Restoring WW2 1944 Winchester M1 Garand, (with test fire)  

You have a lot of good videos, but this is hands down, one of if not the best... kudos. You should be proud of this one, and it deserves to go viral. You should ask Demolition Ranch and Brandon Herrera if either of them would be interested in sharing it out on their socials for you... they might do it, and you'd get several million views, and probably a shitload of new subscribers.

From a U.S. ARMY veteran, my deepest respect and gratitude for what you did for that old war beast. Fantastic video.

I was trained on using the M-1 Garand when I served in the US Navy Sea Bees in the late 50s. I will never forget something that happened during one of the training sessions. We were in a large room and being taught to take down and clean the M-1. As each piece was being taken down, the instructor would explain methods and functions. He was talking about taking the front section apart and I remember something like, "what ever you do, do not take the" and there was a loud TWANG behind me. Of course everyone turned around to see what made the noise, and this long spring was stuck in a ceiling tile hanging down and sort of still dancing around a bit. I cannot remember the fellow who did that but it was one of the more humorous times that come to mind when viewing a video such as yours.

Nice rebuild on the M1 Garand. My dad was in WWII and was MIA for 2 days. They found him wit part of his chest blown away from a tank mortar. He was at the Battle of The Rapido River where over 1800 were injured, killed, or taken prisoner. Thanks for the video.

Hey as a Garand owner I say you did a good job at getting that piece of history restored at the very least it can be a display piece I’m honestly surprised you even tried to fire it, I would have been too scared

I restored a Springfield M1 Garand that went underwater in Hurricane Katrina. Other than the butt plate, the main spring, and the sling mounts, the rest of the rifle was perfect. The parkerizing kept the rest of the rifle as new and it still shot out to 1000' on a 36" gong.

I don't think there are too many people out there that could tackle this mess, and even fewer that would. Thank you for sharing.

That M1 ping is such a defining sound you just know it’s an M1 with it, great guy on bring this rifle back to life.

The M1 grand. A very iconic and reliable field rifle. You brought it back to its beautiful and we all appreciate it

I love seeing a craftsman at work and keeping his workspace clean

i work in antique furniture restoration- always love seeing the wooden stocks brought back to life 👍

You can almost hear that gun sigh with relief like it’s getting a spa day

This made my heart smile. Thank you for restoring that magnificent, war winning rifle!

Too bad that happened to such a fine weapon. Thanks for trying to restore it.

The disassembly was moving. 🥲 Nice restoration, as always. Congrats !

These guys must hold the world record for "finding" guns under water with a magnet.....truly unbelievable...no really.....unbelievable.

Omg man, you deserve a round of applause for restoring that gun!! Best restorer of guns I’ve ever seen, great job man 👍👏😎

First off, good job! Second, I did a little digging on some of the “pull numbers”, and it looks like you have a Frankenstein m1 garand (which there isn’t anything wrong with that). It just helps explain the story. An example of this, is the trigger housing being made by Springfield (528290-SA Type 13, which was in production from January/1955 to December/1957). I can’t read the serial for the receiver, but I’m thinking this might be a post Korea war m1. Besides the trigger housing, the rear sight is the T105E1 version. The DRC markings are made by a company called “Druge Brothers Manufacturing Co”, which were common on the Springfield Garands. WW2 rear sights had a “lock bar”, which this one does not. What I’m thinking, after the Korea war, these M1 Garands were collected, and eventually placed on the DMC program (which is pretty much like the CMP civilian marksmen program today). Before these rifles are placed on the market, the program would rebuild these m1 Garands if there were any parts that were too warn or broken. I’m thinking this M1 was marked as a field grade, meaning they fixed it to make it usable. There are different grading, but this particular one probably sold between 450 to 700 USD bucks back then. No other country had a program like this. It was very common to mix match brands within the program.. I’m thinking this rifle was obtained there. When these M1 first appeared in the DMC program, not many were sold. It didn’t start picking up until the mid 70s. How it was found in a river I’m thinking this was in the water for five-ish years, definitely not a decade. Anymore, the water would have completely eaten the metal and wood stock. It would be cool if you can provide other numbers from the m1 Garand. Then I can provide more info on the parts. The only “serial number” is on the receiver. Any other numbers on any of the parts, are draw numbers, which tells you who made the, where, and what timeframe they were in production. 😊 Also, is there a “P” on the pistol grip of the stock? That will tell you if the stock is original. It’s an inspection stamp.

Nice job, but I'm amazed that it didn't disintegrate taking it apart. I'm even more amazed that it survived a test fire, considering the depth of the pits and scaling. I'm also amazed you got the go the cartridge case out, seeing as it was literally fire-formed to the bore. Gotta say it again: it's an amazing project.

