M1 Garand - Questions/Concerns

A gun is just a gun, but a Garand is your own shooting piece of history.

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agreed. its something different. you just dont really get it until you fire one, at least i didnt.

i didnt expect it to bark downrange like it did. i was used to ar's and ak's,,,, sks's and such. totally different animal is the garand.

i didnt expect it to return to point of aim so quickly and naturally after launching a 150gr bullet at almost 3000fps like it did. its ready to hit what you want before you are ready to ask it to. it seems to seek out what you want, at any range.

i didnt expect it to recoil so comfortably. it has the perfect amount of recoil,,,, moreso than any firearm ive ever fired. it deposits the exact amount of 30-06 into my shoulder that is perfect for a very powerful rifle, and uses what i dont want to feel to reload its chamber and find zero for me back on target.

i didnt expect it to be so friigin accurate. not uncommon to fire an 8rd group @50yds you can hide with quarter. we were so freaked out by how accurate they were we tried a short lived experiment with an s&k scope mount from brownells and did this at 200yds.

(bullet was a 155g a-max. the loaded round in the target is a nosler bullet, put it there for scale)


we ended up removing the s&k mount. it didnt look right on the rifle, and the iron sights are just too good not to have fun with, but as you can see, the m1 can shoot.

I think everything has pretty much been answered, but I'll add my observations just the same. The Garand is a real joy to shoot. I am genetically scrawny and on the senior side chronologically, but I can easily go through 80 rounds from the bench wearing no more padding on my shoulder than a light weight shirt.

1. The quality is as described at the web site but there can be quite a bit of variation within the groups. What you get through mail order is pretty much the luck of the draw. Best of all worlds is to visit the store and look at the rifles before buying. I bought two Field Grades; one is only able to hold about 4" at 100 yards, the other under 2". The Service Grade may be better yet and the Specials have new barrels.

2. Sticky notes couldn't hurt. The crew really does, I think, try to do well by their customers special request or not, but they do have limitations. Again a visit to the store is the best bet.

3. Neither of mine came with any cosmoline and were range ready out of the box. They do come from different sources over the years and some are in cosmoline. Supposedly all are test fired so I would assume some cosmoline would go during handling.

4. I use an adjustable Schuster plug (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/777146/schuster-dcm-adjustable-gas-plug-with-wrench-m1-garand-steel-parkerized) which allows control of the gas feeding from a variety of brands of ammo.

I found that I got tighter groups when using the plug to adjust for the ammo. You just open it up to the point where the bolt is not being activated and gradually tighten up until the bolt operates reliably.

The CMP ammo, both LC and Greek, attracts a magnet as the bullet is clad in mild steel rather than brass or whatever. Some ranges do not allow its use for fear of striking sparks on rocks on the range. There is some newer Greek ammo at CMP which is not listed as attracting a magnet, but I've not followed up to check that out.

5. I've heard rumors of slamfires, but not been a witness.

I have one. I did not purchase from CMP. That being said when you get the rifle the best advice I was given was field strip the entire rifle. Especially the bolt and clean the firing pin. Then oil/grease the proper wear points. A dirty sticking firing pin can cause a slam fire. Also unless you pay for them ahead of time invest in a good set of springs for it. Thats my .02 worth. You will love it.

I don't see where a sticky note would hurt. Just don't ask for better wood. I would ask for a shooter. I've had good luck with that.

Learn where to grease your new M1. Some people think they just need oil. Not true, it's grease.

Find a John C Garand match to shoot. Not only will you learn how to shoot your M1, it's a hoot.

All grade of CMP Garands need detail sripeed and greased

this is my garand that showed up a week or 2 ago.

service grade springfield. new birch stock. I sticky noted asking for a good barrel. metalwork appears 90% or better. Don't know how it shoots yet.

