The Wait Is Agonizing...!

[Normandy]

As you know, when you mail order service grade, you no longer have a choice between Springfield and H&R. So, getting a Springfield (IMHO) is better.
I got one a couple months back, and it's just as you describe yours. Gorgeous condition with the new walnut stock (like yours), IH bolt, tight muzzle and throat. But I lucked out with a March/April 1945 receiver with original barrel. I could not have been happier.

I also have an IH rifle with SA bolt, but it's a field grade. I would swap the bolts to be more correct, but concerned about maintaining good head space. So I'll leave mine as received.

Another good thing about CMP is that, you can call the armorers and discuss any issues with the rifle. They will take it back and send you another one (hahaha), or swap out parts to get it "right" for you, function wise.

 

[DaisyCutter]

The stock is new, and CMP stamped. I was under the impression the new stocks were all birch. So it is walnut? Cool.

She shot really well.

The buttplate is like a cheese grater on my shoulder. I need to wear something thicker than a T-shirt. After 50 rounds I was raw (not bruised).

 

[Reloadron]

Glad it shot well for you and yes, you have walnut.

When shooting an M1 Garand in matches most shooters wear a shooting jacket. These jackets allow padding in all the right places. Yes, the constant shooting even with the rifle fired tightly secured in the shoulder can get a little punishing. When I forget any padding I can figure on some black and blue. Fifty rounds will do that. Yeah, not quite a T Shirt type rifle. A Google of Shooters Coat or Shooters Jacket will bring up what many wear during a match. Note the padding.

Ron

 

[DaisyCutter]

I'll have to get something to combat the chafing.

I had some mild handloads that I was shooting in my Rem 700, 30-06. They were 155gr Hornady JHPBT's over 44 & 46 grains of IMR3031. The Garand really liked those handloads. It recoiled pretty softly and cycled 100%.

I also played around a bit with the mechanism, loading partially filled clips. No problems at all.

My biggest issue was with the scroungers at the range. A couple of my enbloc clips and about 20 cartridge cases grew legs. It was apparent I was saving brass. Theives apparently wanted souvenirs.

I'm contemplating making a custom shirt that says "Hands off my [expletive] brass", with a picture of a stickman lying supine with a bayonet impaled and X's for eyes, in a pile of brass.

The range trip prior I had to confront a fellow and ask him, "Are you taking all the 45ACP brass?", as he was scarfing up my cases before they stopped rolling. He politely handed me my cases back. I've never really seen scroungers this aggressive before.

Sure, I've swiped my share of brass, but it was always after the bench was left empty, and the cases reasonably presumed to be unclaimed.

Sorry for the rant. I get worked up thinking about it.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Great deal on that rifle, DaisyCutter! The next task will be to acquire another, because Garands get so lonely...

I have a late Springer (531xxxx) that was shot very little and an old warhorse out of S. Korea that has been built and re-built (264xxxx)--both have their charms--but I admit a partiality to the older rifle as it is well broken in.

Well done and enjoy your piece!

 

[Reloadron]

Some hand loading dope:

Master PO's M1 Garand Loads (Courtessy of the NRA).

Service Rifle Loading taken from the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading 9th edition can be seen here.

Both of those links will give you service rifle (M1 Garand) loading data which keep the pressure curves where you want them using powders that offer a good curve.

I am sure you can come up with some shoulder padding for those T Shirt days. Shooting coats can get expensive.

Both of my rifles drop the EnBlock Clips pretty much in front and to the side of the rifle, they don't travel very far. The brass is usually within a few feet. Yeah, I would be hot if someone was pocketing my stuff. That sucks, where the heck was range courtesy? You ask, you just don't start collecting other people's brass or anything else. That crap would not fly where I shoot.

Ron

 

[Djay]

Congrats!

There are a few stock fitting suggestions that can be found in the CMP discussion forum. The rear of my CMP stock (behind the receiver heel) chipped out because I had not notched out a small space there. If one is unlucky it can cause a cracked stock.

Always good to read about another new CMP Garand owner and shooter!