Weapon Restoration
 

Ok, I had no idea where to start this thread, this is the best fit I think...

I've been thinking about buying a decomm M1 Garand and going about restoring it as a new hobby. Is anyone here familiar with this process, and can point me in the right direction?

Thanks a lot...

The stocks are easy to come by if you end up getting a bad stock. You might check out http://www.e-gunparts.com for replacement parts if you find anything missing/broken etc.

If you go to your local gunshow, many times you'll find someone offering parkerization services, so no matter how bad the metal is you can clean it up and have it parkerized, and problem solved.

As far as finding the gun, gun shows are excellent places if you research what you should be spending before you show up. There's blue book values on guns if you look on Google. Gunsamerica.com looks like a good place to look for Garands.

Hope this helps

First an assumption: You are new to guns/rifles or haven't done much other than shoot them and clean them.
Apologies if I'm wrong. :D

Ok first thing to do is to go out to Fulton Armory . On the left side of the page is a site index. Find the section for the M1 Garand and you'll see links to a lot of info, as well as parts for the gun. This is probably the best place to go for high quality parts.

I'd also have a gunsmith look at it and make sure that it's in good condition ie. Op-Rod is straight, chamber is within spec, gas cylinder is still good etc.

The chances are low that this would have any collector value, but research might tell you. That could affect what you do to the gun.

These are absolutely fantastic guns, so be carefull what you decide to do to it. I do a lot of my own work on my guns, but some things are best done by the pros. I'd be particular about who I gave the gun to for Parkerizing if it really needs it in the first place.

I have the civilian version of the M14, which came later. I bought it for high-power rifle competition, which the M1 isn't as good for, but I still have to have one someday. I've shot them plenty of times and they are sweet!

Watch out for the M1 thumb!!!:eek:

Curses, just lost my reply.

Okay, to answer your assumption, the most I've done is replace stocks. ;)

We switched over to M14s for drill (and everything else) not too long ago, but I really prefered the old M1s. I'm into it more as my own little collectible on my wall (or for occassional drilling) than for actual shooting.

My question is what is Parkerizing, and thanks for the link (maybe it's in there...)!

**Edit**

Okay, read about Parkerizing... Doesn't sound too bad. Would chroming the metal after this be 'good' for it? The goal is to get the weapon 'display worthy'.

/**Edit**

Click on the "fulton armory" in my message. It's a different color, but not by much! Parkerizing is a controlled oxidizing of the metal that leaves it with a porus, matte finish. The coating is ideal to hold oil and helps to protect the metal.

There are different types/quality levels of parkerizing, and some of them are really ugly. If this gun is worth anything at all, I'd expect it not to need it.

IMHO, NO! Unless the drill version was chromed, and you want a rifle that looks like a drill rifle don't do this. The original barrels were black, if you are restoring, keep it that way.

What do you consider display worthy? Do you want it to look like a WWII battle rifle, or something from Terminator?

Here's another web site to check out.
www.battlerifle.com

I like that *plink* sound you hear when you've spent your ammo.

...especially when it's your *plink*. And I have a loaded weapon.

No joke. Supposedly the Germans would wait for that sound (when they could) and then try to rush the soldier before he could reload. Always thought everyone's ears would be ringing to much to tell :D I'd guess the sight of the clip ejecting out of the gun would be a damning give away too.

Yup, the famous Garand "CHING!"

You've already got some great advice here.

If this is just going to be a wall hanger, I would replace the showing parts that are beyond repair and re-parkerize the barrel.

Unless you are a fairly competent gunsmith (I am not), I wouldn't try to make it usable again. Too much chance of a KB.

Oh, if you REALLY want some free advice from guys who do this all the time, head over to www.ar15.com and post in firearms forum. (you may need to register - it's free)

You'll get more advice than you can handle from guys who DO rebuild these things.

Edited to add:


Here's the LINK to the M1 forum at ar15.com

I would find a good reputable gunsmith and talk to him, maybe it's just better left alone.

Thanks a lot guys, lots of good advice!

nto sure how much you want to do yourself, but i believe Springfield Armory restores them. For a huge fee im sure