Description
Original Springfield Armory M1 Garand Operating Rod – WWII/Korean War U.S. GI Part
This is an original M1 Garand operating rod manufactured by Springfield Armory, the primary producer of the Garand rifle from its adoption in the 1930s through the Korean War. Built to U.S. military specifications, this op rod is correct for restoration, replacement, or historical display—especially for rifles marked “SA” on the receiver.
The operating rod is a critical component of the Garand’s semi-automatic action, guiding the bolt during cycling and channeling gas-driven energy from the rifle’s gas system. This example is a Springfield-marked op rod, typically stamped “SA” along with a drawing number and heat lot code. These identifiers help match rods to specific production periods, with early WWII versions being milled and uncut, and later examples featuring the post-war relief cut introduced for durability.
This part is complete and includes the piston head, handle, and internal tab. It’s fully functional and ready to install on any standard M1 Garand. Whether you’re restoring a wartime rifle, building a period-correct CMP shooter, or upgrading a mixmaster with matching Springfield components, this op rod is both historically and mechanically essential.
As original Garand parts continue to dry up, Springfield Armory op rods remain some of the most sought-after by collectors and reenactors alike. Don’t settle for reproductions or post-war foreign copies—this is the real thing, straight from America’s national armory.
🔗 For more M1 parts and restoration tips, follow us: Old Steel on Instagram
Internal Links
Shop M1 Garand Parts & Accessories
Explore U.S. WWII & Korean War Components
Browse the WWII American Rifle Collection
