M1 Garand Buyers Guide

This is a buyer's guide to the M1 Garand rifle. We look at 5 different Garnads made by Springfield Armory and assess the differences and changes as the model developed over the years. As a potential buyer and collector, you will learn how to identify key characteristics while assessing the value of your next M1 purchase.
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Sources:
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[@jonasmackenzie7842]

John C. Garand said he did not care how anyone pronounced the "M1 Garand". he was just happy it was adopted by the US military

[@anthonyaugustine5505]

I was in the army went to rifle range to qualify with this rifle put all three shots in the same hole at 50 yards, very accurate rifle!

[@tke240]

Been a lifelong dream to own an M1 and I finally bought one a few days ago. This was an extremely helpful video for a casual enthusiast. Thanks for the effort!

[@MarksmanTV]

I am glad you found the video helpful. Congrats on your M1 - you will enjoy it!

[@theusercreator5978]

Do you mind telling me what you paid, I would love to own one but I dont know what a good deal vs overpriced would be

[@tke240]

Mine ended up being $1,100, but you can get them several hundred cheaper than that. I wanted a solid WWII model. All the serial numbers in mine date back to about Jan of '44 with an original barrel that has lots of life left in it. If you aren't as picky, you can get them cheaper through the CMP.

[@Bryan_OU812]

Same here. Just sent in my paperwork to the CMP for a service model. Stoked to see what I get.

[@tke240]

Awesome! Hope it works out well for you! They're a lot of fun to shoot. Plus you kind of feel like the belle of the ball when you're at the range since it's a gun most people are kind of infatuated with. Good luck!

[@StryderK]

I just bought a Garand! My local gun store had it for three weeks. Receiver states it’s a Springfield one made from July-November 1944. Of course, judging from the furniture, it got a complete refurb at least 5 years ago. The wood is too new to be 1944….or even later! Field striping it, it’s obvious everything from the guid rod, op rod, bolt etc got replaced through out the years. There are worn spots in the usual places but nothing major. All in all, it’s an excellent condition rifle for $1,700!

[@raymundbrown2644]

I own a 1945 Winchester that went through Red River Arsenal and is all Winchester except for an LMR Barrel. I am told that the barrel is highly desirable even though it is not from Winchester. It is a beautiful looking piece of history and very satisfying to shoot!!!

[@markbird1965]

I bought an M1 in the 80's in the UK. it seemed pretty cheap at the time but the shells were pretty expensive. Thank the lord, i found a friend on US air force base to help me with ammo.... loved it

[@leftistsarenotpeople]

HOW....just how have you been able to square keeping that rifle with the total GARBAGE laws on firearms the UK has these days. I certainly HOPE you still have it and have privately kept it on the down-low and under your breath told the government to go **** itself!

[@lavida57]

Never get tired of learning about these fine Rifles.

[@genedelaney4119]

Great information for identifying these rifles. Thanks for the time putting all this together for everyone of us..

[@mississippichris]

I have a Springfield that came from the CMP program. My late cousin was retired from the military, worked in law enforcement, and somehow made friends with some of the folks at the CMP program. He went to Anniston, AL and was allowed to go through the rifles and pick out the ones he wanted. The M-1 he gifted me looks like it never left the warehouse for field service. Let me assure you that removing cosmoline involves a lot more work than just a wipedown. I removed the wood stock and installed a polymer stock, that way my stock won't get skint up. Of course, the well oiled wood stock was put up for safekeeping. Several feral hogs have fallen to it. It's hard to beat a 30-06.

[@anzaal]

Well done...I now know a lot more about my CMP Garand then before. Thank you.

[@hotrodhendrix1]

Fantastic video. Worthy note is in the early 60s when the m14 was adopted and the m1 retired. They started storing or sgipping for the lend lease program. Prior to either then sent them through for re arisnal.

[@kenredington4988]

Very useful video. Got a 41 SA receiver with 65 SA barrel. All parts are SA but the op rod is the newest version and the sights are also. I.E. an interesting parts gun.

