I wanna Garand!!

[misANTHrope]

Ah, yes... tax refund time, and time to expand the gun collection. I've been hankering for an M1 Garand for a year or so now, and I am 99% sure this is what I'm going to spend my tax $$$ on. So, a couple of questions for all you M1 fans out there:

First, I need to keep it down to $400. Unfortunately, current finances prohibit me from spending the $500 for a US service grade rifle, which would be my first choice. So I'm between a US rack grade or a Danish service grade (both by Springfield, both $400). On the one hand, my understanding is that the Danish rifles are generally older production and would possibly be in worse shape overall than a newer production rifle. On the other hand, I note that CMP specifies that the rack grade rifles have greater throat erosion than a service grade, or possible muzzle degradation.

I don't plan on using this rifle to compete or anything like that- I just want to have a weapon that's fun to shoot on weekends, and is also my own personal piece of history. I'm leaning towards a Danish M1 myself, after reading and researching. Does this sound like the best route for me to take?

Also, what would be good ammo to use? I've read that modern loads are a bit much for the Garand.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Sven]

Hello, welcome to the High Road.

I've also got the jonesing for some WWII weapons... picked up an M1 Carbine today, in fact.

I suggest a search here or on www.thefiringline.com for "Garand" in the subject line... that will give you a couple hours of threads to read.

My understanding is that any good old 30-06 will do just fine in the old Garand.

 

[cratz2]

I have access to a Korean-era remanufactured Springfield. Very decent shooter. I've been shooting mostly the Danish surplus ammo in it. They had some a while back on MidwayUSA.com Comes in a crate with 528 rounds, en blocs and bandoleers for $140 or $160 or thereabouts.

Garands are great. Understatement there. If I didn't have full time access to this one, I would surely have bought one.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Mine is a Danish with VAR barrel. The barrel is from the 1960's, and shoots great.

With a limited budget, I'd get a Danish Rack Grade. It'll have history, and be a fun shooter. The wear in the barrel will keep it from winning matches, but it will shoot ok. Save up and get a new barrel later.

Any military surplus 30-06 should be good to shoot. For commercial ammo, get the ones with the bullet weight under 165 grains. 150 grain is fine. Avoid 180 grain bullets, the pressure can bend the gun's operating rod.

Regards.

 

[foghornl]

Southern Ohio Gun frequently has Danish made .30-06 ammo already loaded into the en-bloc clips for the M-1, or if not loaded, the en-bloc clips are included. The Danish made ammo is as close to the original USGI M2 Ball as your will find.

No Commercial ammo with a bullet heavier than 165 Gr. You WILL damage the op-rod. [Lesson learned the hard way by me]

Desciption & price below are from www.SouthernOhioGun.com

Danish .30-06 Ammo on Garand Clips

150 grain full metal jacket, brass case, berdan prime, non-corrosive, lead core.

48Rds per bandolier - 13 bandoliers per case (624Rds) The clips are worth a buck a piece, alone!

ORDER
#AMO-3006BC
1-48Rd bandolier
$13.95 Each
624Rd case
(13 bandoliers)
$143.00 Each

1-800-944-4867

 

[hps1]

As previously stated by foghorn & sleeping dog, stick with the 150 gr. if shooting factory ammo. Also, do not use any of the "light magnum" loads.


The Danish ammo, since it comes in M1 clips (and is non-corrosive) would be my choice as it was obviously loaded for use in the Garand.

Regards,
hps

 

[CGofMP]

I'd go Danish from the CMP.

http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com

The older rifles may have a bit more dings but as you mention they have been gagued better than the alternative for throat erosion and such.

Just my opinion.

Charles
http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/

 

[Steve in PA]

I missed the big white truck with my CMP M1!!!!!!!

Aaaaaaaaargh!!!!!!

Wife was asleep......and I had to work late!!!

 

[jacks308]

You poor soul , turn back now while there's still time . You may think that you can control the addiction and only own one , It doesn't happen that way believe me on that .
As far as condition goes , I've seen some really nice USGI rack grades that looked really nice . I think it may be a higher pecentage than the Danes , But hey , what do I know , I keep on adopting them .
Well , I gotta go sell my truck so I got more money for Garands , see ya

Jack

 

[misANTHrope]

Thanks a lot again, everyone- been very helpful. Now where's that tax refund?

Charles- I checked out your website- took up a good 45 minutes or so of my time, and gave me a very good idea of what to expect from CMP. Very informative.

 

[CGofMP]

Charles- I checked out your website - took up a good 45 minutes or so of my time, and gave me a very good idea of what to expect from CMP. Very informative.

****Blush*** Well thank you very kindly Misanthrope!

I do offer one caveat and that is that the site was written (mostly) in 1999 and 2000 so.... your experience may or may not be the same. I have continued to have contact with the CMP and from all I have heard they are still providing exceptional service, but I have not purchased a firearm from them in quite some time.

I did buy a rifle rug.... and their service was pretty expedient.

In any case I am very pleased that you enjoyed my site. Lots of work went into it and ya know.. hearing stuff like this just makes a webmaster smile from ear to ear.


Thank you sir!

Charles