M1 Garand Restore

Navy Gunner

Navy Gunner

Regular
Rating - 99.5%
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Location
Eastern Passage NS
I just got around to checking my M1, I bought a while ago, It turns out that its a SA manufactured in March 41. When I rescued it, it was in a Ramline synthetic stock. The bore seems OK. I'm currently looking for a stock, I haven't decided if i'll buy a new replacement or get a vintage one and restore it. There is a few scratches on the metal and the gas cylinders finish is worn. Do you think I should get it re parked or leave as is?

Navy Gunner
 
#4mk1(T) said:
If I remember correctly you can’t re-park the gas cylinder anyway as they are made of stainless steel.
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Correctamundo! Unless it is a 1960's era south Korean made replacement. Those can be parked as they aren't stainless like the GI ones.

As for a new stock, either surf e-bay, post a WTB, or buy new replacement furniture from Wenigs, Boyd's, Numrich, etc.
 
WW2GURU said:
So how exactly did they parkerize them in the first place?.
Why cant it be done again?
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A paint like coating called “Molyblack” was originally used but didn’t prove to be very durable. The formulation and application method were changed but the problem was never completely solved according to Bruce Cantfield’s book “Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine”. No reason it can’t be done again and modern gun coatings have come a long way since WW2. One of the new baked on coatings should work well but I’ve never used one so will defer to someone who has.
 
For a stock try "Dougs Stock Pile", has different grades and is reasonable. For the gas cylinder use some sort of "matt" finish bake on enamel. The type of paint for BBQ's or exhaust headers.

rifle guy
 
#4mk1(T) said:
A paint like coating called “Molyblack” was originally used but didn’t prove to be very durable. The formulation and application method were changed but the problem was never completely solved according to Bruce Cantfield’s book “Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine”. No reason it can’t be done again and modern gun coatings have come a long way since WW2. One of the new baked on coatings should work well but I’ve never used one so will defer to someone who has.
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The original blackening process was rather complicated. I just use the spray and bake stuff or simpler Duracoat/Armacoat air cure paint. Durable and looks decent.
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