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2/16/2025 1:36:17 PM EDT
I’ve been thinking about getting a Garand and my LGS has two. I’m concerned about rewelded receivers and in reading up and it seems like a good starting place is to make sure that the serial number date range is correct for the receiver drawing number date range.

It seems easy to find sources for serial number date ranges but I can’t seem to find a thing on drawing number date ranges. Is there a resource somewhere online for that?

Also, if there is some other quick way to make sure a rifle isn’t a reweld while inspecting it at a gun store I would certainly be interested in that as well.
2/16/2025 1:51:11 PM EDT
[#1]
One of the tell tell signs of a reweld is a discoloring in the parkerize finish at the weld point.
2/16/2025 6:29:41 PM EDT
[#2]
I am trying to find a good online reference for you.

Worst case is you post on here and I can look it up in a reference book. Or would can buy the same book and have it on hand.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
2/16/2025 9:35:33 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks guys. I was reading a Fulton armory article that mentioned about the discoloration but also said there are some that are very good. On the other hand, chances are probably better that a reweld isn’t that good, right?

I have a page open for The M-1 Garand: Serial Numbers and Data Sheets which I think has that info, maybe I’ll just go ahead and spend the $20.

I’m honestly still not 100% sure I want to dive into this yet but I always grew up admiring the Garand and it’s starting to hit me that maybe this part of history won’t be available forever.
2/16/2025 9:54:47 PM EDT
[#4]
There are some really well hidden rewelds.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
2/17/2025 8:29:19 AM EDT
[#5]
Discoloration, mis matched machining, and other unusual marks are all features of welded receivers. Discoloration tends to show up better with light(er) parkerizing.
This can be confirmed with a confirmation of the serial number and drawing number.
2/17/2025 5:20:38 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Sailormilan2:
This can be confirmed with a confirmation of the serial number and drawing number.
View Quote


Thoughts on how I go about doing that? I’ve been looking for online sources and can’t find a thing documenting which drawing numbers correspond to which serial number or date ranges.
2/17/2025 5:49:14 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:  There are some really well hidden rewelds.
View Quote


If a reweld is very good, the value isn't there, but there shouldn't be any issues shooting it, should there?
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
2/17/2025 10:08:15 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


If a reweld is very good, the value isn't there, but there shouldn't be any issues shooting it, should there?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:  There are some really well hidden rewelds.


If a reweld is very good, the value isn't there, but there shouldn't be any issues shooting it, should there?


I personally would run away from any reweld. Regardless of how good it is. It's just not worth the potential problems.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
2/18/2025 8:01:52 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TF82:


Thoughts on how I go about doing that? I’ve been looking for online sources and can’t find a thing documenting which drawing numbers correspond to which serial number or date ranges.
View Quote


Sure. Post the serial number, using X’s for the last 3 digits, and the drawing number on the side of receiver.
Either myself (if I can find my book), or one of the other members here, can look them up for you.
2/18/2025 12:32:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Thanks for the offer to those who said they would look it up for me!

I think I might have also just found an online resource for anyone looking for the info.

them1garand.com has a components tab that has a chart for each manufacturer with drawing numbers for parts (including receivers) and the corresponding serial numbers.
2/18/2025 10:22:46 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TF82:
Thanks for the offer to those who said they would look it up for me!

I think I might have also just found an online resource for anyone looking for the info.

them1garand.com has a components tab that has a chart for each manufacturer with drawing numbers for parts (including receivers) and the corresponding serial numbers.
View Quote


There ya go. Thats a newer reference site. It used to be another (can't remember the name) but it went offline a while ago.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
2/20/2025 12:57:36 AM EDT
[Last Edit: smoothy8500][Edited] [#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:


I personally would run away from any reweld. Regardless of how good it is. It's just not worth the potential problems.
View Quote


Funny how James River was making "reweld" M14 by cutting the back half of a real M14 and welding it to to a JRA front half of a receiver.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/military-rifles---us/james-river-armory-us-trw-m14.cfm?gun_id=101413044

They haven't done any in a while. No issues, just wasn't pretty with the welds. But the Garand rewelds were done in the 50's and 60's before there were surplus and the quality of the work could run from very good to problems with crooked op-rod channels, short receivers, etc.
3/3/2025 7:27:38 PM EDT
[#13]

Nuttin like a good'ol Springchester...!
"Ammo will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no ammo..."

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