M1D conversion

[GarandStanding]

Hey,
Was just wondering if it is relatively easy to modify an M1 to be a D model, is there a parts kit for such an idea?
-Ben

 

[Winchester-1897]

……………………….

 

[purple]

Yes and no. You need the following unique M1D parts to modify any Garand to M1D configuration; a M1D barrel, a M1D rear handguard, a scope mount, an M84 scope, the correct flash hider and a leather cheek piece. There are no such kits that I'm aware of, but the required parts may be purchased separately.

 

[GarandStanding]

Thanks. I’d be happy with a C variant, the barrel in those looks to be standard to the M1?

 

[purple]

An M1C is very hard to locate. M1Cs were built as original rifles, unlike M1Ds which were rebuilds of existing Garands.

M1C receivers fall within known serial number ranges. They were drilled and tapped for scope mount brackets at time of manufacture. M1Cs used a 2 piece scope mount and bracket. These are harder to locate than an M1C rifle. The M1C used either an M81 or M82 scope which are very scarce.

If a person is young with very deep pockets and lots of patience, it may be possible to find an M1C.

 

[GarandStanding]

That’s good to know. I’m more interested in making an M1 into a viable platform with more modern optics. I’ve done a little research here and apparently the M82-84’s were not very good scopes. I see Fulton makes a mount which replaces the original rear sight with one inch rings and a peep for open sight shooting, if desired which would be ideal for what I’m looking to do. The challenge will be finding a way to get one of those up here.

 

[CODFan]

It’s going to be an expensive venture to replicate a “real” M1D/C

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The M1 Sniper Rifles are a bit like a WW2 MB or GPW Jeep. They both suck for ergonomics and sizing. The clip loading feature of the M1 means the sight has to be offset. I fired a 300m vintage rifle match with a borrowed Garand. Yes I won the match and the three-gun aggregate, and the championship. But ... every single shot I had to make a conscious constant effort to hold the rifle out of position - because my subconscious instinct is the rotate the scope to top dead centre. You have to hold it "sideways".

The GPW and MB are built for small men. Today's average sized driver either hangs up the midsection between the seat and the steering wheel. A 28" waist was average then; more like a 38" waist is average today. Then, the seat has only in one position. If you scrape your shins on the dash, oh well. I set a guy's Jeep on fire because I forgot to disengage the parking brake. It isn't between the seats. It is a pull and twist handle on the right of centre on the dash.

 

[tiriaq]

Over the years quantities of D parts have been quite available - to the point that any M-1D is suspect, unless it can be proven to be genuine.

 

[purple]

The M81 and M82 scopes were basically militarized Lyman Alaskans. The M84 is an offshoot of it. Long Branch produced a number of No4 TP sniper rifles in WW2 fitted with the Alaskan. It was also used on some M1903A4s and M1Cs in limited numbers.

Altho the Alaskan is a nearly 80 year old design, I still enjoy shooting with it on my 03A4. It's a much more rugged scope than the Weaver M73B1/330 that was standard for the 03A4. There are Chinese repops of the M82 scope.

 

[GarandStanding]

I have seen the repros, I wonder if they are any good. I’ve seen originals on eBay range in the thousands of dollars.

 

[purple]

An original Lyman Alaskan scope can turn up at gun shows for $300-$400. They work as well as an M81/M82 on an M1C. They are also available on ebay, but I believe the US has clamped down on export of scopes in recent years.