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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Incredible restoration

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

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

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

Truly amazing! I am continually impressed by your work.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Watched again, this is the rifle my dad carried on Saipan, thanks again ❤

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

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🎉

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

Gonna make an interesting wall hanger. Nice work !!

Taking a seemingly irreparable treasure and breathing new life into it...#respect. Amazing work and great video!

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.

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 is amazing restoration.

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

Wow. Brought her back. Outstanding.

Awesome video guys!

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.

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

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

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

I’m glad you got it fire in again good job brother

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.

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

Brings back memories of 1961. Thanks.

bro is is incredable to restore this rutten 80 years old gun and make it shot.....you got my respect bro

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

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.

Wam impressed by the cleaning of your work area mid project

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.

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.

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

Watching ur videos is my stress reliever..

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.

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.

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.

Beautifull Restoration

Chamber tolerances and headspace from years of corrosion make this a dangerous rifle to fire, and the extraction issues were a certainty. that being said, it was a fascinating exercise! Thank you for a great video.

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"

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?

Fantastic and fantastic, thanks really enjoy.

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".

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

That was one cool video.

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

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.

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.

I am satisfied that this is a genuine restoration

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

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

Wow! Awesome job.

very interesting.......thank you

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

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

You made the solider that carried that rifle smile 😊👍

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

Ive been using kroil since 1971. Good stuff.

OMFG,it realy shoot again. Beautyfull

The best gun ever made

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.

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

I get all jealous when I see the sand blasting booth in action!

After shaving off pounds of wood and metal, Congratulations! You have now made the lightest M1 service rifle the army has every mass issued!

Will make a great display piece!

If the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean were turned into a M1 Garand, haha love it. Great job!

Excellently done! Thorough and methodical meticulous as well.

Fun video! Thanks

SMOOOTH!

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

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

Well done to save an old warrior 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✅✅✅✅✅🫵🏼

Wuuuuuaaaauuuuuu che bello complimenti quanti ricordi❤❤❤❤

So pretty ,one of my favorite. Nice restoration.

So glad you test fired it at the end i was hoping so all the way through the video and you didn't disappoint me good job and good video just ashame the brass expanded.

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

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! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

good job, the final product looks beautiful

Fascinating video. Great restoration work. Thanks for sharing.

One of the highlights of my collecting career was visiting the Atlanta Cutlery warehouse when they owned the 60 tons of old military weapons taken from a castle in Nepal. There was over a million old muskets of all kinds in a warehouse as big as three football fields. It had 20 foot ceilings and it was lined with rows of steel shelves full of every kind of gun the British Empire ever used. They were found buried under a foot of bat poop and hauled out in wheelbarrows and handcarts. They were selling these muskets through a magazine ad in Muzzle blast. An order would come in and a man Would go to a rack and pick one out. He would take it to his work bench where he had a steam cleaning machine. In five minutes he would spray away a century of bat poop and dirt and whatnot. Than he would oil the gun and box it up and send it out. It was amazing.