Which M1 Garand would be more desirable?

[kdave21]

If you had the choice between a Winchester with 1944/5 date, or a Springfield armory with a 1942 date, which would you choose?

Other variables: Condition wise, a slight favor towards the springfield but nothing major, both are nice.

Uncut oprod on springfield, but not sure on winchester.

Perfect bore on winchester, some VERY LIGHT roughness on springfield bore from some corrosive ammo.

Both are mixmasters.

Springfield has matching date barrel, winchester does not.

I know everyone will say a person should have both, but lets just say you had to choose.

Penny for your thoughts?

 

[kdave21]

no import marks on either-

 

[NRA-Highmaster]

Same price ?

 

[kdave21]

Yes, same price.

 

[1KPerDay]

For a shooter, the springfield, but replace the op rod. For cool factor/collectability, the Winchester.

IMO.

I have several Springers but haven't found the right price on a WRA yet. Just something really cool about an M1 with the Winchester logo on it.

 

[MutinousDoug]

The Win has wider appeal so the receiver would bring more than the SA receiver. An uncut op-rod carries a significant premium over a cut one so that may cancel the difference between the receivers.
You say the bore on the SA is rough but overall the gun is in better shape than the Win. I would have to look at an erosion gauge to evaluate a discount for either barrel.
Generally, SA parts are machined nicer that the Wins. I'm not a collector so I'd choose the better shooter.
That said, there are a lot of people who are queer for the Winchester name so of the two guns you describe in equal condition, the Win may be worth more dollars.

 

[crazy-mp]

I would go with the Springfield and replace the op rod, both will be very expensive to put back to "as issued" condition because they are early guns. The Winchester would bring more at a auction because of the name and Springfield made more than any other manufacturer. If they are both mix masters, and you just want a shooter get a .30 cal bullet and put it nose first in the barrel if one swallows the bullet up to the brass and the other is tight, get the tight one.

 

[kdave21]

If they are both mix masters, and you just want a shooter get a .30 cal bullet and put it nose first in the barrel if one swallows the bullet up to the brass and the other is tight, get the tight one.

I checked this out... neither one, swallowed it up to the brass, but the Winchester swallowed a lot more of the round than the Springfield did.

Thanks for all the thoughts guys, looks like I got some thinking to do! Overall I think the Springfield is maybe a better gun, despite the Winchester desirability factor. Admittedly, it WOULD be cool to have an M1 with Winchester on it, just dont know if that is enough to make a decision on.

 

[1KPerDay]

In that case, get the Springfield... if you're going to actually shoot it.