Offered a nice looking Garand

The Cold Lake Kid

The Cold Lake Kid

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New to the type, but always wanting one, I have been offered a 1938 Springfield Garand in .30-06
Any suggestions about what I should be looking for.
I plan on using it as a shooter.
Thinking about for it's care and feeding.
 
I just picked up a 1944 CMP Garand, love it!

I'm no Garand expert, so I'll just say stick to loads intended for the Garand. Heavier projectiles aren't friendly to that 86 year old warhorse...
 
1938? Are you sure? That would be most unusual, and if all original would be worth a small fortune. Search for gas trap Garand.

First question I would ask is if it is a surplus rifle or something cobbled together from miscellaneous part by an amateur hobbyist. Or set up by someone with the knowledge, skills and tools to do a first class job. There were different batches of M-1s imported into Canada; there are also a large number assembled using receivers from the Danish surplus rifles.

Jay mentioned ammunition - gas port pressure determines whether the rifle is bolt action, functions smoothly or gets battered. Correct ammunition is important. A large amount of information is available on Garand loads.
 
Edit: Nevermind, earliest in service date for the Garand is 1936.


1938 or maybe 1983 Springfield Armory Inc.?

Springfield Armory Inc. released a number of Garands in the 80's if I have my information right. Mine starts with D in the serial#.
 
Springfield, Inc. would be commercial.

A Garand is a great shooter. Lots of parts, all of which have to be serviceable.
Check everything for wear, bore condition, etc., etc. More complicated than inspecting a surplus bolt action rifle.
 
yutube videos for care and cleaning. Get the bolt/barrel headspaced to ensure safe operation to start. Jump down the rabbit hole and mic the oprod piston (.525 is considered gtg) replace the oprod spring as that is considered a wear item. American Eagle makes a great load for the Garand in 30.06. Stock should be a snug fit for the upper and trigger group should lock in firmly. Grease is the Garands friend, not oil.
 
only 1938 about it could be the receiver the rest probably been through a few rebuilds barrel should be dated
 
Thanks for the info.
I had a look at the pictures sent to me and noted the serial number.
Then I started looking. From the serial number on the rifle, it was manufactured in 1954.
Is that gooder or badder?
 
It may be a M1D.
Is there a large threaded hole on the left side just in front of the chamber?

EDIT:
I just checked. Original M1Ds were all built on pre-'52 receivers, Sorry for the wrong info.

Does the date on the barrel match the receiver?
 
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I have only been looking at pictures so far, as the current owner is not nearby, but that is something I'll look at when I get to see it physically.
Deal is going through a friend, whose family member is selling it.
 
A 1938 would be a Springfield. Have a look at the other parts, like the trigger group, for SA markings. There are websites that will give you the break out which parts to look for, but markings and drawing numbers.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
A 1938 would be a Springfield. Have a look at the other parts, like the trigger group, for SA markings. There are websites that will give you the break out which parts to look for, but markings and drawing numbers.
Click to expand...

The current owner had been mis-informed. He thought it was 1938 vintage, but the Springfield serial number listings show it in the 1954 production range.
 
BattleRife said:
It means that it is a run-of-the-mill, Korean war vintage rifle.

Probably a great shooter, but not a rare-as-hens-teeth-and-highly-sought-after valuable collector's item.
Click to expand...

A good shooter is all I really want now.
No longer interested in collectables.
Now to start figuring out a good, accurate load! LOL
 
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