I had seen a previous post on a Garand, thought maybe you guys could tell me when mine was made. These aren't my area of expertise. I had bought it many years ago for a shooter and was told a number of them were cut down in the 1950's, sporterized for the public. It's a fun shooter, kicks like a mule, it's still in 30-06 with the 18" barrel. I had heard that some of them were chambered for .308.

Thanks alot guys, Steve.

Winchester marked receiver.

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If I had that rifle (which I sure would like to have if you ever decide to sell it) I would most DEFINITELY rebuild it. As a general rule, only the British made them into .308 usually to get it to conform to their caliber.
It was made between December of 1941 and August of 1942. The re-barrel is as it shows, December of 1950 and the rifle is what we call a "mixmaster" of various parts, like the Springfield barrel and bolt. An obvious arsenal rebuild.

Mark

Thanks Mark,

I had no idea it was that early, I thought sometime in the '50's. As far as rebuilding it, do you mean full stock, re-barrel and bolt matching? I really don't know much about these. I just liked it because it was short with a Winchester receiver and the price was begging me to buy it. In the future maybe you can tell me what kind of parts I need to look for and how they should be marked. You have a bit of my curiousity. As a shooter, as it sits, do you have a ballpark idea what it would bring? What would it be worth re-done?

Thanks, Steve.

Steve, in this reworked condition it is sometimes called a "tanker" Garand, even though it was not true that some Garands were shortened to allow tank crewmen to easily get them in and out of tank hatchs, etc. There were several 'experiments' in WWII to see what a shortened barrel would do but whenever the barrel is shortened it affects the gas pressure that operates the bolt and results in a fierce recoil and shortened barrel life and greatly reduced accuracy. The real value of your rifle lies solely in the six digit receiver. Winchester is a popular name to Garand collectors due to it's association with the Winchester name. I would estimate that that rifle, to a knowledgeable Garand collector to be in the $500-$600 range. At a gunshow, to someone not familiar with this barrel shortening it may bring more. To find all Winchester parts that would be correct for that rifle is a challenge as they all MUST have the same wear to bring real value. Finding them may take years and be very expensive. It will never have the accuracy of a full length Garand due to the short barrel and the muzzle jump due to the increased recoil.There is a website that may have the parts www.scottduff.com Scott will take your call and tell you more and if it is possible to get it right. He wrote several books on the Garand and so did Bruce Canfield. You can do a search on Amazon.com and may find his books...they are very informative and I learned a lot.

I hope I have helped you a little.

Mark

Thanks again Mark,

You have been very helpful. I do hit alot of shows and dig thru boxes ect. I found some great stuff that the dealer didn't know what it was. I got it for my price. I just don't know what I'm looking for on these. I don't have any books on Garands, just stuff on Lugers, Walther PP's, Mausers etc. Guns are only a side line. I had a carbine many years ago. I need to find one of those with a Winchester receiver as well. I'm only a type collector in German dress bayonets.

Very much appreciated, Steve.

Good luck in your quest Steve. I did notice a couple of Winchester parts and rifles on that website. Although not entirely a "correct" Winchester...one sold for well over $4,000.00. It's all in the name!

Good hunting!

Mark

I may be wrong, but I couldn't see trying to get your rifle back into original condition to be worth the expense. You'd have a fortune in parts, barrel, bolt, stock, along with quite a bit more to get it "all Winchester". It would take a great deal of time and money. I'd enjoy it as it and shoot it.

Mark and Timboo, thanks for your info and thoughts. I was at a show yesterday and picked up Canfield's book and looked at it last night. It got me curious and field stripped the old M-1 this morning to have a look. Wow what a mix of parts and variations. I see what the two of you mean about how long that would take to make it all right. I think I'll stick to finding a good one by luck. But she is a fun shooter.
Steve.