Looking to know what I have...(pic heavy)

[cdhknives]

I have just become the proud owner of a new to me 1942 Springfield Garand. That is about all I have been able to find...serial number lookups. I have a bunch of pictures and would appreciate any insights. I have not yet torn it down for cleaning. This and one more were sitting in a safe for 15+ years aas a donation that could not be sold. I got offered one for a cash donation and took it. Pretty much every stamp I can find is pictures. What else can I get pictures of to help figure it out? History? Refinished? Arsenal rebuild? General condition (less data on gauges...not available)? 6 Digit serial number (yes I wiped it off the picture before posting) dating it to 1942. Clean circle P stamp on stock handguard.

[Paulbroeder]

Is that the number "1" stamped on the back of the receiver?

[Paulbroeder]

You need to get that taken down and send part number pics

[TJT]

It's been through at least one rebuild. The barrel is dated December '53. Not original to the receiver if it is indeed from '42. It's probably a total "mixmaster".
Barrel crown looks rough and from what little I can see of the bore, it looks rough too.
The rear sight is the post-war T105E and it too, is not original to the rifle. Gas cylinder lock screw is not original either. Gas cylinder is wide base--should be narrow base. Front sight "ears" look too wide to be SA.
Yep, mixmaster for sure.
Jon

[cdhknives]

Well shoot...there were 2 and maybe I picked the wrong one. This receiver finish (smooth and blued/brown) looked more factory to me. The other was a 7 digit serial number (this one is 6 digit 83xxxx) with a gray and more matte finished receiver. There was a lot less visible wear on the side of the receiver under the charging handle but I was thinking it had been refinished with a parkerization which would reduce collector value. I didn't have enough time and info to really judge much else but for $500 I was fairly confident I was going to be okay. I hope to have some free time to tear it down tonight.

[cdhknives]

The crown is fuzzy from dust and light rust. I'll get better pics once it is clean. It has sat for a long time.

[cdhknives]

I apologize of my terminology is wrong...still learning.
Bolt cover

Op rod

Side of receiver

Part of trigger group

[cdhknives]

Muzzle

Side of trigger group

[TJT]

There is no bolt "cover" on an M1. It has a bolt--period. Your bolt is for a Winchester (WRA). The trigger housing should be a -7 or -8 revision. The -14 would be late 2 million to early 3 million s/n range. Hammer would be a -5. All in all, for what you gave for it, you did very well. Shoot it, and enjoy it for what it is.
The muzzle looks much better cleaned up. Op rod is post war but they're better for a shooter. Follower arm looks good with the forging number on it. Looks like the follow rod is a "long fork" type. Yours should have a "short fork" rod. Again, shoot and enjoy it. If it was mine, I wouldn't try to make it "correct". A properly dated barrel in good shape will set you back $300+/- by itself.
Welcome to the M1 addiction.
Jon

[cdhknives]

First range trip. I am probably being over cautious. I cleaned the bore well, the action fairly well, lubed it, and single loaded a couple rounds to test fire. 49 grains of surplus 4895 (Jeff Bartlett/GI Brass about 15 years ago..dunno if it is IMR or H speed but assume IMR) under a milsurp 147 grain FMJ-BT. The first case ejected just to the right of straight forward, the second laid on the bench about 1 o'oclock 3' away. Both locked the bolt back. Recoil was a lot less than expected, less than my heavy barrel 308 bolt rifle for sure! Nothing came apart, new clips from Midway are due in tomorrow, and I am now regretting selling about 300 primed milsurp cases I got in a estate sale! Just what I need, another addiction...