Les Jones

Guns > JFK's M1 Garand Rifle Up for Auction

JFK bought his M1 from the Department of Civilian Marksmanship in 1959 while still a Senator. The bid price is estimated to reach $50K-100K. From the auction page:

This rifle is fully documented with a copy of the original DD1348 noting that it was shipped to Senator Kennedy in Oct 1959; a copy of a Memorandum of Record that was provided to Senator Kennedy by the Dept of the Army detailing the additional upgraded work that was performed on the rifle; a copy of a Letter of Appreciation (signed by Senator Kennedy) that was sent to MSG Raymond Parkinson, thanking him for the additional time and care that he took in accurazing and test firing this rifle, along with the actual 200 yard test target shot by MSG Parkinson, (ten shots at 200 yards, approximately 2 inch OAL). Also accompanying this rifle is a letter from the NRA Museum dated Sept 1970, indicating their desire to obtain and put on a permanent display this very rifle (by serial number), along with a hand receipt dated Oct 1970 taking title to this rifle. This rifle was briefly written up in the May 1967 issue of the "American Rifleman" which also depicts the letter of appreciation noted above. It is complete with an original Boyt 44 marked leather sling, the 1959 NM handbook, and the original wooden shipping/storage box that was hand built by MSG Parkinson.

Hat tip to the The High Road, where several have noted that JFK was an NRA life member.

The Department of Civilian Marksmanship was privatized under Bill Clinton and is now the Civilian Marksmanship Program. They still sponsors shooting matches and sell civilians U.S. surplus rifles, including the M1 Garand.