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View Full Version : IHC Garand question


porsche
02-16-2009, 08:12 AM
i am trying to decide whether to shoot my IHC Garand. it looks like its in very decent condition but likely was refinished. it has a serial number on receiver of 4,46x,xxx, clearly an early SA stock. my question is the barrel, which is marked SA and dated 11 55. is there any way that barrel is original to this rifle? i know Line made IHC's barrels, but also that SA made some early barrels. any light shed on this would help. thanks. and, even if original, would you not shoot it from time to time?
jmikey
02-16-2009, 10:01 AM
It's possible that it is original but I doubt it. IHC stopped production in 1955 and it's doubtful that a barrel made by SA in November of 55 would be original. Any stock markings to indicate rework by anyone? I would shoot it!
porsche
02-16-2009, 10:21 AM
the stock is definitly not original to the rifle as it has an early SA (41 or 42 idf i remember from when i looked it up a while back)with inspector's initials and crossed cannons. but it is really in great condition so i suspect someone worked on it. The proof P is a little light on the pistol grip, maybe indicating sanding. it has a winchester trigger assembly.
97th Signalman
02-16-2009, 10:46 AM
the stock is definitly not original to the rifle as it has an early SA (41 or 42 idf i remember from when i looked it up a while back)with inspector's initials and crossed cannons. but it is really in great condition so i suspect someone worked on it. The proof P is a little light on the pistol grip, maybe indicating sanding. it has a winchester trigger assembly.


It sounds like the typical arsenal or depot refurbished rifle...a mixmaster. Just about all of what you will find is like that if they were ever issued and used. SHOOT THE RIFLE. That's what it's for.

I would probably not purchae a "correct" or "collector" rifle because I would really want to shoot it. But, that's just me. Some guys are more disciplined. It's good that someone is willing to preserve such valuable originals but I'm just not one of those guys.
Orlando
02-16-2009, 05:28 PM
You will not hurt the value whatsoever by shooting it.
bigbear77
02-16-2009, 06:06 PM
These guys are right - take it out and have fun shooting it! I have a correct grade and a field grade. One's for showing and one's for shooting :-)
KMURPHY
02-16-2009, 06:41 PM
you know you want to hear the Ping!!!
bigbear77
02-16-2009, 07:19 PM
you know you want to hear the Ping!!!

As I'm sure you do, too: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/902158/the_ping_sound/
nevada
02-16-2009, 08:42 PM
Bigbear77, that was neat. Thanks.
SteelCore
02-16-2009, 10:04 PM
Shoot it.
trigger643
03-07-2009, 10:23 AM
As I work now for IHC, I would love to have one of their rifles. But the truth is, we (they), had serious problems fulfilling the contract. It came to a head when officers of Springfield Armory (the Military one), came into our (their), facilities in 1954 and finally showed us (them), how to build a rifle by taking over all aspects of production. In the end we pretty much only produced receivers that were assembled with available USGI parts from the other arsenals, including Springfield, so your rifle could be original... IHC then was pretty much a Punk Monkey and incapable of manufacturing a complete rifle:icon_confused: