SA National Match (current prod)

[dmazur]

I got a good price on an M1 Garand, I thought. It is a recent Springfield Armory repro, not WWII. I've been reading about Garands and I have learned that, in general, there is a low opinion of these.

The receiver is definitely Australian, but it appears smooth and straight where it should be, has proper relief for firing pin, the bridge dimensions are correct for the firing pin safety, and in general it functions without problems. Also, the bolt has been lapped and headspace gauges show the chamber is good.

I'm aware this rifle has no collector value and never will have. It groups well, so I think I may hang onto it.

Question: It is their "National Match" model. Did SA make only a few of these? I can't find out anything about them, and SA doesn't appear to offer them at this time.

 

[cuervo]

I think Springfield calls a rifle NM when they have the parts to make it one. Does it have the standard rear sight or a hooded one with a 1/2 minute rotation? Is the stock bedded? I'm sure it's a commercial bbl, but does it say NM on it?

You should be able to contact SA Inc about it directly and they can give you a history based on the s/n.

hth

 

[dmazur]

SA used NM front and rear sights, but no bedding. The stock is a tight fit at the receiver and the trigger guard takes some effort to close. The upper hand guard hasn't been "unitized" and the lower hand guard hasn't been epoxied to the barrel.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll contact the factory with the S/N.