International Harvester M1 Garand Gap Letter 30-06 Semi Automatic Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $ 2125.01

LSB#: 210419MB48

Make: International Harvester Corporation (IHC). Built on a Springfield Armory made “Gap Letter” receiver.

Model: M1 Garand

Serial Number: 4639230

Year of Manufacture: 1953. Barre Date: June, 1953.
Springfield Armory provided receivers to International Harvester beginning in 1952 to help increase M1 Garand production at IHC (page 500 of Bruce Canfield’s book, The M1 Garand Rifle).

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Semi Auto, Fed by En Bloc Clips

Markings: There is no import mark .

Receiver: “U.S.      RIFLE / CAL.      .30 M1 / INTERNATIONAL / HARVESTER / 4639230” – The serial number is in the correct range for a “Springfield “Gap Letter” receiver (page 501 of Bruce Canfield’s book, The M1 Garand Rifle).

Trigger Group: “6528290 IHC” – An International Harvester part (page 90 of Joe Poyer’s M1 GARAND 1936 to 1957, 6th Edition).

Hammer: “5546008 IHC”– An International Harvester part (page 98 Poyer).

Safety:”F” – An International Harvester part (page 103 Poyer).

Follower: Unmarked – Used by International Harvester and others (page 83 Poyer).

Receiver Leg: “A55”, “A”, and “IHC F 6528291” – Correct for a 1953 dated International Harvester M1 Garand (page 29 Poyer). Correct for a Springfireld/IHC “Gap Letter” M1 Garand (page 501 Canfield).

Op Rod: “6535382 IHC” – An International Harvester part (page 72 Poyer).

Bolt: “6528287 IHC / E22” – An International Harvester part (page 52 Poyer).

Barrel: “P”, “LMR” (Line Material Company of Birmingham, Alabama), “D6535448”, “6 53 A13”, “P”, “M” and with a “crossed cannons” stamp – LMR provided barrels for International Harvester (pages 63 – 65 Poyer). LMR barrels of this date were used for “Gap Letter” Garands (page 500 Canfield).
Gas Cylinder Screw: “IHC NHC” – An International Harvester part (page 115 Poyer).

The stock and sights are described below.

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight. The windage knob is marked “LEFT arrow” twice and “IHC DRC”. The elevation knob is marked from “2-12” in increments of 2 and “IHC” next to “W in a hexagon”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The left side of the stock, above the trigger, is marked with a Defense “Eagle” Acceptance stamp. The face of the grip is marked with a “circled P” proof.
The three piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecaps, stacking loop, two sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged metal door for storage in the butt. The refinished buttplate has several small scratches showing through the finish. It also shows scrapes. The front handguard shows repairs at the front & rear. The top rear of the butt is missing a piece of edge wood at the buttplate. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is deep. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5. The throat shows a T.E. of 3.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The gas tube has been refinished. It shows several scrapes; most are light. The barrel shows a few light scrapes. The metal shows scuffs, small scrapes & light handling marks.  The markings are clear & deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This International Harvester Corporation (IHC) M1 Garand is built on a Rare “Gap Letter” receiver made by Springfield Armory. Springfield Armory provided receivers to International Harvester beginning in 1952 to help increase M1 Garand production at IHC. This rifle falls within the proper serial number range for an SA/IHC “Gap Letter” Garand. It is also marked correctly on the receiver leg and uses a correctly dated Line Material Company (LMR) barrel. This International Harvester M1 Garand looks great, has a strong bright bore and is very collectible.
For more detailed information see pages 500 to 501 of Bruce Canfield’s book, The M1 Garand Rifle.