1943 SPRINGFIELD M1 GARAND

Up for auction is a beautiful, arsenal-restored WW 2 M1 Garand. This rifle was manufactured by the Springfield Armory. The serial number is: 1469148. The published information I have indicates a 1943 manufacturing date. This rifle was purchased at an estate sale, and the woman's husband didn't leave much information. But I believe I can fill in some of the gaps. It appears to me, rather clearly, that the rifle has been arsenal refurbished. In addition, all the parts I can see seem to indicate that it's mostly, if not entirely, Springfield Armory. The bolt is "SA," the barrel is marked "P" (shown in pictures), and what's a little unusual is the safety appears to be a of foreign origin. From these facts, I would say that it was a "lend-lease" M1 that was arsenal refinished outside the country (however, this is just conjecture on my part; I have no written documentation to affirm that). The great thing about the rifle is that: the wood is in marvelous condition (compared to what you usually see), the rifle shoots very well (see pictures) even for a rank amateur like myself, the metal retains almost all its bluing (or rebluing, as the case may be--there is some light pitting on the receiver extension above the serial numbers under the bluing), and is complete with a "1913" leather sling. The bore is in excellent condition: I saw no rust or pitting, and the bullet in the barrel trick indicated minimal wear. This would be a terrific addition to any collection missing an M1. And the CMP rifles coming in now (in dribbles and drabs) are in much rougher condition, by and large (at least what I've seen). So, if you're looking to get yourself an M1, and don't want to spend $3000+ through the CMP for an equivalent rifle in comparable condition, then you can't do much better that this. And remember: this is a WW 11 Garand, and those are the most collectible. Lay-a-way is available, if you need it. If you need more pictures, please ask.