It is interesting to note that for years there were ordnance armorers’ vans at most of the big competitive rifle matches, and a shooter could have his rifle repaired or even updated to the latest standards for a modest cost. This was how many NM rifles lost their originality. One of the only modifications that would not be performed was glass-bedding stocks because of the time involved.

After the suspension of National Match M1 rifle sales in 1973, the remaining rifles in the government’s inventory were disposed of. Research indicates that 3,564 were disassembled. Additionally, the government of Greece was given a large number of M1 and M1C rifles, along with 5,677 National Match Garands. Apparently, the Greeks considered these as service rifles and most had the special National Match sights replaced by standard sights.

There have been many M1 rifles “worked over” to incorporate numerous types of modifications designed to improve accuracy and used in various competitive shooting venues. However, the term “National Match” is properly restricted to those rifles emanating from Springfield Armory from circa 1953 to 1963. These rifles proved to be capable of excellent performance at the highest levels of competition for many years. John Garand’s prediction years earlier that “in years to come the Garand rifle will take its place as a superbly accurate match rifle” eventually proved to be most prescient.