Make: Winchester
Model: M1 Garand
Serial Number: 100655
Year of Manufacture: February 1941
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Semi Auto, 8 round en bloc clip fed
Markings:
Receiver: “U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / WINCHESTER/ TRADEMARK / 100655”
Trigger Group: “D28290-W.R.A.”
Hammer: “C46008-1 W.R.A.”
Safety: “C 46015-4”
Trigger Guard: “C 46025 W.R.A”
Follower: unmarked
Receiver Leg: “D28291-2 W.R.A."
Op Rod: “D35382-W.R.A.”, Slant cut.
Follower Rod: Winchester One piece Short fork
Barrel: “WP”
Bolt: “D28287-1 W.R.A.”
Stock: left flank “W.R.A. GHD” with an ordnance wheel also “109”, and the grip with a circle
“P”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight between two protective wings. The windage knob is marked “Left” twice with two arrows. The elevation side is marked “UP BATTLE RANGE DOWN” with arrows.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, metal nose caps, stacking loop, double 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 butt plate. The wood shows scattered compressions, surface level lines and a few small scratches. There is a notable mar that has removed material from the front of the grip. There are three small grind marks on the left flank next to the ordnance wheel. On the right rear side of the forward handguard there is a scratch that may appear to be a crack. There are no cracks. The butt plate has lost most of its finish and shows rub wear around the edges. The checkering is mostly sharp and the door spring is strong. Overall the stock set is in Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some minor erosion present in the grooves throughout the bore. The CMP tag shows a muzzle of 1+ and a throat of 2. Our gauges show a muzzle of 1+ and a throat erosion of 1+. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains 90% of its metal finish. The finish shows thinning on the edges of the gas lock, cylinder, and muzzle. The receiver shows finish thinning and some spots of discoloration. The action shows operational wear. The trigger group has turned brown/green with age. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Fine 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 green canvas sling, sight covers, CMP grading tag and CMP paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Winchester M1 Garand was manufactured in February 1941, the 2nd month of Winchester production. It is a highly desirable pre-WWII rifle, especially when found with all early Winchester parts as in this example. It features a correct slant-cut operating rod, the distinctive Winchester one-piece short fork follower rod, milled loop trigger guard and a battle range rear sight, all correct for early 1941 production. The stock is stamped “WRA” and “GHD” for Guy H. Drewry, the U.S. Ordnance inspector overseeing Winchester’s M1 Garand production from 1936-1942. These features reflect Winchester’s unique production characteristics and set this rifle apart as a historically correct example.
Winchester was one of only two private contractors to produce the M1 Garand during WWII, making their rifles especially collectible. With a production run from January 1941 to 1945, Winchester rifles are known for their distinctive markings and slight variations compared to Springfield Armory. This very early example, Winchester’s 655th, retains features that were quickly phased out later in the war. A correct, all-Winchester M1 Garand like this represents an important piece of American military history and showcases the craftsmanship and industrial effort behind the U.S. victory in WWII.
