<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jeff, CA:
So what's the real story? What can I expect to see when I open the box? What sort of testing do you mean, Mouse Gun? Will it at least be shootable, or might it need work? I'm talking about serviceability, not cosmetics. This will be a service grade, non Danish issue.[/quote]
Jeff, what you can expect is a good safe functioning rifle. I received mine 2 days ago and was really elated! It was in great shape. Tight, with a great bore, (TE of 2)tight muzzle, and good wood (all Springfield Armory parts too). The US Govt. had hundreds of thousands of these rifles held in reserve on different military bases around the country. In the mid 60's when I was in the USAF there were several thousand stored on base in case the base ever came under attack and the Combat Defense unit needed help the plan was to arm Mechanics, Cooks, Admin. Personnel etc. with them to help defend the base. (How I don't know since these type of persons were never trained with the Garand) The rifles were in great shape (we as small arms personnel had to check them annually). After the M1 Carbine and the plastic wonder M-(junk)16, became avaliable in greater numbers these M1's were sent to Arsenals along with any that the other branches of the military possessed. At the arsenals they were checked in, repaired if necessary, tuned up, rebuilt, preserved, and stored. this is what you are going to receive. A U.S. Rifle Cal. 30 M1 that is/was ready to be issued to a member of the US armed forces to use in the performance of his duties. It may not be all that pretty but it damn sure will shoot! I think that you will be pleasantly suprised with what you will receive, I was. By the way mine arrived 3 weeks and 1 day after I mailed the paperwork To Port Clinton, Oh.
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Carlyle