.308 M1 vs. .30-06 M1 - Which do you prefere and why?

[Blain]

am just curious which do you prefere to have your M1 chambered in and why? .308 or .30-06? If you could have one new M1 chambered in either caliber (for the same price) which would it be and why? Why do you like that peticular chambering better than the other?

Also, are there any chrome lined barrels for the M1 rifle?

 

[Backwoods]

I've got both. The 7.62 is an accurized match rifle and the 30-06 is an "as issued" example I got from the DCM. As to which is "better" than the other, that depends too much on other factors. Ammo for the .308 is easier to get these days, that may be the biggest "real" factor involved in the situation. The design restricts the bullet weight and velocity that you can utilize to the point that there really isn't much to choose between the two cartridges. Both will handle the recommended max bullet wt of 180 grains at about 2600-2700 fps. Most of the arguements beyond this are based on intangible concepts. You will probably get several arguements either way.

Both my M1s feed, function, and shoot just fine. Pick either caliber, you'll probably be ok.

Don in Ohio

 

[Blain]

Does your .308 have a spacer?

 

[DMK]

I'm seriously considering rebarreling my M1 to shoot 7.62x51 NATO. Mainly this is due to ammo availability and ease of logistics (ie. I won't need to stock 30.06 anymore). There is some very excellent 7.62 surplus ammo out there right now and the only thing that comes close in 30.06 is the Danish M2 which is kind of pricy when you can find it. I have a couple .308 rifles, but my Garand is the only one that shoots 30.06.

 

[Snowdog]

Blain, are you talking about an M1A1 Springfield compared to a Garand?
I think that's possibly what Backwoods was referring to. M1A1s are chambered in 7.62x51 and do not need a spacer.
However, I could be wrong about Backwood's reference.
Personally, I would rather keep a Garand in .30-06 (I'm a sucker for nolstagia ).

M1 A1 (7.62x51/.308Win)

M1 Garand (7.62x63/.30-06)

 

[Sven]

Springfields M14-type rifle is sold under the registered trademark "M1A". No extra 1 at the end.

 

[mbott]

.308 M1 vs. .30-06 M1

.30-06: Just as John C. Garand meant it to be.

--
Mike

 

[Snowdog]

Ah, right you are. I suppose the M1A1 is best known as the Thompson.

 

[ninjalawyer]

IIRC, didn't Garand intend it to be chambered for a cartridge in the .260 to .280 range?

 

[Kevlarman]

.276 Pedersen, correct?

 

[mbott]

I believe the original design was for a .30 caliber rifle, which changed to no less than .276 which then reverted back to .30 caliber.

Commonly called scope creep in the project world.

--
Mike

 

[glockten]

Actually, when I bought my M1 I had the opportunity to get either caliber. The store had one of each in stock.

I chose .30-06 because I wanted an example of the rifle that my father and millions of other GIs used to win WWII. They weren't carrying .308s.

 

[Backwoods]

Blain:
Yeah, my .308 has a spacer. All it's for is to insure that you don't load a clip of '06 in your .308, doesn't help the feeding or anything else. If you think you want/need one, I think Brownells sell them.

Don in Ohio

 

[foghornl]

.30-06, as originally made. Mine is a 1955 vintage International Harvester with the LMR barrel.

 

[Turk]

If I remember right you allowed to use the M-1 in 308 in High Power Service Rifle since the Navy way back when chambered M-1’s in that caliber for competition.

When my brother got into High Power Service Rifle matches he wanted an M-1 since that’s what he had in the Army and never liked the M-14. He purchased a Springfield Armory National Match in 308 due to the available of the ammo and components especially the brass (surplus). I don’t think the case can be made one calibers is more accurate than the other? About the same time I purchased a Springfield Armory M-1A Super Match. I like a box magazine fed rifle over the clip loading of the M-1. The funny thing is my brother shot the M-1 for quite a few years but now shoots a AR and said he’d never go back to the M-1 maybe his age has something to do with it.

For me I like the M-1 in 06 as it was designed it’s a fun and dependable rifle to shoot.

Have a good day.

Turk

Please remember to pray for our troops.

 

[BamBam-31]

For me, ammo availability was a huge consideration, so I rebarrelled to .308 when my old barrel was about done.

Port, Aussie, S.A., Hirt. What kinda .30-06 surplus is there? Danish, Korean, LC. Price vs. quality, the .308 surplus looks better, and there's more of it.

And I bought the spacer block for peace of mind. My buddy's Garand is still .30-06.

 

[TODD3465]

Well at one time S.A. Inc. made a variant known as the M1-A1 .
It had a shortened barrel and flash hider also a folding stock was an option.
But, that was along time ago befor all the assault weapon ban garbage.

Back on the main topic.
Unless restricted by some stupid gunlaw my preferences would be M1 for the '06 and M1-A for the .308.
Just to keep the ammo matched to the design, just a personal thing.


But I always did want a S.A. INC. "Tanker" Garand in .308.

 

[Slingster]

Todd:

I believe the Springfield Armory, Inc., variant you refer to was the M1A-A1.