Grandfathers old m1 garand

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Grandfathers old m1 garand (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 9/16/2016 11:04:42 AM EDT

Hey guys newer to the site But have posted recently in the ar sections about a new buy. This topic though is about my grandfather's m1. When he passed away in 2006 my parents found it lying in a cardboard box on the basement floor, and of course it had massive flooding over the years.
When I was given the rifle the bolt was locked shut. I submerged it in w d 40 for about 6 months. The bolt now opens with force and there is decent amount of pitting on the barrel.. I would prob need a new stock, and parts / springs. My question is if this is even worth doing. Is it worth the cost of an older m1? Essentially I would have to almost replace the entire rifle minus the barrel ( if I'm lucky). If its worth it what should my first step be ?

Posted: 9/16/2016 11:11:03 AM EDT

[#1]

You got a pic or 2?

Posted: 9/16/2016 11:12:58 AM EDT

[#2]

I'll get some pics in a few.

Posted: 9/16/2016 11:17:47 AM EDT

[#3]

I'd restore it as best I could and put it in a shadow box with some stuff about your grandpa. Be a nice way to pass some family history down the line.

Posted: 9/16/2016 12:20:45 PM EDT

[#4]

Submerged in water while stored in the basement doesn't sound good to me. The receiver is pitted or the barrel's bore? Barrels can be replaced and it will be better than new, if the receiver and bolt are heavily pitted it's probably toast.

I would completely disassemble the rifle and scrub every parts with a toothbrush and solvent followed by a coat of gun oil (CLP). Once you have a good look at every part you'll get a better idea as to how much damage has been done.

It's a shame that is was neglected but probably little can be done after the fact. Everyone who stores firearms or ammo in their basement should realize that pipes can break and make sure you keep them off the floor. If flooding ever occurs you have to remove all items immediately to clean and lubricate them even if they didn't get submerged. The 100% humidity will wreak havoc on any metal parts.

Posted: 9/16/2016 1:04:13 PM EDT

[#5]

I would do everything I could to get it shooting again.

Posted: 9/16/2016 1:20:40 PM EDT

[#6]

electrolysis tank... Ive done it on two damaged firearms from a house fire we had ( sat in basement with water damaged after the house collapsed)

you'll be surprised how nice things turn out.

Posted: 9/16/2016 1:51:21 PM EDT

[#7]

I guess first question, is do you want to shoot it?
Second, is did your Gpa bring it home form the war, or did he buy it at a gunshow 6 years ago?

Posted: 9/16/2016 2:36:36 PM EDT

[#8]

what's the serial number?

Posted: 9/16/2016 3:29:46 PM EDT

[#9]

What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

After:

Ray

Posted: 9/16/2016 5:41:15 PM EDT

[#10]

Forget the WD40 and use somthing that works. Preferably Kroil or PB Blaster if you cant find it

Posted: 9/16/2016 8:04:47 PM EDT

[#11]

Sorry haven't had chance to get pics . but yes I would ideally like to shoot it . I know I'll need to buy some small parts etc but it would be worth it if I could get the big stuff working. How do you go out the electrolysis? Never heard of it

Posted: 9/17/2016 10:20:56 AM EDT

[#12]

Serial number is 4538410 international harvester

Posted: 9/17/2016 10:32:14 AM EDT

[#13]

If bore is rusted it will need replaced. Are parts pitted?

Posted: 9/17/2016 10:41:24 AM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
Serial number is 4538410 international harvester

View Quote

Ouch IHC are Sought after. I hope it cleans up

Posted: 9/17/2016 11:24:35 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:

Ouch IHC are Sought after. I hope it cleans up

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Serial number is 4538410 international harvester

Ouch IHC are Sought after. I hope it cleans up

Agreed, that will be a real kick in the nuts if the barrel was original.

Posted: 9/17/2016 2:16:50 PM EDT

[#16]

I'm assuming the harvester models are the original makers of the m1?

Posted: 9/17/2016 3:25:47 PM EDT

[#17]

They were one of the original makers. Springfield, H&R and Winchester also made them in bigger numbers. IHCs are considered a little more "rare" for lack of a better word. I would disassemble it, try to clean up each part using the electrolysis, and then scrub and soak to get as much off as possible. More than likely at the end it will all need to be re-parkarized. Its gonna be a big project, good luck on it. If you decide it isn't worth it and it doesn't hold any sentimental value, hit me up.

Posted: 9/17/2016 3:26:26 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm assuming the harvester models are the original makers of the m1?

View Quote

No not at all. They were the least made Garand Post War rifles

Posted: 9/17/2016 3:29:30 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
They were one of the original makers during WWII. Springfield, H&R and Winchester also made them in bigger numbers. IHCs are considered a little more "rare" for lack of a better word. I would disassemble it, try to clean up each part using the electrolysis, and then scrub and soak to get as much off as possible. More than likely at the end it will all need to be re-parkarized. Its gonna be a big project, good luck on it. If you decide it isn't worth it and it doesn't hold any sentimental value, hit me up.

