M1 Gas Trap Question

[2111]

Back in the mid 1950's I while in the Marine Corps I was an armorer (2111 MOS). For about 6 months I was assigned to the Camp Lejeune Rifle Range. A Master Sgt. in charge of the armory had a box that he would put early M1 parts in. He would tell us that if we came across a rifle with a part that looked a bit different than what we normally saw to let him know. I thought he was nuts saving all that "old crap". Now I wish I had that box of parts.

[Dan Shapiro]

Way back, several years ago, there was a thread about rebuilds, post-WWII.......and how certain low-numbered M1 rifles with a 'funny shaped "V" in the receiver legs' were found. Workers were told to remove these receivers and JUNK THEM.

[Rick the Librarian]

As I recall, a number of Gas Traps survived World War II and were scrapped. You have to consider the times - the Army had literally millions of M1s. A few hundred with different parts were a drop in the bucket.

[RCS]

As Dan Shapiro stated above, some of those low numbered receivers with the v shape between the leg were suppose to be junked - but some were built-up even
with NM parts although they were not NM rifles, Serial number 25 is a known example

[gunny]

Rick,
Have not been on Jouster for a long time. Thanks for the "barn wood" pic. I have always appreciated your input on stock authentication.

Gunny

[meterman]

Hey Rick,

What's the story on the 'barn wood?' I am late to this go-round. Thanks, and it DOES look interesting.

[RCS]

check www.milsurps.com on the M1 rifle forum for the "barn wood story" also an article in a recent GCA Journal too