Italian Breda M1 Garand Conversion 7.62 NATO Semi Automatic Rifle 1967 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2253

LSB#: 210419MB54

Make: Breda, Italy

Model: 7.62 Garand Rifle. An M1 Garand converted to 7.62 NATO (7.62x51mm) by Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni (FAT) of Italy.
AKA 7.62 NATO M1 Type 2.

Serial Number: 156715

Year of Manufacture: 1955 to the early 1960’s. The conversion to 7.62 NATO was done in 1967.  Barrel Date: August, 1957

Caliber: 7.62 NATO (7.62×51). Originally .30-06 Springfield.
The rear of the barrel has been cut back and rechambered in 7.62 NATO.

Action Type: Semi Auto, En Bloc Clip Fed

Markings: The import mark under the gas tube reads “FOXTROT ELBRIDGE NY / M1 ITALY”.
Receiver: “7.62-2 / BREDA / MECCANICA ROMANA / 156715”. The “CAL. .30 M1” marking was removed during the conversion.
Trigger Group: “D28290-12-SA”- A Springfield part (page 90 of Joe Poyer’s M1 GARAND 1936 to 1957, 6th Edition).
Hammer: “C46008-3 SA.”– A Springfield part (page 98 Poyer).
Safety: “SA-11” – A Springfield part (page 103 Poyer).
Follower: Unmarked – Used by all 4 U.S. manufacturers (page 83 Poyer).
Receiver Leg: “447” and “B.M.R. / D.6528291” – Correct for an Italian Breda M1 Garand receiver (page 610 of Bruce Canfield’s book, The M1 Garand Rifle).
Op Rod: “7.62mm/2” and “D35382 6 SA” – A Springfield part modified for the Type 2 7.62 Garand (page 71 Poyer).
Barrel: “SA”, with a struck out Springfield Drawing Number, “8 57” (faded), “C C3 601 1”, “7.62MM/2 67” and with a 1967 dated Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni Arsenal Rebuild stamp “star / FAT / 67” – A Springfield barrel (page 63-64 Poyer).
Bolt: “6528287-SA / A11” – A Springfield part (page 53 Poyer).
The stock and sights are described below.

Barrel Length: Approximately 23 ½ Inches. The rear of the barrel has been cut back and rechambered in 7.62 NATO.

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The left side of the butt is marked with a 1973 dated Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni Arsenal Rebuild stamp “star / FAT / 73”. The base of the grip is marked with a “circled P” stamping and the face of the grip is marked “L”.
The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nose caps, stacking loop, two sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. The buttplate shows discoloration & small scratches. The main body of the stock shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. 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 to Arsenal Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright near the muzzle. The rifling is deep. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.9.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal shows scuffs, a few light scrapes & light handling marks. The markings are deep. The front of the bolt shows some thinning consistent with cycling. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This Italian M1 Garand was originally made by Breda between 1955 and 1962. In 1967 it was converted to 7.62 NATO M1 Type 2 configuration by Fabbrica d’Armi di Terni (FAT). During the conversion the rear of the barrel was cut back & rechambered, the operating rod was modified, a steel spacer was installed (to keep .30-06 from being loaded) and the receiver was re-marked. The rifle uses several Springfield parts as well as Breda parts. This is a Nice Italian M1 Garand for your collection.
For more detailed information see pages 609 to 616 of Bruce Canfield’s book, The M1 Garand Rifle.

Italian Breda M1 Garand Conversion 7.62 NATO Semi Automatic Rifle 1967 C&R
Italian Breda M1 Garand Conversion 7.62 NATO Semi Automatic Rifle 1967 C&R