I have been a militaria collector since I was a little girl, focusing mainly on WWII. One of my dream items to add to my collection is, of course, a WWII M1 Garand. This is something I have been wanting for 20 years. I'm now at a point in my life that I can drop that kind of money down on the rifle. My husband and I are both teachers, so spending about $2500 is not a light matter, and I want to be sure I'm getting a rifle worth my money.
I am looking to buy a WWII M1 Garand, as close to original WWII straight-from-armory correct-grade condition as possible, no post-war parts, modifications, or rebuilds. It's also important to me as a collector that the weapon actually could have been there during WWII, so not late-manufacture 1945 M1s. I've done a lot of research over the years, and I've got Scott Duff's WWII M1 Garand book that I've been using, as well as Bruce Canfield's Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine.
Both of the rifles I am looking at seem to check most of those boxes, though they both have modified cut op rods, so I know they were either cut during WWII or post-war. Otherwise, I think both of these rifles fit the bill.
But, I want YOUR opinions! I know all y'all have more education in M1s than I do, so I'm going to the professionals, so-to-speak, for advice. Do these two M1s pass muster? Which of these M1s would you buy if you were looking to buy? Or would you not buy either, and wait for something better?
My main concern about the 1942 M1 is that some of the internal parts look like the original finish is gone or cleaned off, compared to the 1943 M1. What do y'all think?
https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/869403020
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/872407610
Please help, and thank you very much in advance!
I am looking to buy a WWII M1 Garand, as close to original WWII straight-from-armory correct-grade condition as possible, no post-war parts, modifications, or rebuilds. It's also important to me as a collector that the weapon actually could have been there during WWII, so not late-manufacture 1945 M1s. I've done a lot of research over the years, and I've got Scott Duff's WWII M1 Garand book that I've been using, as well as Bruce Canfield's Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine.
Both of the rifles I am looking at seem to check most of those boxes, though they both have modified cut op rods, so I know they were either cut during WWII or post-war. Otherwise, I think both of these rifles fit the bill.
But, I want YOUR opinions! I know all y'all have more education in M1s than I do, so I'm going to the professionals, so-to-speak, for advice. Do these two M1s pass muster? Which of these M1s would you buy if you were looking to buy? Or would you not buy either, and wait for something better?
My main concern about the 1942 M1 is that some of the internal parts look like the original finish is gone or cleaned off, compared to the 1943 M1. What do y'all think?
https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/869403020
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/872407610
Please help, and thank you very much in advance!
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