Garand purchase - Input Needed

[Couch-Gator]

Hi folks, I've been looking for a Garand for a year now and recently came across one for sale. I know many of you have considerable knowledge and experience with these and ask that you please assist me in determing what the value of this Garand is worth. I'm seriously considering buying it but think the seller's asking too much ($950). I've only seen the pictures that you see and posting the only info that the seller has provided. Thanks for your valued input. Anyone know the significance of the '66 on the stock?

Seller:
M1 GARAND 30-06 CALIBER. Manufactured by Springfield Armory. Good condition, comes with approx. 1 doz. clips and 1 bandoleer.
This is a Springfield Armory Garand in the 3,787,000 range and to the best
of my recollection all the parts are SA. The barrel date is 1951 as the
picture should confirm. It is a good shooter(I am an accuracy nut) and has never malfunctioned with FMJ ammo. I have had it since '86. Hope this helps.

 

[beltfed]

The painted number on the butt is likely a rack number of sorts.

$950 asking price is out to lunch. Most surplus Garands out there have been rode hard and put away wet, this one does not look to be an exception.

Going rate should be in the $500 - $600 range and even with the retarded sums these are demanding recently, I still wouldn't pay more than $650 for one if I was desperate.

 

[ollie]

x2 Garands are only commanding obscene prices on CGN. Offer less, or keep lookin. If you're not hung up on having a US one, there are plenty of Danish and Italian ones for three to five hundered out there.

 

[Hitzy]

You can build one for way less then that........

 

[m39a2]

I would be suspect of a rifle of such late manufacture with all matching parts!
Scott

 

[Cocked&Locked]

Too much for the condition I see there, with mismatched wood to boot. 500-600 tops.....no way the two forend pieces match the stock, to dark, and I don't think much of the rack number painted on either, though that could be removed easily enough....

 

[The Queens Medalist 8687]

For that money it had better have the large and small cartouche on the stock. The vast majority have been worn or sanded out along with the rest of the wood.

 

[Coyote Ugly]

You could buy TWO M14 Norinco's and parts and ammo for that price...

 

[(((Echo)))]

I agree. The $950 is out to lunch.
I got mine for $475 and, even with the armourer repairs to the stock, is in better condition than this one.

(E)

 

[Couch-Gator]

Ok, thanks for the help, kind of thinking along the same lines after searching the US auctions so I'll let it pass. No way this guys gonna take 600. BTW it's not a CGN seller, advertisement is posted in the BC Buy and Sell.
Hey if you see any of those Danish or Italian jobbies for under 5 beans let me know. Thanks

 

[Steiner]

Too much. They pop up at reasonable prices here and there - patience my fellow M1'ner. I love my Garand and understand your craving for one.

However, as Coyote Ugly mentioned, you can get an new M305 (which is basically a post WW2 Garand in .308 with a clip mag) for $500. It's a hard choice, I couldn't choose, so I have both. HOWEVER, after shooting alot, if I could only have one, I'd take the M305. Consider the availabilty of .308 vs 30-06 if you shoot alot - unless you get a .308 Garand. Hey, wasn't someone selling a like new .308 Garand for like $1000 on EE awhile ago? That would be much more worthy of $950 or so.

 

[Couch-Gator]

M14 --> check. already patiently standing at attention in row 2 of gun cabinet waiting for the M1 to fall in.....

 

[K98ACTION]

Some people are dreamers... Everyone is bang on to much.