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Posted: 9/23/2006 3:53:27 PM EDT
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Several questions: Spotted one of these at a gun show today - looks newly re-finished (parkerized) with near perfect wood. Dealer says it was "commercialy" manufactured (by Springfield), not made for government contract. Anyone know if this is true, did Springfield ever offer a tanker Garand to the public ??? What problems (if any) would a person expect from a "shortened" Garand ??? I've always thought these looked cool, like a WWII "assault rifle". Thanks for any info, EE |
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Springfield Inc. marketed a "Tanker" M1 back in the 80's called the T26. The concept has been around since 1944/45 when the ordnance Dept. explored the possibility of a carbine type M1 Garand. IIRC, only two Govt. produced examples exist. Legend has it that at around the same time, a few were field modified by armourers in the Pacific. Regardless, since that time they have been produced by a few sources. During the 60's some were made from cut and weld receivers. Govt surplus receivers were turned into scrap and torch cut in half. They were sold as scrap and some creative people welded them back together and made rifles with them. Some were done poorly. Others were done better than poorly but not great. These days, with the availability of M1 receivers, there's no reason to buy a cut and weld. You need to closely examine the receiver for evidence of welding and grinding. Also, the drawing numbers on the front half of the receiver may not match the manufacturer. That's a dead give away. S.A. Inc. made theirs from unmolested receivers. Some people will look upon Tankers as an abomination. I don't have a problem with them. In .30-06 they can be a real handful. Not quit as bad in. 308. These days, you can buy conversion kits from a couple of sources. West Texas Armory can do a nice conversion for you. |
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