[@steveminla]

Damn, that was super informative!!! I appreciate the time it took to make this video...very helpful!

[@tomhall7004]

Thank you for a great over-view of M-1s. Excellent information and well produced

[@benkanobe7500]

Chris, I agree that it is primarily up to the beholder. For example, for me, I think Garands were meant to be shot not put in a case, and brought out to be looked at. So for me, a 5T/3B barrel with a matching production date receiver holds little value (to me as it is shot out) compared to the same rife with a re-arsenalled near new barrel. Thank you for this short and to the point demonstration, it was very educational.

[@misahayase8854]

Prob get this all the time but can't help it: "Ben? You're ben Kenobi!? Boy I'm glad to see you. "

[@as03uk]

Loved this video! When he said ‘if that sounds interesting, then let’s go”, it was a resounding yes! Part of me keeps wanting to steam all those dents out, but it’s part of the history.

[@AndreUchoaUSA]

Classroom video.....loved it! Thanks!

[@stephengiunta1564]

Best video yet and have a long list of great videos. Well done. Thanks.

[@briangalipeau553]

Well done!! Very informative and well presented!!!

[@chadhumes9135]

Very informative. Thank you for the great detailed video, I learned a lot about my piece.

[@jbranstetter04]

My February 1944 rifle is "correct". I bought it in the early 1990s from a local gun dealer. The rifle had passed through some kind of organization to enter the United States from South Korea, and that is where he got it. I don't remember the price, but it was less than $300. I say it is correct because although you can tell some parts are replaced (a part up towards the end of the rifle where the sling connects) it was done as a refurbishing effort by the military. Because the rifle was not in civilian hands, it is authentic to me. Anyway, at the time I just wanted one and didn't even know when it was made. The stock was really rough, so I took it apart and gave it a light sanding and several coats of linseed oil. It looks really good.. still shows the dents and harsh use, but has a nicer all-around appearance. The stock had no stamping marks on it, so I assume it was replaced at sometime, and yet it still saw harsh use.

[@matthewmoores4968]

Thanks for all the great info. This will help me buy my first Garand

[@stevenrodriguez9655]

Thanks for this man. This was a great help to me in my search for my first M1 Garand. I landed on what I think is a beautiful service grade specimen with an EMcF stock. Can’t wait to get my hands on it.

[@ATL_Evan]

Great information keeping my eye out to purchase my first one

[@davidbundesen5867]

Fantastic video. Very informative. Now I need to go and research MY Garand

[@slammer7625]

Great and educational video. Just purchased a 1943 out of a pawn shop in Phoenix Az. This will help alot. Thank you sir.

[@jeffjackson6965]

Great video, Chris! Very informative!

[@300whiteout9]

Jeff Jackson We won the Pacific as well....

[@roylydic9188]

Just bought one! I will get it in a couple of weeks. So excited! CMP certified and safe to fire. A 1955 SA model. Can't wait to load and fire that bad boy!

[@RiverRat1953]

I bought one from cmp with a beautiful new stock and barrel. I wanted a shooter and boy did I get one. This rifle is amazingly accurate and I LOVE it!😊

[@vapinvader3596]

love the video, I have my grandfathers actual m1 that he used in wwII that he was able to take apart and send home piece by piece and don't want to shoot it but am lookin for one to shoot every once and a while,...great video keep em goin

[@gijoe5372]

Its a gun dude its made to shoot lol😂

[@benkanobe7500]

You need to shoot it. It would make your Grandfather very happy. Contact CMP as stated by others. They can sell you ammo that is safe for the rifle. You can not hurt it by shooting it unless you put hot ammo in it. Get surplus ammo (there is lots of Greek stuff out there). Or, go to Garand Gear and they sell a Chamber Plug for about $40.00 that once installed will allow you to shoot any modern ammo through it with no concern of it being too powerful. It was designed to be shot ! Shooot it . Also consider joining the Garand Collectors Association. You have a very, very special rifle and it should be shot safely and it should stay in your family and never sold. Even if you have never shot a rifle, go to shoot this one.

