My Last Rifle

[Texasred]

I'm calling it quits and plan on purchasing one final rifle. Almost all categories are covered and most times doubled over. I have over 40 firearms which is just a drop in the bucket to some but a lot for most people. I'm currently in the USAF and most likely will spend the next three years in Germany (as with any thing this is subject to change). The gun laws are strict where they make firearm ownership a real chore. So plan on living without my guns for a while. But before I go I'm debating whether I should buy one of two dream rifles:

1. Winchester 70 Featherweight .308, with the plan of a VariX-III 2.5-8
2. H&R M1 Garand Service Grade .30-06
3. CMP Special .308 Garand

I do a lot of deer and hog hunting more than I do target shooting. But then again I enjoy fondling my guns just as much too. I have all the tactical stuff taken care of already and as far as hunting rifles go I have:
BDL in .270, a 336SS pre Remlin, Rem 700 Sendero .25-06, and another Sendero in 7mm Rem Mag.
Buddying up with the Garand are:
2 USGI M1 carbines, 2 Mosins, and an M1A Loaded.

I know by the time I come back Garands will be all but gone and their price will skyrocket. I'm stuck as to whether I should get a .308 or .30-06. I see FMJ .308 as much more stable in the future.
Am I really missing anything in a Garand that isn't already satisfied by my Carbines or M1A?
My Carbines are some of my favorite guns ever.

 

[Hanzo581]

Sure, that's what they all say.

 

[chicharrones]

I bought my last rifle in January and then another last rifle in July. It's tough to try and stop.

Yet, with the three options you list TexasRed, I'd have to pick one of the Garands. Which one? I'd probably lean towards the .30-06 unless your looking for ammo compatibility with your M1A loaded. I have no experience on which Garand would be better than the other, though.

 

[Texasred]

Well, I'm leaning towards the .308 more than the .30-06. Are parts harder to come by or is reliabilty compromised? I really wanted the Featherwieght, they are so nice and handy. I guess I can always buy the featherwieght down the line. But the Garand just has no practical use I can't cover really.

 

[Geno]

I've had Garands, and currently own two M1As: a "Loaded" and a SOCOM. I prefer the M1As. For me, in this situation, I would opt for the M70 Featherweight.

In truth, buying a rifle is very much a personal and emotional matter. People who are not firearms aficionados think of them as mere steel and wood/synthetic. There really is much more to it, especially when you like holding them as-much-as firing them. That describes me pretty well. I don't have to use them to enjoy them. That too brings in the emotion of the rifle's history. Garands, M1As and M70s all have extensive history.

For me, I am a bolt-action guy. I like my M1As, but love those M70s I own. Next up for me in purchase will be a Featherweight, likely in .243 Win or .308 Win. I plan for that rifle to be my final purchase for a year or two, and just enjoy those I own.

Let us know what you decide.

Geno

 

[adelbridge]

You will always be able to buy a Winchester 70 but the Vari-X line has been discontinued.

I would go for the historically correct H&R since they are almost dried up insuring the prices will increase exponentially.

If you own 40 guns something tells me part of the thrill is in the purchase. I know the compulsion all too well

 

[MistWolf]

Everybody should own at least one Garand

 

[Water-Man]

Your three choices are a complete waste of time, from a practicality standpoint, based on what you already own.

It's your money though.

 

[Oceanbob]

Get the Garand while you may.

The others will still be available.

Oh...and Thank you for your service.......!

Be well and take care of yourself.

Bob

PS...when you get back and don't favor the Garand anymore, the worse thing that can happen is you will sell it for a profit. Win/Win with the Garand.

 

[Sunray]

"...see FMJ .308 as..." Wouldn't count on that. It's only used in MGs these days and fewer of them.
There ain't no rifle that's quite like an M1 Rifle. There's something about 'em that no other rifle has. Have a real semi'd M14 and have fired all kinds of battle rifles and hunting rifles. I'd rather shoot my M1. Wouldn't want to fight with one though. That's what Carbines are for.

 

[avs11054]

You know what they say...winners never quit and quitters never win.