Just in time for Memorial Day

I had ordered this M1 Garand from the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) several months ago just before they sold out (again) and it came in yesterday.  I hadn't intended it that way, it just worked out.  

For those that don't know just check wiki.  But it was developed in the late 1930's and was the primary battle rifle in WWII seeing action into Korea and Vietnam.  It fires a 30/06 cartridge from a eight round en-bloc clip.  According to it's serial number it was made in early September 1944 at the Springfield armory.  This one replaces one that I foolishly sold some 25 years ago.  





The stock is not representative of the typical M1 original, it's much to shiny to be regular GI, I will have to strip it and apply about three coats of tung oil to restore it to it's former condition.  I haven't had a chance to disassemble it and check the individual component manufacturing numbers.  These have been disassembled many times over the years and the parts mixed from the various manufacturers.

I'm going to fire off a few rounds Monday to honor all those who have died in all wars keeping our democracy and our families secure.  I had an uncle that served in WWII and carried one of these.  I also had a cousin, a bombardier in the B-17 who lost an eye to flak. I remember when they both came home.