[@bkon4675]

The only thing better than having your grandfathers Garand is shooting your grandfathers Garand. Shoot it! My dad was WWII 82nd airborne fought Normandy, Battle of the Bulge and more. I would give a few fingers to have one of his war torn guns and I would be shooting them!!

[@davo2003hd]

Shoot it. Use the correct M-1 ammo. You can't hurt it. I have 5!

[@snipergames4565]

It’s a fun made for combat, like a horse loves to run, an m1 loves to shoot

[@halspencer6613]

Smith-Corona also made the M-1 rifle and I used one in 1954 to qualify as Expert with it right off the rack. Also assigned to an M1 Sniper model in 1958.

[@mikewilson8402]

Smith-Corona manufactured the 1903-A3 bolt action rifle, not the M1 Garand

[@TSimo113]

I think it's pretty unique that all of them have strikingly similar wood tint and finish. Normally you find one or two with darker wood or finish and such.

[@foxtools]

Great job, thanks for the video

[@gza06955]

Awesome info.. thanks!!

[@tomjoseph1444]

Virtually all M1s went through rebuild. When this was done, all the parts were taken off and put into bins of each component to be evaluated and repaired or replaced as required. At the end of the process they were reassembled from these bins. They were not evaluated as individual guns. Thus, if you have one that is all Winchester you can be fairly sure that someone has pieced it together. As far a stocks go, the stamps to remark them are readily available so you cannot rely on those being original either. They were also rebuilt in the 60's and some were modified for trial use by the ARVN. I have one such rebuild. The stock is one inch shorter and fully machined for the original butt plate but the lower screw is shorter.

[@JimRockfords-TransAm]

I tried telling a guy this at the range and he couldn’t process that fact. I own a service grade 1954 SA and I shoot it regularly at the range.

[@Siren851]

Man! That was thorough.

[@dscinaz]

I have a SA M1 with a SN in the 2.72 Million range. It has a 2 groove barrel stamped 3-8-A-10-43. I thought most M1 barrels were 4 groove. Anyway, I mostly shot cast bullets in it and got very good accuracy with it, which I attributed partially to the 2 groove barrel providing better support for the bullet. The rifle appears to be pretty much original, except the walnut stock has shows no sign that there were ever any anything stamped on it. If I remember correctly, the original gas tube was a bright metal color. I later replaced it and the operating rod with National Match components.

[@tommygun6028]

Great Video !!!! I totally agree, I can't stand importation markings. All my guns don't have them. Cheers.

[@davidkay6241]

I built my own m1. The way i wanted it too be. 53 all h&r. A really nice shooter.

[@pevelyhomeowner327]

Thank you for a very informative piece.

[@Snow-vo1yi]

Unfortunately I dont own an m1 garand but I have a passed down m1 garand bayonet that's pretty cool

[@davidwashington1917]

Great content here!

[@kurtak9452]

Great information, much appreciated.

[@SopwithAviator]

Outstanding video and reference! Now I will go back over my M1 and check it out, Thank you! One point of additional information is that the aerly Harrison Richards did have a few "Frankenstein" parts that they didn't produce, can't remember which, but something to note. You can certainly verify, perhaps the hammer or trigger? Thanks again!

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

Great tutorial~!! I inherited an M-1 Garand and now I can really see what I've got. Thanks.

[@daveason3090]

I also recently inherited one as well from my uncle all original matching numbers so my neighbor blew my mind the other day. He needed a few 12 gauge shells and traded me a five round stripper clip apparently made for hunting where your restricted from 8 I love both I have and will never get rid of either 12000 rounds of 30 06 I don't think I'll run out of ammunition any time soon

[@grandpajake9533]

@@daveason3090can I buy a few off ya hahah?

[@deniscleaver7544]

Worthwhile information for the collector.

[@samharper4289]

Great info, much appreciated!

