[JohnAlb]

I have a low serial number 000080 M1A. Does anyone know how to find any history on this rifle and if it’s rare ?
Thank you.

 

[garandguy10]

I do not know your rifles history.

Yes it is rare, only one with that serial number was made.

Yes, it is a unique very early production M1A, and a part of SAI history.

 

[WaM14gunner]

Been around the block a few times. Huge heel gap.

 

[JohnAlb]

Some more pics

 

[The Once-Ler]

Wow, two different stocks, that really makes it priceless

 

[JohnAlb]

Wow, two different stocks, that really makes it priceless

Thanks

 

[TheShooter]

Eh another early one. Does it at least have all usgi parts?

 

[JohnAlb]

Eh another early one. Does it at least have all usgi parts?

Yes it does

 

[MuleSkinner88]

Do you own the Rifle or is it your friends?

Having a Rifle that has some history behind it makes a big difference to someone looking for interesting collectables.

Have you contacted Springfield to see if it is a special extra Rifle?

 

[JohnAlb]

I sent them an email with the serial number and have not gotten a response back yet. It has been more than a month.

 

[15636215]

Call em

 

[JohnAlb]

Call em

Will do that

 

[The Once-Ler]

Your initial photo (post #1) depicts the rifle in a standard USGI stock. Your photo in post #4 depicts a rifle in an E2 style stock. I'm confused, please elaborate.

 

[JohnAlb]

It came with two stocks. One has the cartouche one does not. Two stocks

 

[JohnAlb]

It came with two stocks. One has the cartouche one does not. Two stocks

This is the original stock.

 

[TheShooter]

I’m no expert but that stock looks really chewed up, the early serial number makes it a early production gun but nothing special unless I’m missing something.. unless you post better pictures it looks like a well used rifle.

 

[Ted Brown]

Calling Springfield may not help. They don't have records of the very early rifles. Call Elmer Balance instead since he made the rifle (830-663-5105). He's not getting any younger, but may still remember or have some records about it.

 

[JohnAlb]

I’m no expert but that stock looks really chewed up, the early serial number makes it a early production gun but nothing special unless I’m missing something.. unless you post better pictures it looks like a well used rifle.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Airguardian]

Some more pics

A piece of American history. New or old they are great rifles.

 

[JohnAlb]

Calling Springfield may not help. They don't have records of the very early rifles. Call Elmer Balance instead since he made the rifle (830-663-5105). He's not getting any younger, but may still remember or have some records about it.

I called Elmer. What a pleasure. He’s well and has a great sense of humor. He told me he made that rifle in early 1971. One of the early productions. He is willing to write some history about the rifle as soon as I send some pictures over to him. Thank you for providing his number. God bless