Oregon NewGuy

[JBipes]

Great to be with you all. I have a Garand modified to the T26 variant I believe by Fulton Armory. The receiver serial number [1839XXX] dates it to August 1943 from Springfield Armory, as does the barrel marking [S-A-8-43]. The shortened barrel and the lack of markings on the stock and the replacement parts dating to the 50's is driving my belief that it is a Fulton Armory modification. Anyone out there have info on this?

[Jersey Devil]

Welcome aboard JBipes!!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and sign up. That rifle sounds real interesting. Would it be possible to post up a few photos for us to look at?
There's a bunch of guys here that are very knowledgeable on the subject, and I'm sure they'd love to see your rifle.
Cheers from NJ!!
--Brian

[JBipes]

Here's the photos -- This is an obviously overhauled, rebuilt and modified M1. Part markings date the bolt to 1953-54, the trigger housing also, the hammer to 1953, other identifiable parts from early to mid 50's. When it was turned into a T26 variant is unknown, but had to be after 1955. Fulton Armory wants to look at it, but I'm unwilling to send it. Any help getting more info on this rifle and its history appreciated.

[m14brian]

Welcome in, JBipes! Enjoy the forum and stop by often. Nice rifle!
m14brian

[JBipes]

Have done some more digging and I still cannot determine where or when my Garand was modified to a T26 "Tanker". I very confident that it wasn't done by Fulton Armory, they didn't exist 45+ years ago (or did they?). Fulton Armory's site says they have been in business for over 28 years. This would seem to indicate that my rifle was not modified from the original by them but by some other entity much farther back in history. Any help on finding out the origin of this would be forever appreciated! Some additional info -- I know my father had this rifle back in the '60's, but he never related how he came to own it, or its origin. I used it on a deer hunt in the late part of the '60's/early '70's. I can provide part markings to anyone who can assist in finding out more about my rifle.

[Phil McGrath]

Have done some more digging and I still cannot determine where or when my Garand was modified to a T26 "Tanker". I very confident that it wasn't done by Fulton Armory, they didn't exist 45+ years ago (or did they?). Fulton Armory's site says they have been in business for over 28 years. This would seem to indicate that my rifle was not modified from the original by them but by some other entity much farther back in history. Any help on finding out the origin of this would be forever appreciated! Some additional info -- I know my father had this rifle back in the '60's, but he never related how he came to own it, or its origin. I used it on a deer hunt in the late part of the '60's/early '70's. I can provide part markings to anyone who can assist in finding out more about my rifle.

Not to be rude or a Killjoy, I think its a neat rifle and it must be a BLAST too shoot in more ways than one..... But too be honest with you I don't think this is a legit T26 Tanker Rifle. People have been tinkering with these rifles for a long, long time and sense the internet was invented the world has been made a much smaller place, parts are now more obtainable and a few clicks away, if they have the money.

But back in the day all it took was a smart guy with access to a lathe and mill......So your probably never going too find out the where, when and by whom actually did the work... Remember the old saying you buy the weapon not the story.

[JBipes]

Just had it out on the range and it shoots fine, using the sling to steady it keeps the weapon on target nicely. 'BLAST' no worse than other high powered carbine weapons. An article at http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/m1-tanker-garand/ gives an excellent history of how and why Garands were modified and who did them. I believe mine is a National Ordnance or Alpine Ordnance, run by Robert E. Penney, Jr.