Rare Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) Rebuilt Springfield Armory M1 Garand, Parkerized 24″ Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1942 C&R

LSB#: 150825JL40

Make: Springfield Armory

Model: M1 Garand

Serial Number: 865712

Year of Manufacture:
Receiver Date: August, 1942 (page 171 of Joe Poyer’s M1 GARAND 1936 to 1957, 3rd edition)
Barrel Date: 8 64 (August, 1964)
LEAD Rebuild Date: 2 – 69 (February, 1969)

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Semi Auto, Fed by En Block Clips

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The gas nut is marked “NHC IHC”.
Receiver: “U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / Springfield Armory / 865712”
Trigger Group: “D282290 W.R.A.”- A Winchester part.
Hammer: “C46008-1W.R.A”– A Winchester part.
Safety: “C46015-9 SA” – A Springfield part.
Follower: “13” – Used by Springfield and Winchester.
Receiver Leg: “R 2 9”, “4”, “D 28291 17” –Correct for serial number (page 18 of Joe Poyer’s M1 GARAND 1936 to 1957, 3rd edition). “LEAD / 2 – 69” and “SA” (faintly) are engraved.
Op Rod: “D35382 6 SA” – A Springfield part.
Bolt: “D28287-19SA / B-16-B”- A Springfield part.
Barrel: “SA 653448”, “8 64”, “BU 12”, “PM”, with the Defense Department’s “eagle” acceptance stamp (page 54). The “eagle” replaced the Ordnance Department’s “crossed cannons” sometime after WWII.
Stock: The Defense Department’s “eagle” acceptance stamp is on the left side forward of the grip. It overlays a faded inspection stamp. The “eagle” replaced the Ordnance Department’s inspection stamp in September of 1953 (page 122). Two “circled P” firing proofs are on the underside of the grip. The original proof is faded and newer proof is crisp. (page 128).

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. It is also marked “DRC / IHC” near the center. The elevation knob is marked from “2-12” in increments of two as well as “NI C”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The three piece, refinished hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecaps, two sling loops, a stacking loop, and a metal buttplate with hinged metal door for storage in the buttstock. The stock shows a few scrapes, small scratches and compression marks. The most notable is on the left side of the forearm. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished when Rebuilt

Bore Condition: The bore shines. The rifling is sharp and deep. The bore shows an M.E. of 0.5. The throat shows a T.E. of 1.5

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish, as refinished. The metal shows a few light scrapes and scuffs. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Excellent condition, as refinished.

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: The rifle comes with a green nylon sling that shows moderate use and scratches on the metal tabs. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.

Our Assessment: This Springfield Armory M1 Garand was originally made back in 1942. It was around for WWII and the Korean War. In 1969 the rifle was completely rebuilt at the Letterkenny Army Depot located in Pennsylvania. The “LEAD / 2 – 69” markings on the receiver leg are specific to Letterkenny Army Depot rebuilt rifles with variations on the date. This M1 was given a new (August 1964 dated) barrel, completely refinished and dropped into a refinished stock. It uses all USGI parts. The bore is in great shape, the markings are crisp and the parkerized metal looks great set in the refinished wood. This is an impressive M1 and it is rare. You just don’t see many of these for sale; especially in such great condition. For information and history on the Letterkenny Army Depot see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letterkenny_Army_Depot.