View Quote

Not made during WWII. IHC were all Post War rifles.
SA and WRA were the only manufactures during WWII

Posted: 9/17/2016 3:35:12 PM EDT

[#20]

Not made during WWII. IHC were all Post War rifles.
SA and WRA were the only manufactures during WWII

True enough. Thanks for clarifying!

Posted: 9/17/2016 5:13:28 PM EDT

[#21]

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Posted: 9/17/2016 5:27:24 PM EDT

[#22]

Cant see much of anything in the pics except in the last one. In the first pic it looks like a cut or groove in the side of the barrel by the muzzle?? Would like to see a clear, clean up close pic of that
You think the pitting is bad on what you can see ,wait until you look under the handguards.
Its probably going to be a wallhanger.

Posted: 9/17/2016 6:09:33 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg</a>

After:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg</a>

Ray

View Quote

FYI the after pic is not the same chuck as in the before pic.The before pic is a 4 jaw chuck the after is a 3 jaw chuck.So 2 totally different items are being shown.

Posted: 9/17/2016 7:25:26 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:

FYI the after pic is not the same chuck as in the before pic.The before pic is a 4 jaw chuck the after is a 3 jaw chuck.So 2 totally different items are being shown.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg</a>

After:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg</a>

Ray

FYI the after pic is not the same chuck as in the before pic.The before pic is a 4 jaw chuck the after is a 3 jaw chuck.So 2 totally different items are being shown.

Oops,

Posted: 9/17/2016 8:55:59 PM EDT

[#25]

It doesn't look as bad as I thought

As was mentioned there is a weird slot on the barrel behind the front sight. Drill rifle? Check the bore and chamber and also remove the rear hangaurd to look for any demilitarizing butchery.

Posted: 9/17/2016 9:05:32 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
It doesn't look as bad as I thought

As was mentioned there is a weird slot on the barrel behind the front sight. Drill rifle? Check the bore and chamber and also remove the rear hangaurd to look for any demilitarizing butchery.

View Quote

Looks like an import stamp on the barrel

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 9/17/2016 9:48:13 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:

Looks like an import stamp on the barrel

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

It doesn't look as bad as I thought

As was mentioned there is a weird slot on the barrel behind the front sight. Drill rifle? Check the bore and chamber and also remove the rear hangaurd to look for any demilitarizing butchery.

Looks like an import stamp on the barrel

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

THAT deep? My money is on "Blu Sky" imports.

Posted: 9/17/2016 10:34:59 PM EDT

[#28]

Blue Sky is my guess too.

Posted: 9/18/2016 11:13:27 AM EDT

[#29]

Looking at the barrel. Appears to be just pitting .

Posted: 9/18/2016 8:12:46 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Serial number is 4538410 international harvester

View Quote

Do what it takes to clean it up, that is why I asked.

Posted: 9/18/2016 9:06:25 PM EDT

[#31]

How did your grandfather acquire the piece

Posted: 9/18/2016 9:17:37 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg</a>

After:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg</a>

Ray

View Quote

Did you use a teleportation device?

Posted: 9/18/2016 9:43:15 PM EDT

[#33]

Send it to Vulcan Gun Restorations. Nick Kaikkonen is an absolute genius with metal.

http://www.vulcangun.com

Posted: 9/18/2016 9:43:52 PM EDT

[#34]

Not sure how he got it. No-one knew he had it until we found it. The hand guards have cracks in them, the barrel looks ok. But I would be afraid to shoot it without a real inspection ( not sure who or where ) would do that

Posted: 9/19/2016 12:33:30 AM EDT

[#35]

The receiver is the most important part of the rifle. Barrels, op-rods, bolts and other parts are replaceable. It's just a matter of cost. Mix and match parts are the cheapest. All IHC the most expensive. Even the receiver is salvageable, as long as there are no cracks. It may need a parkerizing, but thats what the CMP does to some of its rebuilds.

When the CMP sells its specials, they just start with receiver, Clean it refinish it, add parts and sell it for a premium price over standard rebuilds

Posted: 9/19/2016 9:55:46 AM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:

Looks like an import stamp on the barrel

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
It doesn't look as bad as I thought

As was mentioned there is a weird slot on the barrel behind the front sight. Drill rifle? Check the bore and chamber and also remove the rear hangaurd to look for any demilitarizing butchery.

Looks like an import stamp on the barrel

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

I was surfing with phone so the pic was smallish. The blue sky crush makes sense and I'd rather have it there than on the receiver especially if the barrel is heavily pitted inside. A new commercial barrel and the gun will have a new life.

Posted: 9/19/2016 12:39:07 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

FYI the after pic is not the same chuck as in the before pic.The before pic is a 4 jaw chuck the after is a 3 jaw chuck.So 2 totally different items are being shown.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg</a>

After:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg</a>

Ray

FYI the after pic is not the same chuck as in the before pic.The before pic is a 4 jaw chuck the after is a 3 jaw chuck.So 2 totally different items are being shown.

