[MrPillow]

My father and I have recently been looking into getting a Garand for shooting at the range, but more for the sake of just having one.

Last weekend, we ran into a man at the range who was trying to sell his Garand. It's a Fed. Ord., serial # 851253, in very good condition (i'd say at 99%). I am very new to the field of Garands, and would like a few things cleared up...

- Does this Garand have any collectors value?
- Is it a Military rifle at all?
- When (apx) was this rifle manufactured?
- How is the quality on Fed Ord guns? I have never heard of them before now, so I have no idea.

That's it for now. I have searched google for any sources that might help, but have found nothing on a Federal Ordnance Garand.

Thanks for your help,

Byron

[toolman]

I can only help with a couple of your questions. First off, all Garands are military rifles and all have at least some collector value. To the best of my knowledge, the Garands are all pretty well equal as to quality. As far as year of manufacturer, I can't help you. There are a lot of very knowledgable guys here and I'm sure you'll be getting several replies that will be more helpful than mine. Welcome Aboard!

[Defender3]

I'm not aware that Federal Ord made Garands? I thought they made their own versions of 1911A1s and M1As, but were only an importer who reworked or restored Garands. They went out of business back in the early 90's. My opinion is it may be a good deal, but for the same money, you should be able to get a CMP Garand or one from a second-party seller for a similar price that may be a good first Garand for you versus a second-party rework/import.

[lefty o]

all garands are not military rifles. federal ordnance is/was an aftermarket manufacturer. i would stick to USGI guns. springfield(the real ones , not the current ones), winchester, international harvester, or H&R.

[toolman]

Quote:       Originally Posted by lefty o

all garands are not military rifles. federal ordnance is/was an aftermarket manufacturer. i would stick to USGI guns. springfield(the real ones , not the current ones), winchester, international harvester, or H&R.

Thanks Lefty, I got to thinking about that after I posted that as I was thinking only of the original GI Garands.

[eclancy]

Gentlemen,
lefty o,
You are correct Sir. The only real US Military M1 Garands were built by Springfield Armory in Mass. Another company took the name but it had to start with a 7 million serial number so you could tell them apart from the real M1 Garands. Then Winchester and later HRA and IHC all are the real thing. Your best way to go is wth the CMP as there are many cut Receivers out there and if you don't know what your looking at you can get burned fast. Fed Ord didn't last long and some of their M1 didn't last that long either. Go with the Best with CMP.
Just my .02
Thanks again
Clancy
ps but then again what do I know about the M1???

[MrPillow]

Thanks for the replies.

I decided to opt for another rifle, and ended up on a Winchester dated to 1941, serial #1244XX, in good condition.

[M1D-Garand]

Quote:      

I decided to opt for another rifle, and ended up on a Winchester dated to 1941, serial #1244XX, in good condition

Sensible decision!!
As stated before by Ed there are still garands around that are "welded" together and the F.O. could be one!

Rob

[Stock Doc]

Wait a second,, I am confused as he gave a Springfield serial number from WWII. Is it just stamped from importation and has a Springfeidl heal marking? If so as long as the barrel is good then you have a good rifle.
I am interested now in knowing what you passed on. Rick B

[MrPillow]

As far as I know, it's a Winchester from their second production run, serial #s 100000 - 165000, or thereabouts. Your post confused me deeply =\

[Stock Doc]

You stated in your first post """It's a Fed. Ord., serial # 851253,""" and I never knew Fed Ord to have a serial number this high. It appears everyone who answered you thinks the Receiver is made by Federal Ordnace by there posts so I was making mention of what I seen. I would hate to see you loose a nice rifle if folks told you to leave it thinking it was a fed Ord Made rifle which by what you just said it is not and is a U.S. WWII rifle that was imported by them.

If it is a Winchester it is worth it if the price is right. Where is the Fed Ord stamp at? Rick B

[MrPillow]

No no no, I think we had a miscommunication.

I chose to get a Winchester instead of the Fed Ord.

If that doesn't answer you question, I'll try again, but I'm not quite sure what you're stating.

Sorry for the newbiness.

[Stock Doc]

Oh I see on the one you bought instead is the Winchester. What was on the reciever heel that you passed up which you called a Fed Ord Garand? I am wondering if it was a Made by Fed Ord or a reimported back but a U.S. made Garand? Rick B

[MrPillow]

Not sure. I only saw the rifle once and didn't inspect it that thuroughly. I was going to shoot it again this weekend, but I opted for the Winchester instead.

[M1D-Garand]

Quote:      

It appears everyone who answered you thinks the Receiver is made by Federal Ordnace by there posts so I was making mention of what I seen

@Stock Doc: I wasn't thinking about a new F.O. rifle but more in the "welded" era.
Probably it is a import though as you and others stated!
But if it would be my choice to make I would have taken the Winchester above the F.O. one as well.

Rob

[eclancy]

OH GREAT STOCK DOC!!!
you caught me flat on the nose with that one. as soon as I saw Fed. Ord the auto run away command kicked in.
Sorry have to take my med's now.
Thanks again SIR
Clancy

[Stock Doc]

Yep I would have to say The Winny is best since it isn't import marked or possibly welded like you mentioned. But I have seen some real early rifles and even a Educational imported by them. Now that is a piece to have no matter what unless the cost is way to high.

Hahahaha Ed ,, you know me I am always thinking and it gets me into trouble sometimes especially when I dont read everything or to fast. . Rick B