[@richardkotz7561]

Very good, thorough job. Thank you.

[@craigfurey942]

Solid video dude. Thank you for this.

[@claytonkeates2614]

Awesome content and very helpful 👌

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

Great video... thank you!

[@lesvallance57belair35]

Great job.

[@kissforever1970]

Great video I loved the information !!!

[@MarksmanTV]

I am glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching!

[@brianknight3750]

Thank you. I just bought one from royal tiger and am learning alot. Mine is a 1943 sa i look forward to learning about the history of this rifle. I like to think about what it has been through.

[@aspitofmud6257]

Very informative. Thank you sir.

[@kevinrich9471]

Thank you!

[@tvormwald]

Nicely done, ordering one for myself from the CMP!

[@calebclark6696]

I want to get an m1 because why not. It’s such an iconic gun. I’m not gun person but this weapon is sexy 😍

[@SubaruLegacy-dv9nc]

Says the commie.

[@sassythesasquatch1571]

Fuck you commie

[@bretttompkins9896]

Yeah he wants one, but yet deny YOU from getting one! Just go away Bernie.

[@krispychickun8591]

But your candidate wants to strip away gun rights! You’re not welcome here.

[@tdsfireblaster6468]

Bernie Sanders *Everyone is confused*

[@InsaneBrake]

Me hearing you say you were in my town threw my ass through a loop

[@raymondstrehl3679]

Wow how time flys...🎉🎈 Seems like yesterday when I saw you on here way to go best of luck

[@anthonyhyte9198]

I have a sweet shooting service grade Springfield with a 1941 receiver, EMcF cartouche, SA trigger group with a milled trigger guard, Type 2 lockbar sights, was rebarreled (SA) in 1943. and made a trip to Rock Island Arsenal. I think it is a much cooler rifle because 1 or more mighty G.I.s shot the shit out of it in combat That history is more important and valuable to me than a parts correct rifle that sat the war out.

[@gavincarnahan1206]

I was wondering if I should buy an M1 Garand because I would love to shoot one and they are just cool firearms in general

[@tankacebo9128]

thanks for the lock-bar rear sight info, I didn't know there was more than one type, also unfortunately mine is not original to the rifle, should be a short pinion, it's not, it's a long pinion-square bar.

[@domgiampietro6005]

Thanks

[@thegnman1952]

Lol meant to send that to a diff stream lol. Was accidently on this lol. Btw great videos man, Thankks!

[@bofa83]

Bought one yesterday, and after learning more I’m sure I overpaid for it, but it is what it is I guess. Lesson learned.

[@adamcuneo7189]

I understand why you would want an all matching one, but at the end of the day, I look at it as a Garand is a Garand, no matter what year the parts are from, they're not that different. I really want a Garand myself, and a mismatched Garand is better than no Garand at all, at least for me. Plus, all matching ones are apparently pretty hard to find.

[@johnmeyer5496]

Chris….just a update the circle trigger guard is called the winter trigger guard, it housed a external trigger that could fire the weapon with gloves on the hand of the shooter fyi

[@corporatepharma4662]

My maternal grandfather killed Nazi’s in Europe with the M1 Garand after parachuting in, and my paternal grandfather used a Sherman under Patton. Love the M1 Garand, and I wish they kept them when I served! Look forward to buying an M1.

[@LJTomlinson1]

Smith Carona type writer co also manufactured M16 Garrandnds during 1943, 44

[@goutvols103]

Great informative video. Do the manufacturing months for each piece need to match to the exact month? I have heard that during the war, there were obvious supply issues and it was not uncommon for the receiver (e.g. 10/43) to be matched with a later date barrel (e.g. 12/43).

