I horsetraded for an M1 Garand the other day.
From the serial number I discovered that my Garand was made in either July or August 1943. The stock has been stamped with the same serial number and I was told that this was a sure sign of being a CMP type rifle, meaning it was used after the war in one of the European countries. There is no rust and no pitting at all. The metal parts look very good, so good I have to conclude it was refinished at some point.
All parts, including the barrel are made by Springfield. The barrel however was made in April 1949. It passes the bullet test with about 3/8ths of an inch of the bullet not going in the barrel. Hope I said that right.
The current barrel is more than good enough to shoot. I did get a chance to buy a near new SA barrel made in July 1943 that apparently has never been put on a rifle.
My question: is it worth it to buy the correct barrel for it or not? What price would be fair?
