Standard Parts LLC - Reproduction Type 2 Lockbars
Review Date: 1/27/2013
Author: Chris Guska
Background:
The M1 Garand is a highly collected rifle, with volumes of information available about it. Many reenactors and members of the public are very knowledgeable about the rifle and its minutiae. Frequently at events, members of the public have noticed and commented on specific features of rifles on display.
Some reenactors chose to go the extra few inches on their impressions by replacing post WW2 parts on their M1 Garands with parts that are characteristically wartime. Some go further to rebuild their rifles with parts that are correct as installed by the factory for their serial number.
The "Lock Bar" is a type of rear sight pinion assembly that was developed and used during WW2. The "Lock Bar" was developed to replace the early "Flush Nut" type sight. The "Lock Bar" did not require the use of the combination tool to tighten and lock the rear sight in position.
There were 3 types of lock bar sight assemblies developed during WW2. The first variant had a locking bar with rounded edges and a short pinion. The pinion was extended and the end drilled out so it could be flared so that the locking bar would be less prone to loss on the 2nd variant. The third variant simplified the locking bar by eliminating the curved ends as an expedient to production.
Conveniently for reenactors, reproductions of the Lock Bar pinion assemblies are available at a reasonable cost.
Original Lock Bar pinion assemblies typically cost in excess of $75.
Ordering:
Standard Parts LLC offers reproduction Type 2 lock bar pinion assemblies for $45 + shipping from their E-Commerce site.
Shipping is predictable and fast via USPS flat rate small priority box.
Numerous other vendors such as Sarco and Numerich also carry this same reproduction rear sight pinion, albeit for a more expensive price with more expensive shipping and crappy service.
The Reproduction:
Overall:
Here's the pinion assembly out of the box as it comes.
Fully disassembled. The parts are fully interchangeable with original parts.
Both knobs are coarsely serrated.
Elevation cap and screw detail.
The markings are "Winchester" style "Open Arrow". They appear to be engraved rather than die struck / stamped.
I don't like the elevation cap screw due to the profile / top radius of it. More on this later.
Details of the Windage knob, with lock bar removed.
The lock bar spring and detent are visible as well as the hollow end of the pinion.
Same markings comments apply as above.
Lock Bar screwed in place. The detent works as it should.
Tweaks:As previously mentioned, I dislike the elevation cap screw that came with the reproduction.
The reproduction screw (left) when installed protrudes from the elevation cap. The profile / radius of the top of the screw is different than originals. Originals sit flush with the elevation cap.
I made up some new screws (right) that more closely copy an original screw so that they sit flush with the elevation cap.
I strongly recommend using RED loctite to secure the elevation cap screw. They have a tendency to work themselves loose under fire. Additionally, they are mild steel and can easily have the slots mangled if you try to over tighten them.
Repro Screw Left / Greaser's Screw Right
Side by Side:
Unfortunately I don't have an original WRA Type 2 lockbar to compare against, so I'll be comparing against a SA Type 2 out of the collection.
While the markings could be applied differently, the pattern variances between open and closed arrows are correct based on manufacturer.
In the photos below, the elevation cap screw is one of my copies rather than the one supplied on the reproduction.
Conclusion:
For the money, the reproduction from Standard Parts LLC is quite nice. It functions properly for live fire, looks decent and is priced right.
The parts are interchangeable with original parts, such that if you wanted to upgrade the pinion with original elevation and windage knobs, you could do so.
In some ways I understand why Winchester pattern markings were done, as WRA parts can be crazy expensive - but the vast majority of rifles I see being restored are SA's.
To the experienced eye, these can be quickly identified at a glance to be reproductions - but give the overall look and feel of a WW2 rifle at any distance.
I don't have any hesitation installing these for reenacting use or recommending Standard Parts LLC as the source to get them from.