Beautifully done...🔥🔥🔥...it's so impressive how you managed to this much restoration after so many parts were damaged...good job....keep up the good work🎉

That poor Garand :( You did it a good service.

I was sad to see it at first, having handled a few in my time. But your work on this artifact was above and beyond, as they say. Also, you've really upgraded your equipment since the beginning.

Excellent restoration! This looked like a tough one. The mechanics of firearms are absolutely fascinating to me. Seeing every little piece fit together, assemble so neatly, and work in complete harmony is amazing and so satisfying to watch.

The personality shines through and keeps viewers coming back.

From an old Navy veteran that drilled and trained with the Garand, thank you.

This really is a beautiful piece. You treated it perfect, and could not ask for much more than that. Love your channel.

Thank you for preserving an iconic piece of history. The M1 certainly helped preserve western civilization.

Wow love this rifle my grandpa served in the army in ww2. He still has one brings back memories. Thanks for the great restoration

I am Glad to see someone who really restores guns the right way as Backyard Ballistics does on his channel. I commend you on your video and its instructional information for any who wish to restore a firearm. Thanks for a Great video LL

Working on M1's myself, I would have thought this weapon would be one of the most unrestorable ones out there just because of the way its built and all that wood. That bolt slide can be really finicky. Awesome video.

Amazing restoration. 👏 When you first broke it down I thought a nice wall hanger. I did not think you would be able to fire it. General Payton said about the M-1 something along the lines of, the greatest war rifle/implant ever made. Respect sent to you for saving this piece of history.

Another resurrection of a M1. The step by step procedure is impressive to watch. Your the best, Brandon. See you on the next! 👍🙂🇺🇸

This was a pretty good video. Most people would not try what you accomplished. As a Garand owner for many moons, I would like to suggest that you NEVER fire it again. If you do--PLEASE replace the safety lever, as the installed one is lacking the small "hook" at the top that grabs the hammer and prevents it falling. IT WILL NOT WORK AS A SAFETY. Also, you have severe chamber pitting which causes the firing case to expand to fill the void. That's why it did not extract. This is the BEST restoration I have seen tonight, as the other three were butcher jobs, so I will subscribe. BE CAREFUL, please.

That was a great video and you went all the way to make it work instead of just giving up like most restauration channels.

I just wanna take the time to say 'thank you for shooting it' I really did not expect you to even attempt it but I'm more than impressed with the results 😎 this is truly AWESOME! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Mais uma restauração incrível! Excelente trabalho! ☺️👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Been waiting for this one and you didn't disappoint!!! Great work!

That was by far the most satisfying restoration I have ever seen with a firearm! Congratulations!!

Brings back memories of 1961. Thanks.

Great conversation piece! Wow, I would have been reluctant to fire it. It survived. Great video!

First thing I noticed was a late model rear sight and stamped trigger guard, surprised it still contained an M10 cleaning rod. Will be interesting to see how it turns out. I have a 1944 myself.

This is just so painful to watch - but kudos to you for all the work you put in! It got me thinking... Just imagine how many are still overseas, in both Europe and the Pacific theater, just rusting away in their final resting places.

SUPER JOB!!.....THE CONDITION OF THE BORE WAS OUTSTANDING. I agree with your observation of the metal processing during original manufacture of the rifles, and an owner of 5 garands and am very familiar with the history of its manufacture, I learned early that the Garand was a tool of war. It wasn't made for gun collectors to marvel at and treat it like a baby.the "first" Garand cost around $80,000 by the end of the war the cost had dropped to $120 +/-(the most expensive "part" of the rifle was its stock followed by receiver and barrel.) very nice video

Absolutely amazing. Respect for bringing that classic to the best it could be. Earned a subscriber for sure.

Great job on the restoration! Only thing I would point out is that these old Garands need a thicker grease for operation, not a lightweight oil.

I'm actually really impressed by how good a condition i9t was in after who knows how long underwater. Did you find any serial numbers that could give a clue as to when/where it was manufactured?

You made the solider that carried that rifle smile 😊👍

Great job. The fired cartridge condition was similar to an Enfield I restored where there were gouges in the chamber, perhaps by someone using a crowbar (humor) to extract a stuck cartridge. I burnished the chamber, cleaned it to the surgical level, and used a commercial epoxy that contained steel to coat it and fill all the imperfections. Cleaned smoothed out the rough spots, and polished again after it had set up, tried a headspace gauge in it and all was fine. Fires and extracts with perfect cases every time. Also, for a Garand, if it rotates oil it, if it slides, grease it.

