Thinking seriously about buying a M1 Garand

[dakuda]

Any reason not to?

I can't really explain why I want one, I just do. I can't shoot it at the indoor ranges here, and the last outdoor range closed years ago. Since I live in IL, there are not many options to actually use it.

I am normally a little more rational than this.

[chris in va]

Safe queen? I guess that's fine, whatever captures your fancy. Lot of money just to sit around though.

[dakuda]

I could find places and times to shoot it, but they would be few and far between.

[Bond007]

Even unused, I doubt once you got your hands on it there would ever be a moment of regret. Gorgeous gun that you're going to love. Owning it will definitely force you to make the time to get out there too.

If you're alright with the price tag I think you'd be happy.

[B. Lahey]

Do it. There is no good reason not to. The thumb of terror can be avoided by learning how to position your hand properly during loading. Even if you do manage to enjoy "M1 Thumb", trust me, it will only happen once.:)

Are you in Northern or Southern IL? If you are in the North, come over to Northern Indiana to shoot, we have lots of nice rifle ranges. If you are in the South, find a desolate hillside far out in the corn.

[dakuda]

I am in N. IL, not too far from WI.

[dawgfvr]

Gentlemen...every American should own the M1 Garand. I own a few weapons...but nothing compares to this rifle!

Repeat after me, "We are a nation of Riflemen!"

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/M1%20Garand/M1onRange1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/M1%20Garand/Garand.jpg

[velocette]

Buy your M1! Buy it through the CMP, Buy it through Gunbroker, buy it from a freind but BUY IT!
You will never regret the purchase. Okay, its a heavy noisy SOB that goes "Pling" when it's empty. Ammo is heavy and only fits in a clip (yes a clip, not a magazine)
The old so and so grows on ya. The longer you own it the better you like it.
I've never regretted buying any firearm. Some I would not buy again. My M1, I wish I could afford a couple of its brothers to keep it company in my safe.
Buy it now before some less deserving person gets the last one or some idiot politician bans them.

Roger

[rampage841512]

I want one pretty badly myself. Just waiting for some things to fall into place. I plan on an M1 Garand being one of the next two firearms purchases I make.

[dakuda]

I am waiting for the money to come in from selling the doors off my Jeep. I think it is going to this purchase. I already have all the forms from the CMP, that was the way that made the most sense as I was researching.

[Tom2]

How easy is it to get the doors off a Jeep? Like a CJ? Cause if two of them will get a Garand, I think I will start to cruise some unlit parking lots...:p Well they are neat historical rifles. Just be sure to get a decent one to shoot. Otherwise you will be sending someone a bunch of money to make it right so you can enjoy it properly. Or just spring for an excellent restored one.

[GWbiker]

Do buy one now before some misguided fool in Washington puts the M1 Garand on the Assault Weapon list.

The M1 Garand is one hell of a long distance service rifle. Thanks to the US Army, I carried, fired and cleaned a couple of M1 Garand rifles in the late 1950's and early 60's. Upon my discharge from active duty in early 1961, the kind folks at company headquarters offered to sell me a recent production H&R M1 Garand for $65.00, an offer I turned down and have often regretted!

We can all be thankful that John Garand worked for our Government in the 1930's and not for the Germans!

[dakuda]

It is pretty easy to get the doors off of a Wrangler. Four nuts (if they are even there), and viola. Of course, I do not condone this behavior -- unless it is your Jeep. Mine is no longer street legal, so I got rid of the doors.

I sent in my application and order form today for a Service Grade M1 Garand from the CMP.

Should have it by October. Darn, that is a while.

[mountainclmbr]

My two favorite rifles to shoot are the M1 Garand and M1A. I doubt you will regret it if you get one!

[support_six]

The dreaded "M1 thumb" rarely happens during loading. However, it does happen more frequently during any other task where one retracts the bolt by means of the operating rod. Most happen when one thinks the bolt is locked back but it is actually not back far enough, resting on the follower. One little movement of the follower and "BAM", the bloody thumb (for finger).

