Make: Springfield Armory

Model: M1 Garand

Serial Number: 3689861

Year of Manufacture: Receiver: April 1945. Barrel Date June 1953

Caliber: .30-06 Springfield

Action Type: Semi Auto, En Bloc Clip Fed

Markings:
Receiver: “SA-52 / U.S. RIFLE / CAL. .30 M1 / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY / 3689861”

Receiver Leg: “0 86 D28291 35 J” 

Trigger Group: “D28290-12-SA”

Hammer: “SA C 5546008”

Safety: “SA-11”

Op-rod: “5535382 SA” 

Barrel: “SA D6535448 6 53 A197A M” with an Ordnance wheel stamp.

Bolt: “D28287-12SA / S-04” with a Diamond.

Gas Plug: “NHC” 

Stock: The grip is marked with a circle “P” acceptance stamp, and on the left flank with a DOD Eagle cartouche. 

Flash Hider: “HIDER FLASH M2”

The scope is marked: “TELESCOPE M82 / SERIAL NO. 39095 / STOCK NO. 84374”, the scope is also marked with the part numbers for the turret caps, turrets, and eyepiece.

The mount is marked: “GRIFFIN & HOWE. INC. NEW YORK / PAT. #1.856.549 MAY 3, 1932” and the number “8683701”

Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set between two protective wings. The windage knob is marked “LEFT arrow” twice and “DRC”. The elevation knob is marked from 2-12 in increments of 2 and “NHC”. This rifle also features an M82 scope made by Wollensak optical company with 2.5X magnification, covered turrets, and extendable sunshade set in a Griffin and Howe QD mount. The M82 also has the tapered post reticle. The scope has lost most of its finish, the turrets adjust with a positive click, the sight picture is mostly clear and the light transmission is good. Overall the scope is in Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a traditional Semi-pistol grip, metal nose caps, two sling loops, stacking ring, and a checkered metal buttplate with storage compartment. The LOP measures 13” inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock and handguards have been lightly sanded and refinished. The stock markings are visible. The stock shows some minor compressions and lines scattered throughout with a notable divot in the belly in front of the bottom metal on the left side. There are a few punch marks in the stock with no visible chips or cracks. The handguards show scattered lines and compressions with no chips or cracks. The metal buttplate has lost most of its finish, has turned brown with patina and has scratches with surface rust around the edges. The buttplate has semi sharp checkering and sharp checkering on the door with a strong door spring. Overall the stock and handguards are in Good + to Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished and Original

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright with well defined rifling. There is no visible erosion or pitting. According to our gauges the muzzle reads at a 1 and the throat at a 2.5. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 97% of its metal finish. There is almost no wear to the friction surfaces of the bolt. The receiver finish has a silvery light green color and appears to have been clear coated. The gas cylinder lock shows the majority of the finish loss along with the edges of the trigger guard. The sight knobs show brown spots from patina. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good to Very Good + condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes the scope and mount, flash hider and M1 cleaning kit with cleaning rod, tool, oiler, and grease.

Our Assessment: The Springfield M1C sniper rifle is a specialized variant of the M1 Garand, developed during World War II to provide American forces with a precision shooting platform. This particular M1C features a receiver manufactured in 1945, indicative of wartime production, though the barrel is dated June of 1953, and the receiver bears a Springfield Armory rebuild mark from 1952. The rifle was designed to meet the demands of accurate fire support in battlefield conditions, combining the reliability of the M1 Garand's semi-automatic action with a precision optic system.

The M82 scope, manufactured by Wollensak Optical Company, offers 2.5x magnification and features covered turrets to protect the adjustment knobs from environmental damage. It also includes an extendable sunshade to reduce glare, enhancing the shooter’s ability to acquire targets in bright conditions. The scope is mounted to the rifle using a Griffin and Howe quick-detach (QD) mount, which allows for easy removal of the optic for maintenance or to revert to iron sights if needed. This mounting system was a hallmark of the M1C, ensuring the rifle's adaptability in various combat scenarios.

Another distinctive feature of this rifle is the M2 flash hider, designed to reduce muzzle flash and improve the sniper's concealment when firing. The combination of these features made the M1C an effective, albeit somewhat heavy, sniper platform. While its design was cutting-edge during its time, the rifle's use in conflicts like Korea highlights its enduring service life. The Springfield M1C stands as a testament to mid-20th-century advancements in precision rifle development and remains a sought-after collector’s piece due to its historical significance. We see no reason not to believe that this is a real M1C rifle however all sources indicate that there are only approximately 8,000 true conversions of the approximately 38,000 potentially aftermarket converted rifles built with the 30,000 scope and mount combos out there that were manufactured but not used by the military. Please see our high quality photos.