What got you into collecting the M1 Garand

critter wrote:

liked history as a kid, especially of WWII. I always wanted an M1 (AND a Thompson AND a BAR!!!!!!!), but the M1 was the best I could do. I borrowed one for a time from a relative and that sealed it.

I finally was able to buy one through the old DCM program. Still have that wonderful piece of engineering and history.

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Me too!

I loved U.S. History in school (as a kid) and watched "Combat!" and "The Gallant Men".

When I found out about the DCM, I joined a club and was instantly attracted to High Power Rifle competition.

While I only own one M1 Garand and am not a 'collector', per se, I find them absolutely gorgeous.

Gen. George S. Patton was right. It is "the greatest battle implement ever devised."

They're just amazing.

As for me? A friend helped me get setup with the CMP, and I got my first one through there (hopefully, more will be on the way in future years). I've always wanted one, they're powerful, distinctly American, have a specific history, are ingenious (I STILL can't figure out that whole "last round ejects the clip" thing--why not the other rounds, what keeps it static while the ammo moves?), and it's owning a very awesome piece of American history that it's hard not to love.

lionking, very nice display, although at the time our flag still had 48 stars (nitpick heheh seriously its a cool display, with your wartime photos.) I intend to do the same with my uncle's mementos from ww2. Being that he was gay, he had no children and I was able to get his things from the war (including his draft card). Served in Italy as brass, although I dont have any 'deployed' photos of him, just stateside.

Anyway, the Garand is a real joy to collect, although I have found it to be a bit more of a pain to restore to 'factory' than the M1 Carbine. Some parts, such as the uncut oprod and stock, are pricey.

I always like History and Military History. My Dad had an M14 growing up. I knew I couldn't afford one of those at the time, but I saw a Garand at a gun show and had to have it. It had a bent op rod that took me a while to find, but I always liked the rifle.

A few years after buying one, I finally satisfied my curiosity and learned about the CMP on this site. That led to two more Garands, a 1903A3, and an M1917. Thankfully the CMP sells 30.06 at a reasonable price.

I have been considering getting another service grade or getting one to build into a tack driver. Down the road though.