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M1 Garand Education and fun - PICS ADDED
Mark G
Member Posts: 1,659 ✭✭✭
About 9 years ago I purchased a service grade M1 Garand from the CMP. I had always wanted one and finally bit the bullet. Back then it took about 3 months to get one and they were $575.00 plus shipping. When it arrived I fawned over it, bought a couple spam cans of ammo, a buttstock cleaning kit, bayonet and scabbard and put it in the safe for later. It is a post war Springfield. The wood was beautiful and the metal was in great shape. I was hesitant to shoot it because it looked so nice.
Fast Forward to about a month ago when I noticed that my local gun range had a "high power" night that you could bring anything to. I decided that now would be the time. I figured that the unit needed a good going over so I watched a series of videos from Brownells on the disassembly, cleaning, lubrication and re-assembly of the gun. I purchased a can of Lubriplate as this was the original grease that the army used and set about the task at hand. I was amazed at the simplicity/complexity of the weapon. I was able to strip, lube, re-assemble and function test in just a couple of hours. I already had the enbloc clips from my spam can purchase but I purchased some S&B M1 30-06 ammo for the range. Last night everything came together and I went to the range.
First thing that I learned was that the bullet tips absolutely had to be equal and set in the clip. I had a clip that had a bullet that was a little proud and the clip was not going in the gun. Small correction and it popped right in. I tested the safety and the gun would not fire. Safety off and BANG! There was less recoil than I figured. The only 30-06 that I had previously shot were bolt action. I was at 25 yards (max distance at the indoor range) and my eyes aren't what they used to be so I lined up the sights on the blob that was waaaaaaayyyyy down there. Grouping were good considering this was the first time out with it. It was a silhouette target and all shots were kill shots. Nothing out of the 8 ring with some purposeful head shots thrown in.
Second thing that I learned was a Garand can attract some attention. Especially when the last round is fired and the clip ejects. I guess this is something that many shooters have not experienced. The shells were consistent with their landing and the clips were right next to my feet so I was able to retrieve them. I only put 4 clips thru but I had an incredible time. I have alot of respect for the soldiers who carried these day in and out into battle. Not light by any means but I'm sure they never felt under gunned.
I would absolutely recommend getting a Garand while you still can and shoot it like its supposed to be shot. My M1 Carbine has been my favorite for years and I did take it and shoot that as well but the Garand now has a special place in my heart. What an amazing piece of machinery.
Fast Forward to about a month ago when I noticed that my local gun range had a "high power" night that you could bring anything to. I decided that now would be the time. I figured that the unit needed a good going over so I watched a series of videos from Brownells on the disassembly, cleaning, lubrication and re-assembly of the gun. I purchased a can of Lubriplate as this was the original grease that the army used and set about the task at hand. I was amazed at the simplicity/complexity of the weapon. I was able to strip, lube, re-assemble and function test in just a couple of hours. I already had the enbloc clips from my spam can purchase but I purchased some S&B M1 30-06 ammo for the range. Last night everything came together and I went to the range.
First thing that I learned was that the bullet tips absolutely had to be equal and set in the clip. I had a clip that had a bullet that was a little proud and the clip was not going in the gun. Small correction and it popped right in. I tested the safety and the gun would not fire. Safety off and BANG! There was less recoil than I figured. The only 30-06 that I had previously shot were bolt action. I was at 25 yards (max distance at the indoor range) and my eyes aren't what they used to be so I lined up the sights on the blob that was waaaaaaayyyyy down there. Grouping were good considering this was the first time out with it. It was a silhouette target and all shots were kill shots. Nothing out of the 8 ring with some purposeful head shots thrown in.
Second thing that I learned was a Garand can attract some attention. Especially when the last round is fired and the clip ejects. I guess this is something that many shooters have not experienced. The shells were consistent with their landing and the clips were right next to my feet so I was able to retrieve them. I only put 4 clips thru but I had an incredible time. I have alot of respect for the soldiers who carried these day in and out into battle. Not light by any means but I'm sure they never felt under gunned.
I would absolutely recommend getting a Garand while you still can and shoot it like its supposed to be shot. My M1 Carbine has been my favorite for years and I did take it and shoot that as well but the Garand now has a special place in my heart. What an amazing piece of machinery.
Comments
I Have 2, a "service grade" and a Match rifle built by Glenn Nelson. When I was in Afghanistan I thought about having a M1 and I would not have felt undergunned.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I too would love to see pics of your M1, Mark. 8-) Might be the incentive I need to pick up another one myself.
I have two, one is an IH and the other is SA. Up to now they have been safe queens. I did not want to shoot them as I did not want them to lose value.
But you got me to now wanting to shoot them. Once the weather warms up I am going bring them to the range and do some shooting with them.
I have international match globe insert aperture front and NM peep rear sights installed...
Brownells adjustable gas plug...
An early 80's CMP purchase that I was lucky to receive with a tighter and more accurate bbl than a national match or star grade or Dutch V marked example...
It's a shooter and does not at first glance appear to be anything special.
I like to bring out oddball or orphan US Army issue military rifles to the CMP high power shoots to generate interest and use to spark a conversation were I can use them as teaching tools...
The .30 US Ross and .236 Lee Navy straight pull rifles always generate interest and most folk have never seen a Warner swazey optic mounted on an American rifle...
The pattern 17 enfield and krag constabulary saddle ring carbine also draw the eye.
Wish I had a Johnson semiautomatic with the internal rotary magazine or a rod bayonet Springfield or a pederson device for use and display.
Mike
Please provide feedback on them for the rest of the herd.
Mike
Mike
Hey MrMike, how do you like the adjustable plug? I've been thinking about trying one, but not sure I have a need for it. I've got a small supply of HXP left, some ammo manufacturers are now offering Garand spec factory loads, and I have the ability to handload to surplus specs if I invest in dies & components.
I bought it on a lark - tried it once with 200 grain Remington core lock ammo and some Monolithic safari solids that were heavy loads...
Have not adjusted again since I bought it and tested it out.
The heaviest stuff I run through it is MIL AP ammo as its very stable and consistent and accurate - and old school match shooters trick...
Mike