WWII Winchester M1 Garand .30-06 Matching Semi-Auto Rifle Dec. 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,577.00
LSB#: LSB250121MZ012
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Garand
Serial Number: 2353270
Year of Manufacture: December 1943
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Auto, en bloc clip fed
Markings:
Receiver: “U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / 2353270”
The bottom of the receiver is marked with a series of punches similar to Inland Hieroglyphics.
Trigger Group: “D28290-W.R.A.”
Trigger guard: “C-46025 W.R.A.”
Hammer: “C46008-1 W.R.A.”
Safety: “015-4 W.R.A.”
Receiver Leg: “D28291-2”
Op Rod: “D35382 W.R.A.”
Barrel: “+ WP”.
Bolt: “D28287-1 W.R.A.”.
Gas plug: “P O”.
Cylinder Lock: “W”.
Gas Cylinder “C”
Stock: The front of the grip is marked with the circle “P” acceptance stamp. The left flank of the stock is marked “WRA GHD” with an Ordnance wheel. The belly of the stock is marked “WW”. The comb is stamped “Y32B0000”.
Windage knob is marked “LEFT” twice with two arrows.
Elevation Knob is marked 2-12 in increments of two and “BATTLE RANGE DOWN UP” with arrows.
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 set between two protective wings. This sight set is a lockbar style sight set.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, metal nose cap, stacking loop, two sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The handguards show scattered light lines and compressions. There are several scattered small chips with a large chip missing from the left side of the rear handguard. There are no visible cracks. The metal buttplate has lost its finish around the edges, has semi-dulled checkering, rub marks, and a strong door spring. The stock shows scattered lines and compressions with some small chips from around the bottom metal and the leading edge of the pommel. There are no visible cracks. The left side of the wrist has some notable impact marks. Overall the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no visible erosion or pitting. Our gauges show a muzzle of 1 and a throat erosion of 1.5. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 98% of its metal finish. The edges of the cylinder lock, muzzle, front sight, rear sight wings, and rear aperture all show finish loss. The friction surfaces of the action and bolt show minor rub wear. The markings are mostly clear and the screw heads are sharp. The action is fairly smooth. The metal surfaces have turned brown with age. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Very Good+ 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: A Winchester M1 Garand manufactured in December 1943 with all matching Winchester parts is a highly collectible piece of World War II history. Winchester was one of only two original manufacturers of the M1 Garand, alongside Springfield Armory, and their production was driven by wartime demand rather than long-term ordnance contracts. Winchester M1 Garands are known for their slightly different machining and finish compared to Springfield rifles, making them distinct among collectors. A December 1943 production date places this rifle in the middle of Winchester’s peak war production, a period when the U.S. military was heavily engaged in both the European and Pacific theaters.
The presence of all matching Winchester parts, including the lock bar rear sight, is significant, as many wartime Garands were rebuilt or reassembled with mixed components after the war. The lock bar rear sight was an improvement introduced in mid-1942, allowing for more secure elevation adjustments under battlefield conditions.
The “WRA GHD” stock marking further confirms the rifle’s authenticity as an all-Winchester build. “WRA” denotes Winchester Repeating Arms, while “GHD” represents Brigadier General Guy H. Drewry, the U.S. Army officer responsible for ordnance inspection at the time. This stamp signifies that the stock was originally inspected and approved for military service during WWII. Winchester M1 Garands with correct wartime stocks are rare, as many were replaced during arsenal refurbishments. A rifle like this, in original wartime configuration with all matching Winchester parts, is a highly desirable collector’s item, representing both Winchester’s contribution to the war effort and the enduring legacy of the M1 Garand. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