Absolutely masterful work. There's something inspirational about seeing something that so many would call trash be restored back to the warrior it was. Seriously, I'm moved

To see such an iconic rifle thrown into a river makes me sad. Happy to see it getting restored! Such amazing work and craftsmanship!

I have several Garands and I'm impressed you could even get this rifle apart let alone go as far as you did with restoration. Nice work.

As the proud 2nd generation owner of one of these works of art, it hurts to see one in such poor condition and also makes me happy that mine was so well cared for. Good job bringing this one back to life.

Great work 👍 It has been a long time since I've had an M1 Garand in my hands. What a Rifle! I'm glad it was fished out of the river, and it was eventually brought to you for excellent restoration. Since the chamber is so pitted and so are other parts it's a very cool Wall Hanger....... AAARRGGG!!!! BLASPHEMY!!! I can hear the snarling of creatures and gnashing of their teeth!!! It's a fact, Gentleman. It's a great bloody pat on the back miracle it is "here"! Let the owner decide... Best option is fill bore from the chamber with Cerro Safe or plain lead, and also, drill through the gas piston ring and push a pin through, locking it all together and TIG it in place. Would not be an inglorious end..... I'd be proud to have it in a walnut and glass case, hanging on the wall with an M5 cutdown bayonet in similar condition, 1/2" stencil on a wood slat: " U.S. RIFLE, CAL. .30, M1".

The gas port is probably plugged and the op rod is now out of spec since it was bead blasted. I would be very afraid of that bolt! Good move to do it remotely! Nice video.

Kudos to you for all this work and test firing it but maybe that one should remain a display piece. I love my M1. Good job.

I am satisfied that this is a genuine restoration

Going off the serials on the trigger group, this was a post-1957 refurb. Being stateside, that meant it would have likely been in a National Guard Armory, which had M1's until the 70's.

Great video and excellent work. Just a side note, the garand requires a light coating of gun grease on the rails (should help it cycle better) and the expanding cartridges may be because the garand requires a lower pressure round (M2 ball) as opposed to the factory 30-06 rounds that you find on the shelf today.

The "Ping" is very gratifying. A lot of work to get there. Well done.

It's me again from the M1911 videos. From my research on the piece you found. You have Winchester Rifle 2429019, made in late April of 1944. Some parts are mismatched like typical of the time. How it ended up in the Red River was mostly from the Red River Army Depot. They usually dump within the river to remove and make space with the depot, anything they can't get rid of. Not only weapons, but also ammo and high explosives too. This rifle was given unfair mistreatment and I'm glad you did it again. Also, watching u put back together this M1, I noticed the bolt didnt stay when you pulled the rod all the way back. This could've been the MAIN issue of failure to extract. Those dents are from gases staying to escape but not from the front but the rear. Powder got hardened from the gases and caused this to fail. This doesn't surprise me. Again, in the river. Good work man.

so basically you turned it into a musket from the 17 hundreds

Hello all of you I hope you really enjoy this video, I know it is long but well worth the watch. The next project is another really iconic firearm from All of our childhoods. Anyway thanks for all the support, please go give us a follow on our facebook page "the kinzler bros"

This video deserves just this one word: *Amazing!*

Beautiful job on this piece of history it always shocks me how well wood hold up again well done

I can see no reason to ever try and restore a weapon so badly pitted at this one. This guy obviously has way too much time on this hands. He started with a piece of junk and ended up with VERY little more in the end.

When I was part of the USMC honor guard at the marine barracks 8&I. I was issued a M1. So this brought back a lot of memories. I have experience with these rifles. You did a really good restoration on it, but it will never be a shooter again. Unless you completely replace the bolt and extractor. When you racked the bolt it sounded like it was dragging across sandpaper. I’m sure it was the pitting. But you do really good work, keep it up and I’ll keep watching

I appreciate the fact that these weapons are actually in need of restoration.

Maybe a "wall hanger" is the best. I am M1 Rifle Collector and build M1's, good luck on this project.

Muy buen trabajo, muchas felicitaciones 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thank you for the time and effort it took to bring this historic old firearm back to life.

Pieknie przeprowadziles ta renowacja musialem ten film zobaczycz dwa razy pozdrawiam serdecznie dobra robota

Watching ur videos is my stress reliever..

Just found the channel. When doing the before and after, I have 2 small suggestions. 1. Do the before of the barrel, and then the after of the barrel. Then do the before of the stock, and then the after of the stock.That would keep each section fresh in the viewers eyes. 2. Can be an alternative to #1, but do a picture collage/comparison. Do like 3 seconds or so with a picture that shows BOTH before and after. Then you can see them alongside each other. Not sure if you'll see this or make changes, but I guarantee I'm not the only one who would appreciate side by side. Awesome job. Keep it up!

