Can anyone ID this M1 barrel?

[LLOYD17]

I've got a CMP Special M1 Garand with a Winchester receiver and a mix of SA and HR parts otherwise. Everything I've read says CMP used Criterion barrels on these rebuilds but the stamp on my barrel doesn't seem to jive.

A D6535448 3 53 A189A (something lightly stamped over the last A)
(sideways)P

The bore looks brand new and it shoots lights out at 100yds. It also has new wood with a CMP stamp on the left side in a square.

There's also a chance I may move this to enable another S&W project I have in mind. Has the market softened significantly on these?

Thanks.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Looks like that barrel is dated 3/53 so it's not a new made Criterion. From what I can find its possible your barrel was made by Ferro Machine and Foundry in Cleveland, OH though the markings aren't quite a match for that maker

 

[jdlii]

Not easy to determine and you may have to consider removing the hand guards to check the top of the barrel for markings. I would not suggest removal of the rear hand guard unless you have the removal tool for this task otherwise you risk cracking the rear hand guard.

The manufacturer of your receiver, along with the serial number, will be a big hint. My guess is that it is a Springfield Armory replacement however, most of those are marked "SA" somewhere. You may want to check in with the CMP Forums and see if someone there can identify the markings.

There is a list that shows the replacement barrel markings for the 1950's but, your number doesn't match up with the numbers listed. Just like S&W revolvers, never say never. The year and month "3 53" would indicate Springfield Armory.

Good Luck!

The value of M1 Garands has not, in my experience, diminished. Rifles like yours have an asking price in my area beginning at $700 and going up to $1,200.00. I have no idea about the final sales price.

 

[jdlii]

I would suggest that you check the receiver "legs" to see is there is a rebuild stamp on them. The rebuild "stamp" is generally an electric pencil or similar type marking.

There is a list of the rebuild facilities on the CMP forum. "AA" is Augusta Arsenal, "RRAD" is Red River Arsenal (Army Depot), etc. Most Garands, rebuilt in those facilities, had the barrels replaced on an "as needed" basis with what ever was on hand.

My DCM M1 has a Springfield Armory receiver and an LMR barrel. All other parts are SA with the exception of the trigger housing and all tigger group parts. The trigger housing and complete trigger group parts are IHC, International Harvester.

The rifle was completely reparkerized and looks new but, the serial number indicates that this rifle was manufactured between 42' and 43'. The "RRAD" "stamp" on the front right receiver leg tells a different story, along with the date of the rebuild.

 

[LVSteve]

Not exactly original furniture on the OP's rifle either.

 

[LLOYD17]

It's a mix of parts with a WRA receiver and then a bunch of SA and HR parts from there with obvious new wood. No rebuild markings like were mentioned earlier.

Perhaps either re-barrelled in the 50's then put away until CMP restocked it?...or newer CMP rebuild with a NOS barrel and new furniture? Not being a big M1 guy but I know my way around older firearms, this one might as well be new.

 

[jdlii]

Maybe a CMP rebuilt but, a beautiful rifle none the less. You have to love those Winchester receiver markings with the "Winchester" script and the old school serial numbers.

As you probably know, Winchester was the only other manufacturer of the M1 during WWII and are quite rare. Very few original Winchester barrels, in good shootable condition, exist and those that do exist command premium prices.

It is probably to good for a Naval Aviator and since it doesn't have wings attached, you may have trouble hitting a tow target!

Enjoy and congratulations on a very nice example of a Garand!!