A couple M1 Garand ???'s

[ds92]

Hello everybody,
I have some questions regarding the m1 garand, and i know there is a wealth of knowledge and experience among members here on THR. I'm looking for an all-purpose rifle, something that i can take to the range and go hunting with, in your opinion, do you think the garand is a good choice? It strikes me as a fine rifle, but I haven't seen it too much in the field. Is there a specific reason for that?

Also I have read that m1 garands will not take modern loads of 30-06 unless they are modified (something about the gas block or piston?). Is there a modification that can be done so one could safely use modern 30-06 loads? Is this considered Garand Blasphemy for changing its original format?

Thanks, and any advice or experience regard these fine rifles is much appreciated

DS

 

[1KPerDay]

It strikes me as a fine rifle, but I haven't seen it too much in the field. Is there a specific reason for that?

It's heavy, and scope mounting options are limited. Other than that, I can't think of a reason. Garands are frickin' cool.

Also I have read that m1 garands will not take modern loads of 30-06 unless they are modified (something about the gas block or piston?). Is there a modification that can be done so one could safely use modern 30-06 loads?

Yes, there are several types of adjustable gas plug that allow using "modern" .30-06 ammo in your garand. Schuster being one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/Eproductpage.Exe/showproduct?saleitemid=777146

McCann being another.

No, it's not blasphemy... it would be more blasphemous to bend an op rod and batter your receiver by using modern ammo without the proper plug. And swapping out the original plug takes 10 seconds.

 

[61chalk]

They have scope mounts that I have been told work very well...check Fulton Armory for them if you want a scope mount for it.
Check your local laws about how many rounds you can have in your magazine when hunting, not a problem because you can buy enbloc clips that hold only 5 rds.
If I ever got to go big game hunting in another state, I would take my Garand!!!!!

 

[SquirrelNuts]

I own two of them. I run either surplus LC M2 ball, LC M2 AP, or handloads in them. It is correct that you have to use the correct powder for them. If your powder is a slow burning powder, you can damage the op rod. What happens is that if the powder is too slow, the gas is still expanding by the time the bullet hits the port in the barrel and there is excessive pressure on the op rod. It can bend, or destroy the rifle.

The M1 Garand is a fine choice for everything you mentioned. It is a heavy gun, but the recoil is light for a .30-06 compared to a bolt .30-06 gun.