Thanks for posting that. I was thinking there was NO WAY it would come out like with no pitting.

Posted: 9/19/2016 4:28:25 PM EDT

[#38]

Oh, ye of little faith. The chuck shown in my original post is face down. You think it was less rusty on the face? Fraid not.

Quote History

Quoted:

Thanks for posting that. I was thinking there was NO WAY it would come out like with no pitting.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg</a>

After:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg</a>

Ray

FYI the after pic is not the same chuck as in the before pic.The before pic is a 4 jaw chuck the after is a 3 jaw chuck.So 2 totally different items are being shown.

Thanks for posting that. I was thinking there was NO WAY it would come out like with no pitting.

Posted: 9/21/2016 12:00:07 AM EDT

[#39]

it's an IHC and if your income allows you should make it a shooter again.

Posted: 9/21/2016 1:43:41 PM EDT

[#40]

What state are you in?

Take it outside and get some good pics in the sunlight... where is the stock?

Posted: 9/22/2016 9:30:34 AM EDT

[#41]

Sorry for late replies. I'm in process of buying an ar so mind was elsewhere. I'm in Illinois. I was able to take it completely apart. Receiver is in very good shape. No rust to pitting. The sights prob need either deep cleaning or replacing . along with many of the screws and springs. The main spring literally crumbled when I took it out of the guide rod.

Posted: 9/22/2016 5:06:47 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sorry for late replies. I'm in process of buying an ar so mind was elsewhere. I'm in Illinois. I was able to take it completely apart. Receiver is in very good shape. No rust to pitting. The sights prob need either deep cleaning or replacing . along with many of the screws and springs. The main spring literally crumbled when I took it out of the guide rod.

View Quote

You're in the process of buying an AR??

Why are you not instead in the process of rebuilding your grandfather's M1?

Posted: 9/22/2016 6:44:46 PM EDT

[#43]

Multi tasking. The m1 is a long term hobby, the ar I needed for work

Posted: 9/24/2016 9:54:04 PM EDT

[#44]

Sorry, but why put any effort in this rifle?

It's not historical,being 1950s manufacture, and your granddad didn't get from General [insert general's name here] for exemplary duty, the story behind thousands of stolen M1s from WW2 and this one is 1950s as noted. Probably bought via CMP or at a gun show.

-- Chuck

Posted: 9/25/2016 8:51:19 AM EDT

[#45]

Well that's why I'm being careful with that effort and money. I don't wanna spend thousands on a gun with will be a " hundred". But I'm willing to,spend a little bit only for a family gun but also it would be my first m1 garand. Instead of buying a new one , I can pay same amount to get this one working as long as I'm not paying an insane amount

Posted: 9/25/2016 9:02:46 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well that's why I'm being careful with that effort and money. I don't wanna spend thousands on a gun with will be a " hundred". But I'm willing to,spend a little bit only for a family gun but also it would be my first m1 garand. Instead of buying a new one , I can pay same amount to get this one working as long as I'm not paying an insane amount

View Quote

That sounds good . You want to have a Garand in the collection and if you can get it going then well enough .

Posted: 9/28/2016 11:51:12 AM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sorry, but why put any effort in this rifle?

It's not historical,being 1950s manufacture, and your granddad didn't get from General [insert general's name here] for exemplary duty, the story behind thousands of stolen M1s from WW2 and this one is 1950s as noted. Probably bought via CMP or at a gun show.

-- Chuck

View Quote

Man, I would (and have) put more effort into restoring a rusty hammer that was my grandfathers. It doesn't matter if it's collectible imho.

Posted: 9/28/2016 1:22:15 PM EDT

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:
What fury said. Electrolysis.

Before:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/Four%20Jaw%20Chuck_zpsyogfdlor.jpg</a>

After:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/HORTON%203%20JAW%20SCROLL%20CHUCK/HORTON%20CHUCK%20001_zpsksdtciic.jpg</a>

Ray

View Quote

I sse what you did there.

Old chuck - (sold as scrap), New chuck bought on ebay...

Because those to pics are NOT the same chuck.

Posted: 9/28/2016 9:58:40 PM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
* * * It's not historical,being 1950s manufacture, * * *

View Quote

Dudenal, you apparently know little about Garands or the current Garand market.

ALL Garands became "historical" the day they stopped producing them. Right now, in fact, post-war Garands of the early-to-mid 1950s are especially sought after by collectors, as noted M1 expert Scott Duff has written - both in a book dedicated to Post-War M1s and in his numerous articles for the Garand Collectors Assn.

Posted: 10/19/2016 8:05:38 AM EDT

[#50]

Anymore updates to this? I was enjoying the pictures and was curious if the OP has done anything more on it?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Grandfathers old m1 garand (Page 1 of 2)

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