Serial numbers

[KEV101]

Hi all,

I did a brief intro earlier but wanted to post my questions here. I'm working on posting pictures but in the mean time I have the main serial number, barrel number and bolt number. This is my first M1 Garand, got it last night in a trade. From what I found the stock is from 1944, bolt is from 1943 and barrel is from 1944? Could someone check my facts, if you wouldn't mind. Is this a good sign of being original? Is it a bad thing if the bolt was made 6 moths prior than the rest of the weapon, seems to make sense logically in terms of production.

BOLT
D28287-12SA
W10B
“July 1943”

BARREL
2SA 2 44
“I assume the 44 means 1944?”

SERIAL NUMBER
2614996
“Late January 1944”

[KEV101]

P.S. It is a Springfield Armory and has a stamp on the side that says S.A. GAW. I'm seeing that was a stamp from an inspector George Woody who died in 44 when my rifle was made.

[KEV101]

I just uploaded pictures below:

[KEV101]

5 picture cut-off, here are the rest

[RDS]

Nice Rifle. Please post drawing numbers of op rod, trigger housing and hammer. Was the stock shortened when the recoil pad added?

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

Not sure about the butt-stock. The guy I got it from, it was his dads. He didn’t know anything about it. Are you thinking if it wasn’t shortened I could convert it back to “normal”?

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

[KEV101]

[TJT]

It COULD have its original barrel. They were not put together in numerical order and SA had a habit of putting excess critical parts in storage to protect from future shortages in case of material shortages or other unforseen work stoppages. Parts were assembled out of parts bins. When the bins got low-not necessarily empty-they were refilled with new parts. The "first in, last out" syndrome so older parts could wind up buried under newer parts. Remember too that these rifles were repaired/rebuilt as necessary and no effort was made to put in "correct" parts. Needed parts were installed to make working rifles and get them re-issued to the troops. The only thing that mattered was that it was a working rifle.
If the stock has not been cut down for the recoil pad it should be an easy fix to make it proper.
Remember too, the ONLY serial number is on the receiver heel. All other numbers are drawing, or part numbers. Welcome to the club. I'll forewarn you--M1 rifles have a habit of cloning. Very few people I know have "just one".
Jon