Lot 1286

Rare Experimental Prototype U.S. M1 Garand Rifle T131 Sight

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Rare Experimental Prototype U.S. M1 Garand Rifle T131 Sight

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Experimental Prototype U.S. M1 Garand Semi-Automatic Rifle with T131 Reflector Sight Manufactured c. 1945-1947, this experimental prototype M1 Garand rifle has no visible receiver heel markings but appears to possibly be Harrington & Richardson produced as it has the M1 Garand drawing number "D 6528291" on the receiver leg as typically seen on their production rifles, features a bolt with a roller pin, and is equipped with a T131 reflector sight; developed in an attempt to create an effective solution for low light situations in place of standard iron sights. The T131 sight readily mounts in place of the M1 Garand's rear sight and uses an illuminated dot projected onto a clear lens, through which one would still see the target, and operates essentially like modern day red dot sights. The sight was inspired by the World War II era Mark 8 illuminated aircraft gun sights and the commercial Nydar shotgun sight. A small handful of rifles equipped with this type of sight were tested by a U.S. ordnance board consisting of military riflemen at Fort Benning in 1947 as outlined in the official "Report of the Army Ground Forces, Board No. 3, Project No. 2057" to which the conclusion of the board was that the sight allowed for quick and easy attachment to a standard M1 Garand rifle, but was not viewed as a necessary improvement over standard iron sights as it was only believed to offer a benefit when used in low light conditions. The sight is marked on the rear with “BENNEL MACHINE Co./BROOKLYN, N.Y./SIGHT MOUNT T-131". Another example of this type of Bennel rear sight is pictured on page 407 of "The M1 Garand Rifle" by Bruce Canfield. It is marked "SA-23153/US2" on the bolt, "SA 23154" on the relief cut operating rod, "S-A 1-42" on the barrel, the number "56" is marked on the rear of the operating rod and repeated on the bottom of the barrel, "6528290-SA" marked trigger housing, "-7 SA" hammer, "SA 11 safety, and unmarked milled trigger guard. A boxed "S.A./H" inspection cartouche is stamped on the left stock wrist. The rifle has a prototype one-piece rubber coated synthetic handguard, prototype flash hider, and no front sight installed as the T131 sight does not need a front sight for use.

Manufacturer: Unknown

Model: M1 Garand

BBL: 24 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 30-06 Springfield

Finish: parkerized

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent overall, retains 97% plus original blue and parkerized finishes, with some minor handling marks, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The rear sight dot does not illuminate but the glass is viewable. A rare experimental prototype M1 Garand rifle with Bennel T131 Reflector sight well worthy of any advanced military firearms collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000