I am a little disappointed that I didn't get a more......historic stock. Anybody want to trade a new cmp birch for an old walnut one in decent shape? something alone the lines of this one http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/045/9/5/m1_garand_and_fixins_by_rcbif-d39j352.jpg

Are you sure you meet the requirements to purchase from the CMP? I only ask since you mentioned it's your first firearm.
I recently bought a service grade from the CMP and couldn't be happier. The metal looks new and it gauges at 1 & 1. It came with some Greek graffiti carved in the stock but the stock refinished nicely. From what I have heard the carvings happen a lot.
The Greek ammo shoots great and it's the cheapest around.

I went to the South Store myself a few days ago. Not that I really know what I am looking at, but I think I looked over every service grade they had on the racks. They all looked pretty good to me. There were plenty of choices with 2+, or lower, on both erosion numbers, and several 1+/2+. Lots with new CMP stocks (great if you are after a shooter).

greyling22: Funny you should post that picture. I did a bunch of searching and reading before making the decision to drive out and pic up the rifle. Your picture was one I kept open. I decided I wanted to go find one just like that.

I think you will want to at least field strip the rifle to look it over and apply grease/oil where appropriate. I haven't done that yet, myself, waiting for the grease I ordered to arrive. There are a lot of choices for grease, and everybody seems to have their preference. I went with the Mobil 1 synthetic grease applicator kit offered by garandgear. http://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand...ngs/flypage/79-grease-applicator-kit?sef=hcfp

You can't beat the ammo prices straight from CMP. The HXP M2 Ball is far less $$$ than anything else I have found available at this time, and the condition seems to be much better than what the CMP warns of. (CMP seems to err on the side of caution when describing item condition, just to be safe). They also have new production Hornady ammunition for less than what you will pay anywhere else. I got a couple hundred of the 168gr match rounds in addition to 600 of the M2 ball.

You'll probably want a sling. A basic (new!) GI Web sling can be found for about $15.

Here is the one I picked out. It's a 5.8 million Springfield Service Grade.











And the selection they had at the store (the SA service grades on the bottom right in this pic specifically)

boy that is beautiful warp.

it might interest you to know that s.a. 5.8's are often found to be excellent quality.

i have one 5.8 that is excellent, and ive heard it from others as well.

Good to know, good to know.

I plan to get it to an Appleseed (never been) next month. (10/22 first)

This is a CMP Field Grade Winchester that I received last month. I've replaced the stock set on it, other than that, its as-received.


Album Link: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-251%20WRA%202361275/

This is a HRA Service grade as received. All HRA except for the SA stock.


Album: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-252 HRA 5516903/

Ive gotten some dogs from them in the past, but I am very pleased overall with what I've received over the past 10 years.

You guys are killing me here. I sent my order off to the CMP for a service grade Springfield 3 days ago. I can't wait to see what the CMP sends back, and these pictures are driving me nuts thinking of it.

I stickied the order form asking for a new stock and good barrel wear readings. Frankly having G.I. wood doesn't matter much to me since the rifle I get will probably be post war production and be a mix of different parts anyway and I just like the feel of a nice clean and new piece of wood.

Good luck with your order!

I went to the South Store and brought this service grade SA home. 5.8M serial number, everything matches except the HRA bolt and CMP stock.

We just got back from it's first trip to the range. I've shot most of the common stuff. AK's SKS, AR-15, AR-180, Mosin, leverguns, Mini-14 / -30s. There is NOTHING that compares to shooting a Garand! It is a different animal from the rest. The loud, vocal BOOM. Firm, but not harsh push. The way it feels and aims. And of course the "ping" from the clip ejecting. You will have an ear to ear smile that won't fade until well after you're home from the range.

You need a Garand.....