[@110665]

I just recieved my m1 from cmp and added a postnote requesting a lock bar sight, and rifle I received had an june of 41 reciever, 46 barrel and a lock bar sight..I was shocked

[@cheekymonkey444]

POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, POW, PING ! My M-1 Garand does my talking. Picked up two from CMP. Both "correct grade" Springfields. All correct parts and wear patterns matched. No new receiver with old bolt or operating rod. Everything was correct for the two rifles. At that time they were expensive. Now you can't get a "rack" or "service" grade for that price, if at all. Both were Korean War manufacture. With barrel wear of 1 and the other .5. The one my brother wound up with had a star stamped next to the barrel date. This indicates it had been star gauged for accuracy, to be used for sniper service. Luck of the draw huh! When I get in range time they draw a crowd. The old-timers and younger shooters love that ping!. Then the stories start to fly about guys actually using them. I let the old guys shoulder the rifle. They smile and the twinkle in their eyes is priceless. Some remark that they never thought they would hold one again. (like your high school sweetheart) Strange how a piece of iron and wood evokes deep emotions . I have feelings for my M-16 I carried in '72-'74. US Army draftee.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Cheeky Monkey: Re: "I let the old guys shoulder the rifle. They smile and the twinkle in their eyes is priceless. Some remark that they never thought they would hold one again. (like your high school sweetheart) Strange how a piece of iron and wood evokes deep emotions . I have feelings for my M-16 I carried in '72-'74. US Army draftee." CM, that's darned classy of you! If you were a soldier, then you understand the bond which can develop between a foot-slogging infantryman and his rifle. My wife is from rural Kansas and one of her uncles - who recently passed away in his late 80s - was in the U.S. Army as an infantryman during the Korean War, and saw a lot of combat in 1950-1951. About a decade ago, I and this gentleman's daughter helped get him some overdue decorations to which he was entitled, but never received - including his Purple Heart for wounds received in action. When we spoke about his time over there, this gentleman farmer, now elderly, described the fear of facing human wave attacks by Chinese communist and North Korean forces, and when I asked him about the M-1, he grew very still and serious, and then quietly said, "I owe my life to that rifle... without my Garand, I would not have made it home." For a man who has survived battle, whatever weapon got him through the fight and back home again becomes - or can become - almost human to him, a buddy to be counted upon. FA expert, writer and historian LeRoy Thompson, who wrote Osprey Military's Weapon # 16 "The M-1 Garand," writes of experiences similar to mine - except with with many, many more GIs. Thompson goes on to conclude the book writing of how special the M-1 was to the men who carried it, and what a special place it occupies/occupied in their hearts. So it was probably a special thing to those guys.... that you let them hold the old gal again, even just for a little while. I know what you mean, though.... there's something very special about those old war-horses made of wood and steel.

[@willywilmouth]

Slt...Excellente démonstration, merci...Cdt

[@allenchilders3049]

The greatest battle implement ever devised.

[@wendymessler5843]

Except for M16

[@762x69]

Until the M14 🤙🏽

[@robertdearman959]

I purchased an M1 built June of 41 and all parts are SA parts

[@TheFIoridaMan]

I just bought an all matching mosin and now want to get an M1 and K98

[@Chris-yo3cl]

From 2010 till 2022,they have doubled in price! They will always gain value,hold on to the ones you may have.

[@Eddy-gc2vx]

I bougjt two One Springfield amd an H and R. The H and R parts all matched and the forcing cone excellent. The springfield i gave to my brother. At fifty yards i put 12 rds in the bulls eye at 50yards out of 16 rds. I know not a great distance buy not bad .

[@josecanisales3491]

If it shoots good, don't worry about erosion or ware. Enjoy it.

[@ncc8327]

Youre amazing

[@brianblackwell2308]

Thanks , it helped me date mine

[@mtbbtksosa2156]

Just Ordered my 1st. (Springfield Service Grade)From CMP cheapest way for me..

[@steveb6103]

I have a 1942 and a 1943 all number matching. Got them back in 1978 for $300 each. Not rebuilt. Best deer gun ever.

[@garyquail2347]

Steve B it's great that you got one I myself have two Garands excellent shooters but let me ask you this isn't that a little too heavy for a hunting rifle I mean don't get me wrong I'm glad that you like the M1 Garand but still don't you think that's a little too much gun for deer hunting?

