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How to Tell the Date on an M1 Garand

Collecting M1 Garands can be quite rewarding. Part of the fun is knowing when and where your particular rifle was used. There are several ways of putting the pieces of the puzzle together to find out when your rifle was manufactured. M1 rifles have a long and venerable history, not just with the United States, but with a wide variety of countries ranging from Greece to South Korea. Here are a few ways to help you find out when your rifle was produced.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the manufacturer marked above the serial number to help you determine the date of production. Winchester and Springfield Armory produced the M1 Garands used during World War II. If you have a rifle marked H&R or International Harvester, it was produced after World War II. Springfield Armory also produced post-World War II rifles, so it is necessary to utilize the serial number to learn an accurate date of production. These tips will give you an approximate idea when your rifle was produced.
- 2
  Check the serial number and any stock cartouches that may be present. Rifles produced by Springfield Armory and Winchester during World War II have distinctive cartouches inscribed with either WRA or SA, with the inspector's initials on the left side of the stock. In October 1953 the Defense Eagle Acceptance stamp was used instead of the earlier producer/ inspector cartouche.
- 3
  A close examination of the parts of an M1 Garand will give you an approximate date of production. The M1 underwent several modifications that will help disclose its age. For example, the rear sights of a World War II M1 Garand have a lock bar, where post-war M1 Garands do not.

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