That was quite the find! All things considered a nice restoration of a grand old Garand !

I was in the US Army Infantry from1958-1964 I carried that weapon for about 3 years before it was replaced with the M14 in my outfit in 1961 I also carried the BAR and the 30 cal light machine gun till it was replaced by the M60 Machine gun. But that steel butt plate sure made a lot of bruises on my shoulder. The M1 Garand was awful heavy 9.5 lbs and the Bar 19.5 lb empty. You did a fantastic job or restoring it.

I love voice that bullet ended and when the charger goes out. Thank you for video.

Wow! Besides being an awesome restoration you should be rewarded for your patience!

Channels like this is what I love most about RU-vid. Thanks for an awesome video!

the way he easily fixes the gun with soothing sounds satisfies me

"Looks clear. *BANG* "You said it's clear!" "I said it looks clear." "Well how's it look now?" "Looks clear."

A shame it was so far gone but nice that you at least stopped all of the corrosion. Still a piece of history!

Fascinating video. Great restoration work. Thanks for sharing.

Our Honor Guard fires M1 Garands at veteran's funerals. This was fantastic seeing how much there is to the rifle. Curiously, we do not have any Winchesters. We have Springfield Armory, H&R Arms, and International Harvester rifles. They are a beautiful rifle, and fortunately ours have never been submerged. This finish of the wood on the stock still looks great.

In my opinion best rifle made in that range years ! Looks great 👍

That rifle is a hero of the USA, thank you for doing such a great job of returning it to it's glory.

It was absolutely fantastic that you restored a lady of the past. It would have been more beneficial to leave it as you found it and put it on display in a gallery or museum.

Thank you for the pings at the end for all us younger generations!

This is so satisfying but the part that's the best is the sand blasting and watching that metal come back to life 🤌💯

My Dad was in the NJ National Guard (50th Armored, 115 Field Artillery) circa '62-'82. He took basic with the M1 Garand, and that was his rifle til he finished OCS and got his commission. Then, he got an M1 Carbine. Since the Guards usually get the old gear, I don't think they switched over to the M16 platform, or even camouflage uniforms, before he retired. I have a soft spot for that old rifle because of the brave men who carried in in WW2, and my Dad's connection to it.

I've done projects like this lots of times over the past 64 years, my first when I was 12,,, it may look senseless, but when you finish one and it comes out spectacular, well, it's a great feeling,,,and if it functions even better,,,and if it shoots accurately even better. My favorite restore was on a 72' vintage Colt series 70 Mk IV, was in a fire and was loaded. Came to me in a pail with brake fluid covering it. Got it all apart, cleaned up all the parts, re-alligned the slide and lower receiver, made sure all the original parts were serviceable, took them to a gunsmith friend who tempered and annealed all the parts except the barrel and bushing,,,when I put it back together with a second hand Mk IV series 70 barrel and bushing I could hardly wait to get to the range. The first magazine I put through it didn't disappoint, at 50 feet off hand Marine Corps style the group was sub 2", at 75' the groups were sub 3". It isn't pretty, but I revived it successfully and I have it in my collection to this very day. Good job on that old M1 Garand Rifle, g o o d job.

What an old workhorse! Some day when I grow up, I'd love and old M1.............(72). Carried one in a parade in 1968(?), my sophomore year in high school. Was chrome and gorgeous. Sgt. Major said I was the 1st to make the whole parade w/o setting it down. Not a chance! Found a old tool kit that looked new about 45 yrs ago at a local gun show. Threw it in my 1st gun bag, and it is still in the bottom of my newest gun bag! Couldn't tell you how any times it came in handy for rescues @ the range! Have an old 1911 kit there too. Have a intense love for 1911s. Love your show, keep up the great work.......

My new favorite channel. I didn't know some guns have such complex inner gears... keep going !

When you showed that it is a Winchester my heart sank. Thanks for fixing this old gun up.

Excellently done! Thorough and methodical meticulous as well.

I'm very glad to see this is a legit restoration and not just another fake restoration done for views.

Fresh water kept it repairable...good job!!!👍🇺🇲💪

A decade?! Try 25 years. You sir, have my utmost respect. My jaw was open the entire video.

Wow. Wonderful job on a WWII I would have thought you did not have a chance to get it as far as you did. Thank you👍👍

The restoration of the stock itself is amazing

At what point does restoration become archeology? This entire gun looked like scrap to me... I wouldn't even have a clue where to start. Very nice work!