I've known M1s for over 40 years and never had this happen yet. Don't be afraid of this excellent rifle (I own four!).

[dmazur]

1. Always keep the heel of your R hand on the operating rod handle when pressing down on magazine follower or en-bloc loader with your thumb. Then, when bolt moves forward, bring your hand up in a "mock salute". Thumb no longer in the path of the bolt. Sounds silly, but it always works.

2. Check out either McCann or Schuster adjustable gas nuts. These are correctly termed "gas cylinder lock screw", except by the guys making adjustable ones. Anyway, they permit adjusting the action for reloaded ammunition, or commercial ammunition, both of which may not have the correct pressure curve to protect the operating rod. To use one of these, you start with it fully open and successively adjust (or install smaller orifices) until the action reliably function. Then quit. Adjust every time you change loads.

[Wleoff]

It's nice and expensive living in Alabama because the CMP South Store in Anniston is only about two hours away. I was there Wednesday and bought a WWII SA M1 Garand to add to my others. Garands are a great gun to shoot and CMP also has the 30-06 ammo for it. They're accurate and the heavy weight of the Garand makes recoil moderate. Don't put commercial ammo thru one unless you change the gas plug. If/when you order from CMP, if you want a shooter, order a HRA Service Grade. These are post WWII manufacture and the recent ones that I've seen from CMP are in great shape, especially the metal. You'll really enjoy firing a Garand. It's like firing a little bit of history.

[tackdriver]

The bug has bitten me as well. I just have to figure out if I can stand the wait.

What's the difference between the SA and H&R service rifles, though?

Funny about the "M1 thumb" comments, though. I was talking to my wife's grandfather -- a Korea vet -- who told me he picked up a carbine as quick as he could because he had chronic "M1 thumb" and still had the scar to show.

[Wleoff]

SA is Springfield and HRA is Harrington & Richardson. Garands were also made by International Harvester and Winchester. SA & HRA are the two manufacturers now available from CMP. HRAs were not made until post WWII, so they tend to have less wear. SA started making rifles in 1937, I think, and continued thru post WWII into the 50s. There are some nice SAs also available from CMP, but my experience, if one mail-orders, the HRAs tend to be in better quality. I like Service Grade because I bought a Service Grade HRA for $595 and a Correct Grade for $950; and I couldn't tell any difference in quality. Check CMPs web site and they explain all the grades and prices available. http://www.odcmp.org Their forums are also a good source of info. Few people end up owning just one Garand, like potato chips.

[Citizen Carrier]

I just barely managed to talk myself out of buying another M1 while browsing CMP North after a pistol match at Perry two days ago.

I already have one of their "CMP Grade" M1s, a refinished and restocked rifle with a new button rifled barrel. I bought it specifically for John C. Garand Matches. As the name implies, you need a Garand to shoot in those matches.

And I'll bet they have them somewhere in Illinois.

Don't just find someplace to shoot one. Find someplace to compete with one. Until then...you're just a gun owner...

[3StrikesNC]

I'm taking mine to the range tomorrow, Garand Match.

BUY IT. Once you've shot it, you'll either find a range to shoot at all the time, or you'll end up moving to someplace where you can:D.

[MythBuster]

Posted by support six,

"The dreaded "M1 thumb" rarely happens during loading."

Garand thumb usually happens after beer number six while watching Saving Private Ryan.

[BuenoOffenhauser]

Thinking seriously about buying a M1 Garand

No matter how often you shoot one, or don't shoot one for that matter, just shouldering and M1 feels "right".

[support_six]

MythBuster said, Garand thumb usually happens after beer number six while watching Saving Private Ryan.

So it isn't just me that has to hold an M1 (with bayonet attached in my case) while watching "Band of Brothers" or "Saving Private Ryan"?

Would someone tell my wife, please?

[BIGR]

I have a mini-14 and Stag AR in 6.8SPC, but how does the M1A comapre to the AR type rifles as far as reliabilty, under battle condtions? Years ago I started to buy a M1A but bought the Left handed Stag since I shoot left handed with a long gun. Is the M1A worth it or should I get an AR in .308? For some crazy reason I think I need a caliber bigger than 6.8SPC for a SHTF rifle.