I just inherited some of these bad boys and plan on going to CMP here soon to pick me out another. Unfortunately, I know hardly nothing about these rifles. Where is the best place to learn about these things as far as maintenance and function? I really want to shoot them as well. However, I have some reservations about doing so since I do not know much about them and because they are 2x my age. I want to make sure I can shoot them safely. Would it be wise to get them checked out by a smith? Also, my carbine just says cal .30 MI so I am a little confused on what to run through it. Any help at all here would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

SilentStalker said:

I just inherited some of these bad boys and plan on going to CMP here soon to pick me out another. Unfortunately, I know hardly nothing about these rifles. Where is the best place to learn about these things as far as maintenance and function? I really want to shoot them as well. However, I have some reservations about doing so since I do not know much about them and because they are 2x my age. I want to make sure I can shoot them safely. Would it be wise to get them checked out by a smith? Also, my carbine just says cal .30 MI so I am a little confused on what to run through it. Any help at all here would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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This website from the CMP lists all of the Garand's parts, as well as detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions.
http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/

Note: don't follow the rear handguard disassembly instructions. I've heard that's not the best way to take it off, that most people slide it off the barrel. In fact with my Garand I've never taken it off...I really haven't had to. I'd rather leave it be than accidentally crack it.

Go slowly and clean each part as you go.

As for function, this website has a great animation that you can really understand how the Garand does what it does internally!
http://www.garandflash.com/feeding.html

One of each...

Don't you have to be member of some gun clubs to purchase a rifle from CMP? I am not a member of anything really. I would join tge NRA but I do not feel that they use the money wisely but I may join at some point. I would like to go get one of these in the next few weeks though. Is it true you have to be a member of all of this to purchase?

SilentStalker said:

Don't you have to be member of some gun clubs to purchase a rifle from CMP? I am not a member of anything really. I would join tge NRA but I do not feel that they use the money wisely but I may join at some point. I would like to go get one of these in the next few weeks though. Is it true you have to be a member of all of this to purchase?

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Read here: http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm

It's not difficult. Example: I just got the idea to buy a CMP Garand put into my head on Sunday. Sunday as in 6 days ago. I got online and starting reading all I could Sunday night. By Monday night I had decided to do it. On Tuesday I did what I needed to do to be eligible. On Wednesday I drove to the South Store and picked out a gun. I could have just as easily sent out an order on Wednesday. (which would have been cheaper for sure)

You can join the GCA (garand collector's association) online, release the your membership to the CMP/print your receipt, and bingo...you are a verifiable member of an affiliated organization.

The marksmanship part was most difficult for me (operating on 1 day's notice, anyway). I have never paid for a training course (have been professionally trained, but don't have paperwork on it) but fortunately I know a LEO who has shot with me before so I had him fill out the form.

Just read the link above. It isn't difficult.

Another qualifying club that advertises here is Revolutionary War Veterans Association through the Appleseed Project. http://appleseedinfo.org/join_rwva.html Lots of fun Appleseed is.

The marksmanship part was most difficult for me (operating on 1 day's notice, anyway). I have never paid for a training course (have been professionally trained, but don't have paperwork on it) but fortunately I know a LEO who has shot with me before so I had him fill out the form.

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yep. that works.

they also accept a state concealed handgun license. i already had one so it was the easiest part of my qualifying for membership.

it was all actually very easy to be honest.

Well, I already have the state concealed license so I guess all I need is a membership of some club like the Garand Collector's Association then, huh?

If you go to the store, don't forget proof of citizenship. Birth certificate / passport works.

Awesome. Thanks guys. I have a passport so I will most likely just take that. Can you take one home the same day?

FlyinBrian said:

yep. that works.

they also accept a state concealed handgun license. i already had one so it was the easiest part of my qualifying for membership.

it was all actually very easy to be honest.

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Now that you mention it, I have a Georgia Firearms License, but I didn't realize that would satisfy the requirement until I was actually in the store, lol, but the nice woman at the window verified that that would have worked as well. It really doesn't make much sense, to me, because GA does not require any training to get the license. I guess the CMP doesn't want to bother keeping track of what states require training for a carry license or treat them differently.

As long as there are no NICS hold ups and you qualify, you'll take your rifle home that day. If you're going to the South Store, I recommend getting it shipped home unless you're an Alabama resident. For a service grade you're looking at $44 to ship it home, or $63 in taxes if you take it. You'll get the rifle case either way. If they don't include one, ask for an empty chamber flag. The armorer that delivered mine included one and said a few of the other guys often don't. Ammo will be delivered to your car from the warehouse if you buy it.