M1A Four Digit Serial Number Devine TX Receiver

Here is an M1A I just picked up. It is serial number 3769. The receiver was built by Mr Elmer Balance, original owner of Springfield Armory of Devine TX. The M1A Reciever was built into a comeplete Rifle in TX by the new owners of Springfield after they purchased the Springfield company from Mr Balance. It is built with all GI parts. The chromed lined H&R Barrel appears to be as new as do the rest of the parts. This was a Safe Queen from the time it was purchased new by the previous owner. This M1A is not marked Genesco, IL. I also picked up 10 GI M14 Magazines.

Here is some info that I located from Elmer Balance:

Mr. Balance has stated that about 4600 receivers were made while he owned the company in Devine, TX. Serial numbers under about 03800 should show stamping on the underside of the barrel between the gas cylinder and the bayonet lug with an address including Devine, TX.

Some receivers were included when the company was sold to Springfield Armory and were built into rifles by them.
These are not marked Devine, TX. These could be marked Genesco, IL.

If the serial number is after 04600 it is a Springfield Armory made receiver.

UPDATE: I spoke to Mr Ballance today and he confirmed to me that my M1A, S/N 3769 is one of his Devine TX's Receivers. For $50.00 he will send me a letter of Authenticity. I may just do that.

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...922/XWCK7F.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...922/UAutf7.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...924/YDAqDx.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...922/4acYWZ.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...923/AoAMgQ.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...921/LQPegf.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...924/PoiJTO.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...922/gzyvmy.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...921/0akWNZ.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...921/oQJveD.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...921/1u1Zxt.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...923/nFFhHx.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...923/92MEi1.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...924/Es7Gr5.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...924/6FgsYz.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...922/jQzYmD.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...923/vB2wEP.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...922/1rWfPX.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...923/RreHgV.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...921/t8fspo.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...924/o1ID8U.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/8...923/ewbFFk.jpg

The 50 bucks is probably well worth the money. The Devine rifles are sought after as I'm sure you know.

I'm not into Mil-surp, but damn that's some pretty wood.

Beautiful.. get the Letter, IMHO money well spent.

How does she shoot ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sgt.K

I'm not into Mil-surp, but damn that's some pretty wood.

---

Mine has the same selector cutout patch. Bought it off the op's buddy:)

People speak of grail guns. That one truly qualifies.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bfoosh006

Beautiful.. get the Letter, IMHO money well spent.

How does she shoot ?

---

I haven't shot it. It really needs to be completely lubed before shooting.

MD,

Beautiful rifle! I could enjoy just strippin that thing down for a lube and puttin it back together. I do that with my firearms on cold winter "shut in" days just to relax. And shooting it, fuggedaboutit!

Slightly miffed that he is whackin ya $50 for the letter. Your appreciation of the firearm just overflows. If I were in his shoes, that would be enough for me. I guess sometimes it is all about the Benjamins, or in this case the Grant. :)

Again, BEAUTIFUL rifle! Enjoy.

fritz