66 Bonneville
01-30-2020, 09:00 AM
Hello all,
I'm looking for more info or background on my M1 Garand Springfield Armory National Match rifle. I'd also be interested to find someone very knowledgable that would go through it and give me a more accurate assessment. Here's why I ask:
I had a former local gun show vendor (now living in GA) go through my rifle a few years ago. While not a super expert, he owns a NM that is three serial numbers away from the one owned by JFK. Despite that, his rifle s/n is NOT in the DCM serial number list. (Neither is mine, after having looked into it through the CMP, though they did admit their records are woefully remiss.). My friend shared that he's also had the pleasure of looking over a few other NM's, and based his assessment (not an expert) on his experience.
Anyway, on very careful disassembly my friend saw a few red flags. For one, the internal component markings are in paint stick, not in grease pencil (I may have that backwards?). He felt the markings are correct, just not in the right media. Second, while it contains correct NM components, the barrel has the NM stamp in the top of the barrel, not the left side. Finally, the stock is varnished, and believed to be original, whereas "true" NM's ill were only with an oil finish. There was a question on the Op Rod, but I don't remember what that was.
My friend's opinion was that this particular rifle was built in Camp Perry, OH by an actual armorer who had previously built NM rifles for the DCM. The varnished stock was a clue for him, as he stated that humidity in the area of Lake Erie would affect accuracy due to swelling of the wood stock, and the varnish prevented the absorption of moisture.
So questions:
* Anyone else know of such a thing as a Camp Perry built NM Garand?
* Is the rest of the info my friend shared correct or not? Again, he admitted not being an expert, but had just looked over a few, which is why he caught those discrepencies.
* Is there anyone within a couple of hours drive of Detroit (Howell) that I could take this rifle to for a better assessment? I am not willing to ship it or leave it with anyone... I'd prefer to deliver it, have it evaluated, and then leave with it.
Some background, if this helps:
I purchased this rifle around 1991 or 92 at a gun show at the old Novi Expo Center. It was sold to me by an older gentleman, Sam Sunman, who operated under Sunman Arms and was from the far east side of Detroit. Sam told me at that time that this rifle was one of two, and that its twin was in Wisconsin. I didn't know what all that meant or if it held any significance, I just have always remembered that. He also said it was extremely accurate. Believe it or not I have never fired this rifle. It's been in my safe since the day I bought it. It's in pristine condition, and can share pics to an email address, at least until my membership here goes through. Once I have an understanding of what I have and its valuation I will be looking to part with it.
Thanks in advance!
Les
I'm looking for more info or background on my M1 Garand Springfield Armory National Match rifle. I'd also be interested to find someone very knowledgable that would go through it and give me a more accurate assessment. Here's why I ask:
I had a former local gun show vendor (now living in GA) go through my rifle a few years ago. While not a super expert, he owns a NM that is three serial numbers away from the one owned by JFK. Despite that, his rifle s/n is NOT in the DCM serial number list. (Neither is mine, after having looked into it through the CMP, though they did admit their records are woefully remiss.). My friend shared that he's also had the pleasure of looking over a few other NM's, and based his assessment (not an expert) on his experience.
Anyway, on very careful disassembly my friend saw a few red flags. For one, the internal component markings are in paint stick, not in grease pencil (I may have that backwards?). He felt the markings are correct, just not in the right media. Second, while it contains correct NM components, the barrel has the NM stamp in the top of the barrel, not the left side. Finally, the stock is varnished, and believed to be original, whereas "true" NM's ill were only with an oil finish. There was a question on the Op Rod, but I don't remember what that was.
My friend's opinion was that this particular rifle was built in Camp Perry, OH by an actual armorer who had previously built NM rifles for the DCM. The varnished stock was a clue for him, as he stated that humidity in the area of Lake Erie would affect accuracy due to swelling of the wood stock, and the varnish prevented the absorption of moisture.
So questions:
* Anyone else know of such a thing as a Camp Perry built NM Garand?
* Is the rest of the info my friend shared correct or not? Again, he admitted not being an expert, but had just looked over a few, which is why he caught those discrepencies.
* Is there anyone within a couple of hours drive of Detroit (Howell) that I could take this rifle to for a better assessment? I am not willing to ship it or leave it with anyone... I'd prefer to deliver it, have it evaluated, and then leave with it.
Some background, if this helps:
I purchased this rifle around 1991 or 92 at a gun show at the old Novi Expo Center. It was sold to me by an older gentleman, Sam Sunman, who operated under Sunman Arms and was from the far east side of Detroit. Sam told me at that time that this rifle was one of two, and that its twin was in Wisconsin. I didn't know what all that meant or if it held any significance, I just have always remembered that. He also said it was extremely accurate. Believe it or not I have never fired this rifle. It's been in my safe since the day I bought it. It's in pristine condition, and can share pics to an email address, at least until my membership here goes through. Once I have an understanding of what I have and its valuation I will be looking to part with it.
Thanks in advance!
Les