1943 .308?

[RobRoss65]

I inherited a .308 cal M1 with a serial number 1,790,061
Someone told me that it must be rechambered in 7.62x51 NATO since Springfield Armory didn't make a .308 in 1943. Is this true? How can you tell if it's been rechambered?

TIA

[TJT]

No WWII or Korean vintage M1 rifles were made originally in .308 or 7.62 NATO because the round was non-existant. They were all chambered in the correct caliber of .30-'06
Jon

[Orlando]

There were Navy Garands in early 1960's that had a bushing installed in a standard garand barrel converting them to 7.62
I believe in mid 1960s barrels were manufactured chambered in 7.62. Do you have one of these or a commercial 308 barrel installed on a SA receiver?

[lapriester]

What are the markings on the side of the barrel that you should see with the op rod pulled back? The barrel date should also be visible. The 308/7.62 caliber didn't exist in 1943.