Actually there were no .308 M1's. The designation was/is 7.62mm which is a slightly different chamber. The .308 designation comes from civilians who reference the very closely designed Winchester chamber which usually will interchange ammunition both ways. Most enthusiasts use the .308 designation out of habit, but the military used only 7.62mm.
The 7.62mm M1's were predominately Navy issue. The Navy used both methods, the chamber insert and chambered barrels. A knowledgeable GI could tell which he had by knowing drawing numbers. The insert barrel would still retain the old cal. .30 drawing number. The chambered barrel would have an entirely different drawing number.
The standards were if the barrel's chamber and bore were new/perfect in every way, a sleeve was used. If there was anything wrong at all, slight corrosion, burr, worn, etc., the rifle was rebarreled with a new 7.62mm barrel.
Springfield Armory, in 1963 thru 1964 did some tests comparing the Navy Sleeve with chambered barrels. SA's foound many problems with the sleeve method. One day I will consolidate the findings and publish it for all to see.
There are civilian M1's in .308. It is my understanding that some companies offer either .308 or 7.62mm barrels on the commercial market.
The 7.62mm M1's were predominately Navy issue. The Navy used both methods, the chamber insert and chambered barrels. A knowledgeable GI could tell which he had by knowing drawing numbers. The insert barrel would still retain the old cal. .30 drawing number. The chambered barrel would have an entirely different drawing number.
The standards were if the barrel's chamber and bore were new/perfect in every way, a sleeve was used. If there was anything wrong at all, slight corrosion, burr, worn, etc., the rifle was rebarreled with a new 7.62mm barrel.
Springfield Armory, in 1963 thru 1964 did some tests comparing the Navy Sleeve with chambered barrels. SA's foound many problems with the sleeve method. One day I will consolidate the findings and publish it for all to see.
There are civilian M1's in .308. It is my understanding that some companies offer either .308 or 7.62mm barrels on the commercial market.
