i have a springfield m1 garand that i couldnt be more happy with but i was wanting to decode the fire arm with out having to buy a big book... so i figured id ask here first.
Interesting... you should really get those other numbers and post them on the CMP forum. Those guys can tell you everything about that rifle. If he has had it since the Korean War era you might have a real gem there. Could be all correct. What are the numbers on the barrel? I can tell you the date from those.
It'd be best if you took pics to go with your descriptions. I've got a few books on the Garand (as I'm sure others do) and would be more than happy to help with identifying the markings on your rifle.