
Springfield “X” Prefix National Match M1 Garand 1 of 2000 30-06 Rifle 1957
SOLD FOR: $3,400.00
LSB#: LSB250121MZ013
Make: Springfield Armory
Model: M1 Garand
Serial Number: X6000838
Year of Manufacture: Receiver 1957, Barrel date 1954
Caliber: .30-06
Action Type: Semi Auto, En Bloc Clip Fed
Markings: As this rifle is bedded some of the markings will not be listed.
Receiver: “U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / X6000838”
Trigger Group: “6528290-SA”
Hammer: “SA D5546008”
Safety: “F”
Follower: “12”
Charging Handle: “NM”
Gas Cylinder: “NM”
Front Sight: “NM 062”
Barrel: “T SA F6535448 P 4 54 A211B” with the Eagle/stars DOD cartouche.
The end of the barrel on the left side is marked “NM” for National Match.
The gas plug: “P O”
Bolt: “6528287-SA US1”
The rear sight is marked “NM 595”
Stock: The stock is marked with a circle “P” acceptance mark on the grip. The left side in front of the wrist has the Eagle with Stars DOD cartouche.
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. The windage knob is marked “LEFT arrow” twice and “DRC. The elevation knob is marked from “2-12” in increments of two and “S-SH”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a traditional grip, metal nose caps, a stacking loop, two sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The front handguard has been unitized with the metal caps and the action has been bedded. The wood shows light scattered lines and minor compressions. The stock has a very small chip in the left side of the heel, the rear handguard has a small crack forming in the top between the receiver and the clip. The buttplate has been stippled, has semi dulled checkering, retains almost all of its finish and has a strong door spring. Overall the furniture is in about Very Good to Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion in the bore. Our gauges show a muzzle reading of 0.5 and a throat erosion of 3+. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder lock and plug show finish loss. The bolt and friction surfaces of the receiver show very minor rub wear. The action has turned green with age. The sight plate shows some lines and marks. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good + to Excellent 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: This rifle includes The original NRA sales sheet, the Erie ordnance depot bill of sale in the stock’s storage compartment and Camp Perry Ordnance office sales sheet Dated 12 AUG 1961.
Our Assessment: The Springfield Armory National Match (NM) M1 Garand with an “X” prefix serial number, produced in 1957, is a rare and highly desirable rifle among collectors and competitive shooters. Only 2,000 of these “X” prefix National Match rifles were produced, making them a unique subset of the M1 Garand lineage. These rifles were built specifically for sale to NRA members and intended for competition use and underwent meticulous hand-fitting and modifications at Springfield Armory to enhance accuracy and performance. Unlike standard service rifles, National Match M1 Garands featured specialized components and modifications, ensuring they met the highest standards for marksmanship competition. The “X” prefix denotes an attempt by Springfield to clean up and use duplicated serial number receivers towards the end of the M1 Garand production.
This particular rifle retains all the correct features and markings that authenticate it as a true National Match M1 Garand, including the NM-marked sights, unitized forend, bedded stock, trigger job, and step-cut gas cylinder. The barrel is correctly marked for NM designation, confirming its original competition-grade assembly. The unitized forend and bedding process improved consistency and accuracy, while the trigger work provided a crisp, predictable break with no overtravel essential for high-level marksmanship. The step-cut gas cylinder was a known modification for NM rifles, intended to improve gas flow and harmonics for better shot-to-shot consistency. With all these elements intact, this rifle represents an exceptional example of Springfield’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship.
Adding to its provenance, this rifle includes a bill of sale from both Camp Perry and the Erie Ordnance Depot, further solidifying its authenticity and historical significance. Camp Perry, home to the National Matches, was a key distribution point for NM rifles to competitive shooters, while Erie Ordnance Depot played a role in maintaining and supplying specialized military arms. Owning a 1957 “X” prefix National Match M1 Garand with full documentation not only provides a tangible connection to the golden era of competitive military rifle shooting but also represents an investment in one of the most finely tuned examples of the M1 Garand ever produced. To better understand this M1 please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
