Reduced to $2,850!

Would you like to add a consecutive serial number pair of M1 rifles to your Garand collection? If so, we have two pair for your consideration. One of those pair are from Mac’s collection. The first pair listed is a Springfield Armory and Winchester. The second pair is of Winchester manufacture. These consecutive serial numbered rifles will only be sold as pairs. Layaway terms are available.

From Mac’s Collection 199-R1207. M1 Garands, Springfield Armory and Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Consecutive Serial Numbered Pair, SA s/n 1613146 and WRA s/n 1613147. This is a consecutive serial numbered pair of World War II era SA and WRA rifles. See immediately below for detailed descriptions of each rifle. - Reduced to $5,695 for the pair!

Springfield Armory s/n 1613146 (Apr. 1943). This is a restored rifle. The original Parkerized finish on the two-tone receiver is in very good condition. The SA 1-43 barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 1.75, MW = 1.0-, with no chrome at the gas port. Featured parts include: 12 SA bolt, unmodified revision 6 op rod, 12 trigger housing, forged trigger guard, 3 hammer, 9 SA safety, narrow base gas cylinder with saw cut, solid lock screw, 11 follower, forged bullet guide, short fork riveted follower rod, and lock bar rear sight with type 2 lock bar. The stock is in excellent condition and is the straight clip latch cut type with well-struck EMcF cartouche, Ordnance emblem, and proof P. The hand guards match the color and condition of the stock. This is a nice looking rifle. See above for pricing of this SA and WRA pair.

Winchester s/n 1613147 (Apr. 1945). This is a very nice looking, restoration based on an excellent condition re-Parkerized receiver. The Winchester barrel has a bright and shiny bore, TE = 2.0-, MW = 1.0-, with no chrome at the gas port. Featured Winchester components include: bolt, rare modified straight cut op rod, bullet guide (.), single bevel follower arm, late op rod catch, lower band, wide base gas cylinder, front sight, rear sight assembly, large pad trigger housing, trigger guard, hammer (C46008-1W.R.A.), trigger (A), safety (WRA-1), stock ferrule, and butt plate. The long channel stock is unsanded, is in very good condition with well-struck WRA/GHD cartouche, Ordnance emblem, and proof P. The hand guards match the stock perfectly with one big ding on the left side of the front hand guard. Winchester made less than 40,000 WIN-13 rifles and they were the end of the M1 rifle story at Winchester. This is a very nice looking rifle. See above for pricing of this SA and WRA pair.

199-R1218. M1 Garand, Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Consecutive Serial Numbered Pair, s/n 1608272 and s/n 1608273. This is a consecutive serial number pair of WRA WIN-13 rifles. See immediately below for detailed descriptions of each rifle. - Reduced to $6,850 for the pair!

Winchester Repeating Arms Co., s/n 1608272 WIN-13 (Mar. 1945). This a restoration based on an original finish receiver/barrel assembly. The overall condition is very good. The original WRA barrel has a bright and shiny bore TE = 1.75, MW = 1.0, with no chrome at the gas port. Featured Winchester components include: bolt, unmodified slant cut op rod, wide base gas cylinder, front sight (.), bullet guide (.), late op rod catch, single bevel follower arm (6 or 9), follower (13), clip latch (A), lower band, rear sight assembly (except for the rear sight cover, which is an SA), trigger housing (large pad), trigger guard, hammer (C-46008-1W.R.A.), trigger (A), safety (WRA-1), and butt plate. The short channel stock has been lightly sanded and has a clearly visible WRA/GHD cartouche, Ordnance emblem and proof P in a circle and large P that is not in a circle. This is a nice looking example of a scarce Winchester variant. Winchester made less than 40,000 WIN-13 rifles. See above for pricing of this WRA pair.

Winchester Repeating Arms Co., s/n 1608273 WIN-13 (Mar. 1945). This a restoration based on a re-Parkerized receiver/barrel assembly. The dark finish is in very good condition. The WRA barrel has a bright and shiny bore TE = 2.5, MW = 2.0, with no chrome at the gas port. Featured Winchester components include: bolt, slant cut unmodified op rod, wide base gas cylinder, front sight (.), bullet guide (.), late op rod catch, single bevel follower arm (6 or 9), follower (13), clip latch (A), lower band, rear sight assembly (except for the rear sight cover, which is an early SA), trigger housing (large pad), trigger guard, hammer (C-46008-1W.R.A.), trigger (A), safety (WRA-1), stock ferrule, and butt plate. The short channel stock is unsanded and has a deeply struck WRA/GHD cartouche, Ordnance emblem and proof P in a circle and two or three partial large Ps that are not in a circle. This is a nice looking example of a scarce Winchester variant. Winchester made less than 40,000 WIN-13 rifles. See above for pricing of this WRA pair.

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