[@tombayless9759]

​@@garyquail2347no why would you say that... probably number two after 30-30

[@chesterwortham5525]

They told me you can't shoot soft point hunting bullets in them

[@Laphroaig104me]

Very Informative! Thank you. I just bought a service grade M1 from CMP. By wtching your video I was able to determine that I have a 1941 SA Receiver, 1952 SA Barrel, SA Bolt, SA WW2 trigger group, and a stock with no cartouche. What does not having a cartouche on the stock mean? An aftermarket stock?

[@wallionumber2]

This video is extremely helpful. What would you value a 1943 SA M1 Garand with matching receiver, barrel and trigger .? But the stock has no markings (not original)

[@misahayase8854]

thanks,

[@Brian-rj1un]

I know much more about my Springfield M1 from my grandfather

[@ruhlworth]

Chris, I have an M1 Garand (1942 SA). A CMP purchase. The stock is rough (dings, scrapes, etc.) The stock has two screw holes on the left side of the stock. Research indicates that this was the result of having had a grenade sight mounted on stock. Does this hurt value ? Would you get a different stock ? Or, fill the screw holes and refinish the stock. Or leave it alone ? I really like the rifles that show their history, although, this one is rough. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

[@lorneholtzclaw4505]

Really glad you did this. My wife and I are going to CMP after March 4th to buy one. I think I want a Service Grade with a plan to shoot the occasional competition

[@markbrown4125]

How was your shopping experience at the CMP? I am considering a road trip there.

[@lorneholtzclaw4505]

We purchased a Special Grade for $850. New stock, new Citeron barrel, 0 on head space pretty much a brand new rifle originally mine was built 11/1941. Then bought Ammo and went down the road to the Talledega range I spent the rest of the day there. We both love it and the people there were really helpful. Now she wants to shoot competition with it😂

[@babyboomerfitness748]

I have one with scope mounting holes filled. Does this gig my gun?

[@tonymorano204]

You forgot to address the gas plug. Rebuilds have the a post war has plug with a piston for the post war grenade launcher and to accept the M5 bayonet, WWII have just a slot to remove and are in the white not parkerized

[@Leslie-es5ij]

I've had one since an uncle died, got a couple m1 carb s., and two BARs, but need to know how to make a box clip/mag. To increase capacity. It's a heavy old thing, but if it had more rounds it would be more useful.

[@EHGamrGrL]

How many rounds would it take to wear out a barrel to the point that it required replacement? Which year and manufacturer would be the most accurate and durable "shooter".

[@Frank-bf6gx]

Maybe you can help me with mine,i have a sa with a 600,000 ser # trigger group is sa , bolt is wra ,nm op rod ,the stock has been replaced overall the rifle is in really good shape , but the barrel is marked arlington ord arl va 30-06 is this the barrel maker or import mark ? it is behind the op rod,(it is really small & hard to read at least with my old eyes !) any help would be great ! thanks !

[@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956]

As a Distinguished Navy Marksman, if you're looking for oddity and verity, collect M1s manufactured by Harrington & Richardson, Remington Typewriter or International Harvester. If you are looking for an M1 that will shoot, Springfield Armory and Winchester are a sure bet you'll get something that will make you happy and not put you into the loony-bin.

[@room2three7]

Can you do a vid discussing the Danish VAR barrel?

[@benkanobe7500]

What about National Match parts (rear sight, OpRod,.........)? What do they do to the value of a rifle?

[@joelhammar5755]

Hey Chris man I am having trouble finding or getting one of these m1 u think u can help me out

[@chzzyg2698]

So, on the flip side of the topic, where might I find one of these lower cost import rifles? I would like to have an M1 just for range fun.

[@danielbush2637]

chzzyg269 Check out the CMPs website. They had some when last I looked.

[@usarmy500]

I want a m1 garand I hope I can get one

[@jpguidry6969]

Man I want a m1 grand so bad