Harrington & Richardson M1 Garand Rifle

Question: I’m starting to arrange my estate details — though I’m not imminently planning to “check out” — and wonder if you’d provide an estimate of valuation for one of my M1 Garands. Chambered for .30-’06, the receiver is a Harrington & Richardson (HRA), serial number 4688XXX, which is lightly engraved “O-66” just behind the rear sight. The HRA barrel is marked “1-53”. It is in wonderful condition. I’ve had it for more than 40 years, and bought it here in Lawrence, Kansas, from a fellow who said it belonged to his dad. I’ve shot it a few times and it’s quite accurate at 300 yards, but I have others to shoot so this one mostly stays home. At first, I felt the “O-66” marking was something added after the old boy’s dad acquired it. Subsequent reading indicates “no.” In fact, it was rebuilt by USMC armorers in 1966. Records on the Garand Collectors group show the receiver as being made in the first production year for HRA (1953). I found a Garand Data Sheet template through the CMP [Civilian Marksmanship Program], which clarified for me the “O-66”. The boxed “P” cartouche on the pistol grip of the stock is faint, too.

-G.P. of Lawrence, Kansas

Answer: Well, it looks like you’ve already done quite a bit of research on your Harrington & Richardson post-World War II M1 Garand. There’s not really much more I can add to your findings. The serial number indicates the gun was built in January 1953, so the barrel is undoubtedly original. A number of these were reworked by U.S. forces during the 1950s. From your photos, it appears the stock has been redone, ex-post-armory; the edges are somewhat uneven and the finish seems to be fairly glossy. Garands are pretty hot right now, so even with the apparent stock issue, I’d probably value your rifle in the $1,250 to $1,400 range. It looks pretty clean otherwise.

-Garry James

---