New to Garand - need advice

[sgtdevildog]

Okay, my father-in-law (Korean war vet) was robbed and among other things his rifle was stolen. Being the good son-in-law I decided we both needed an M1 Garand to help us recover. I've ordered 2 from CMP and have never ordered from them before and I have a couple questions. What are the basics I need to accessorize them with? Cleaning kits, slings, some type of "tool", etc. and where should I get them? Midway, CMP somewhere else? He will more than likely never shoot his, I will shoot mine. Also, do all CMP rifles come coated in cosmoline and if so are there any "tricks" to getting them ready to fire? Sorry for all the questions - but it's all new to me. Also, any reference books/bibles to get that would help me not have to bother everyone with the normal/mundane questions I'll have? Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[AZ Jeff]

To a new M1 Garand owner, I would strongly recommend the following book: The M1 Garand Owners Guide, by Scott Duff. This book is an excellent introduction on the care, feeding, and operation of the M1, and goes beyond the military field manuals. Its available here: http://www.scott-duff.com/

As far as accessories, you will need:
sling
some en-bloc clips for loading ammunition
one-piece cleaning rod
muzzle guide for cleaning rod
M10, M3, or M3A1 tool to remove the gas cylinder screw
some suitable GREASE to lubricate the rifle properly
a military issue ratcheting chamber brush for .30/06

Most of these items can be had from Fulton Armory, Midway Arms, and a few other places on line.

 

[Khornet]

OK,

Muzzle guide- very important to protect the lands since you clean from the muzzle.
Steel or nylon-coated one -piece cleaning rod.
Chamber brush- the GI ones work fine. Brownells or Midway.
Heavy grease--don't use oil.
Sling if you don't have one. These babies are heavy.
Clips and more clips.
Books--also very important. Scott Duff, Canfield, Thompson, Hatcher. They really add to your unerstanding and enjoyment of the M1.

Don't know about the cosmoline.

GI combination tool for bolt disassembly. But you won't need it often.

Spare parts: oprod spring, follower arm, bullet guide, clip latch and spring.

That's about all I've found a need for so far.

 

[MechAg94]

For ammo, CMP sells Greek ammo that comes on clips and in bandoliers. It is supposed to be pretty good ammo. The Lake City is good also.

Use grease on the bolt rails and where the op rod slides along the reciever. A thin coat of oil is good on the rest for preservative. There may be a few other spots for grease, but that is where I use it.

CMP has nice carry cases.

 

[AZ Jeff]

The M1 should be greased in the following locations:

1. under the barrel where the curved "saddle" portion of the op rod rides
2. the ways were the bolt locking lugs ride
3. the track where the op rod rides on the right side of the receiver
4. the bolt locking lugs
5. the cam track in the op rod where the bolt lug travels to lock/unlock
6. the bottom of the bolt where the hammer rides during the cocking cycle
7. the cocking lug on the left front top edge of the hammer
8. inside the roof at the heel of the reciever

 

[RNB65]

Two words -- Garand Thumb!