Rifleman Q&A: What Does My Garand Stock Stamp Mean?

by
posted on March 14, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
cartt.jpg

Q: I have an M1 Garand rifle that has “SA/EMcF” on the left side of the stock. Is the marking from the inspection process, and is it possible to know who approved my rifle?

A: The marking on the stock is the “Final Inspection Stamp,” often colloquially called a “cartouche,” which signifies that the rifle passed all requisite Ordnance inspections and was accepted by the government.

The “SA” indicates manufacture at Springfield Armory, and “EMcF” represents Col. (later Brig. Gen.) Earl McFarland, the commanding officer of Springfield Armory from June 11, 1942, through July 31, 1943. M1 rifles manufactured at Springfield from circa 1941 through circa 1952 were so stamped, although Ordnance personnel operating under the CO’s authority performed the actual inspections.

Those rifles manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. during World War II were stamped “WRA” along with the initials of the Head of the Hartford Ordnance District. After 1952, this practice ceased and was superseded by the “Defense Acceptance Stamp,” a “spread eagle” under three stars.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.