WWII Winchester M1 Garand .30-06 CMP Rack Grade Danish Rifle 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,251.00
LSB#: WY241118PG009
Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Garand
Serial Number: 1201186
Year of Manufacture: Receiver May of 1942, Barrel date 3-1949, sold by the CMP in Feb. 2003.
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Auto, en bloc clip fed
Markings:
Receiver: “U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / 1201186”
Bottom of the receiver “Z P”
Trigger Group: “D 28290-PB” a Beretta made Part.
Hammer: “PB-C 46008”
Safety: “C46015-6SA”
Receiver Leg: “D28291-2”
Op Rod: “D35382 SA”
Barrel: “S-A-3-49”.
Bolt: “D28287-2SA RE4D”.
Gas plug: “BMB” a Breda manufactured part.
Stock: The front of the grip is marked twice with a circle “P” acceptance stamp and an “H”. The pommel is marked with a faint stamp that is illegible. The left flank of the butt has a faint stamp that appears to be a “RIA EB” Rock Island Arsenal rebuild stamp.
Windage knob is marked “LEFT” twice with two arrows and “NHC”.
Elevation Knob is marked 2-12 in increments of two and “NIC”.
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.
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 metal buttplate retains about 60% of its finish and shows rub wear around the edges. The door spring is strong and functions correctly. The checkering is mostly sharp. There is some brown patina and some very minor surface rust present. The wood has been sanded and refinished and shows light scattered compressions and small divots. The butt of the stock shows small chips all around the edge. The area where the bottom metal covers shows repairs in the wood with new inserts and brass pins. In this writer’s opinion this repair was expertly done. The top rim edges of the stock show some places where the stock chipped but then was sanded down smooth. The upper handguards show very little wear. The rear handguard has a crack forming on the left hand side in between the band and the receiver. Despite the faults with the stock, the refinish job has left the wood with a grain that is beautiful to see in person, especially on the handguards. Overall the stock is in Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original and refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-dull and the rifling is well defined. There is minor visible pitting/erosion in the lands throughout the bore. According to our gauges the muzzle reads at a 3+, the throat reads at about a 3+. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The gas cylinder, cylinder lock, plug, exposed portion of the barrel, trigger guard and bottom metal all show finish thinning or loss. The receiver shows some surface level scratches that have removed finish most notably on the rear left side. The bolt shows rub wear on the friction surfaces. The balance of the finish has turned green with age. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about 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: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity from the CMP and a canvas sling.
Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Garand manufactured in 1942, reflects a storied history as part of one of the most iconic rifles of World War II. The rifle features a 1949 barrel, likely replaced during a post-war arsenal refurbishment at Rock Island Arsenal, as indicated by the “RIA EB” marking on the stock. This suggests it underwent a meticulous inspection and rebuild, ensuring its continued serviceability. Sold by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in February 2003 as a Rack Grade rifle, this particular M1 Garand has a unique history of being loaned to Denmark, a common practice as part of post war aid programs. Despite the CMP designating the rifle as Danish, it lacks Danish-specific markings, but it includes parts from manufacturers Beretta and Breda, reflecting the logistical partnerships and interchangeability of parts among allied nations during and after the war.
The M1 Garand itself is an important piece of firearms history, famously called “the greatest battle implement ever devised” by General George S. Patton. Adopted in 1936 as the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military, it was the first semi-automatic rifle to see widespread use in a military force, giving American soldiers a significant advantage in firepower during World War II and beyond. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield and featuring an 8-round en bloc clip, the M1 Garand allowed for rapid follow-up shots compared to the bolt-action rifles used by most other nations at the time.
As a Rack Grade rifle, the CMP classified this firearm as one with wear, often in need of repairs or refinishing for optimal performance. Rack Grade rifles were typically well-used, showing their long service lives in training or combat roles. I believe this rifle was designated as such mainly due to the condition of the barrel and repairs made to the stock. This Winchester M1 Garand, with its mix of original and post-war parts, serves as a tangible link to its historical service, including its unique Danish connection and Italian-sourced components, making it a fascinating collector’s piece with a rich narrative spanning decades of military history. To better understand this M1 please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