[Tim R]

Get the M-1 from the CMP. You will never loose money over the deal. Be sure to by the Greek ammo every chance you get.

The M-1A is a simi auto only version of the M-14. Some might argue but IMHO, the M-14 was the best wood gun ever produced. The M-14 is a good shooter and it hits hard. I wore out 3 M-14 barrels while shooting competively for the Navy.

[Toolman]

It took me 30 years to finally get my Garand.
The one I have is a 1944 U.S. Springfield that was refurb'd by Miltech in 1996. They did a fantastic job & I have been very happy with this rifle. It has performed flawlessly and has a lifetime warranty. If you want one, just do it. You'll be glad you did. I only wish I hadn't waited 30 years before getting mine.

[dakuda]

My order is listed as 'SHipped' as of this morning.

Almost here. :D

[P5 Guy]

BWT is on the way you say. Don't forget to post some pictures.

[dakuda]

BWT is on the way you say. Don't forget to post some pictures.

http://www.jeepforum.com/gallery/data/4/medium/DSCN04871.JPG

[johnwilliamson062]

Just a note for anyone following this thread b/c they are in the market for a Garand.

If you join a CMP hunting club you get a pretty big discount on CMP rifles. The one I am joining in a few months is $100/year and the discount is slightly more. My impression is they can also be shipped directly to your club and no FFL fee. I have not done this yet, so if I have anything wrong please correct me.

Heck of a good reason to try out a hunting/fishing club for a year.

[dakuda]

There was no FFL fee anyway, and the rifle was shipped direct to my door.

Now the discount is another thing entirely. Never heard of that.

[SR420]

I'm thinking that I also need to get myself a nice M1 Garand.

BTW, have you seen the MOLLE gear a guy is making for the Garand?
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=6&t=251049 :cool:

[tackdriver]

Nice. New wood?

I believe this stuff about the CMP hunt club and discounts is not correct.

[RockyMtnTactical]

If you decide to, go through CMP.

[SR420]

RockyMtnTactical If you decide to, go through CMP.

How does the CMP process work?

Thanks :)

[amprecon]

Go here:

http://www.odcmp.com/Forms/1orderform.pdf

[dakuda]

Yup, new CMP stock.

[P5 Guy]

What grade did you get? How's the muzzle?

[dakuda]

Service grade.

The muzzle is pretty good, from what I can tell. I read that if you take a round and see how far it goes into the muzzle you can gauge it from there, so there is a picture.

[tackdriver]

How does the CMP process work?


If you're like me, it goes like this:

1. Come across program when rifles are absurdly inexpensive. Note easy-to-fulfill requirements and resolve to participate.
2. Wait 9 years.
3. Remember program when you see a post such as Dakuda's.
4. Fill out paperwork, get it notarized and send.
5. Check your email every hour to see if you have anything from the CMP confirming your order.
6. Get confirmation.
7. Check CMP's e-store twice a day to see if your order has been processed.
8. Check CMP's e-store four times a day to see if your order has been processed.
9. Start checking CMP's e-store first thing when you wake up, then every half-hour and just before you go to bed at night.
10. Start rocking back and forth when the order is processed, waiting for it to be shipped. Check CMP e-store every 10 minutes around the clock to see if it has shipped.
11. Start scratching uncontrollably once it has shipped. Hit the refresh button on the FedEx tracking number web page until you can't feel your finger.

I don't know from there. I'm still stuck at 11. Dakuda and I are in a bunch of people who put their orders in around the same time. The classic gun porn is starting to trickle in just enough to keep me from climbing the walls.

[dakuda]

That is almost the exact process I went through. Just skip 1-3 and add 12:

12. Sit around the house, waiting for the 'before 10:30am delivery'. Answer the door at exactly 10:30, when FedEx shows up.

[B. Lahey]

Yowza!

Slick rifle.