Does anyone know of any such pouches/holders on the market? I'd like to find something that can hold two clips (ideally, though holding one would be okay) for quick accessibility on a normal belt. Pants pockets are too slow to get into, and the only other clip holder I have is a WWII ammo belt, which is impractical to use with my regular belt. Does anyone make Kydex clip holders along the lines of the AR one-mag holders you can find for sale? Alternatively, does anyone here who makes Kydex gear be willing to try making something like this?
Belt holders for M1 Garand clips?
- Thread starter Ian
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Kor
Member
IIRC, the US Army used to have some OD green canvas 2-clip belt pouches that were supposed to be used in garrison environments, like if you were standing gate guard with your Garand and for some reason couldn't wear the full 10-pocket cartridge belt. I think a bunch of them were given to, or made for, the Greek Army when they were given M1's after WWII, and got imported back to the US a couple of years ago - try searching at www.sportsmansguide.com and www.e-gunparts.com for them, that's where I remember seeing them advertised.
Of course, this begs the question of why you need a speed-pouch for a Garand in the first place? It's pointless for NRA HighPower Service Rifle competition, you can either keep a couple in the pocket of your shooting coat or lay them out on the ground next to your shooting mat for the stages that require reloads. If you're going to shoot a 3-gun match or attend a practical-rifle class with your M1, more power to ya, but those activities are really oriented more towards rifles with detachable box magazines. If Thunder Ranch is still offering their Old Rifles Class, I believe they require all ammo carriers to be period-correct for the rifle in question, so that's out. Maybe for boonies-hiking or truck-rifle/home-defense applications?
Here's a cheap solution I just thought up - get a nylon/elastic belt slide with cartridge loops from Uncle Mike's, or scavenge the plastic ammo holders from a box of Federal .30-06 hunting ammo, Federal had them molded with belt slots. The loops should allow you to insert the four rounds on one side of your loaded M1 clip deep enough to hold the clip pretty securely, and with no flap to unsnap, your reloads should be pretty quick. If that carry method works well for you, get in touch with www.buybrownholsters.com and see if he'll custom-bend something for you in Kydex that'll be more high-speed.
Of course, this begs the question of why you need a speed-pouch for a Garand in the first place? It's pointless for NRA HighPower Service Rifle competition, you can either keep a couple in the pocket of your shooting coat or lay them out on the ground next to your shooting mat for the stages that require reloads. If you're going to shoot a 3-gun match or attend a practical-rifle class with your M1, more power to ya, but those activities are really oriented more towards rifles with detachable box magazines. If Thunder Ranch is still offering their Old Rifles Class, I believe they require all ammo carriers to be period-correct for the rifle in question, so that's out. Maybe for boonies-hiking or truck-rifle/home-defense applications?
Here's a cheap solution I just thought up - get a nylon/elastic belt slide with cartridge loops from Uncle Mike's, or scavenge the plastic ammo holders from a box of Federal .30-06 hunting ammo, Federal had them molded with belt slots. The loops should allow you to insert the four rounds on one side of your loaded M1 clip deep enough to hold the clip pretty securely, and with no flap to unsnap, your reloads should be pretty quick. If that carry method works well for you, get in touch with www.buybrownholsters.com and see if he'll custom-bend something for you in Kydex that'll be more high-speed.
Stickjockey
Member
Some of the one and two pocket leather ammo pouches made for Mausers work well for M-1 clips.
You can also stick a clip on the sling (towards the rear of the rifle doesn't swing around so bad when you are shooting) by sliding the sling between the two rows of rounds. You can do the same thing on the edge of a pocket or suspenders too.
You can also stick a clip on the sling (towards the rear of the rifle doesn't swing around so bad when you are shooting) by sliding the sling between the two rows of rounds. You can do the same thing on the edge of a pocket or suspenders too.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Go to a sactioned match and buy the issue ammo -- it comes in bandoliers.
Kor - While I have taken rifle training and shot 3-gun with my M1 (and it worked well enough that I will continue to do so), my intent here is mainly for hiking in the boonies and practicing reloads on the range.
I found those 2-clip pouches you mentioned, but Numrich doesn't have a picture of them. Will they fit on a normal 1 3/4" belt, or do they attach to a web belt like the old canteens? I like the idea of using one of the Federal ammo holders. I have a couple at home, and I'll give them a try this evening. In the meantime, I sent an email to Buy Brown about having something along those lines made. Thanks!
Malamute - That's a good idea about the Mauser pouches. Ideally, I'd like something without a retaining flap, but I'll definitely keep my eye open for some Mauser pouches to try out.
Vern - I have a couple bandoliers, but I'm not really happy with them. They don't stay in place well, and I find myself always fumbling to get clips out of them (part of this is due to the fact that my M1 is in .308, so the loaded clips sit deeper in the pockets than intended).
I found those 2-clip pouches you mentioned, but Numrich doesn't have a picture of them. Will they fit on a normal 1 3/4" belt, or do they attach to a web belt like the old canteens? I like the idea of using one of the Federal ammo holders. I have a couple at home, and I'll give them a try this evening. In the meantime, I sent an email to Buy Brown about having something along those lines made. Thanks!
Malamute - That's a good idea about the Mauser pouches. Ideally, I'd like something without a retaining flap, but I'll definitely keep my eye open for some Mauser pouches to try out.
Vern - I have a couple bandoliers, but I'm not really happy with them. They don't stay in place well, and I find myself always fumbling to get clips out of them (part of this is due to the fact that my M1 is in .308, so the loaded clips sit deeper in the pockets than intended).
The GI 2 clip pouch has plain belt loops on the back. They look similar to 1911 mag pouches, but are different. They also are intended for 15 round M1 carbine mags. At least the ones I've seen were so marked.
I doubt the Federal plastic carriers will work, as the rounds in the M1 clips are very tight together.
I doubt the Federal plastic carriers will work, as the rounds in the M1 clips are very tight together.
Burt Blade
Member
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Try a first-aid/compass pouch from the old US Army ALICE gear. That should hold a couple of Garand clips, and the pouches are generally cheap.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Well, I'll be dipped in snuff!
I took a 3-hour trail ride this morning, and left my gunbelt hanging on the newel post (I was carrying an M1927 Argentine with a Colt Service Ace conversion kit in a GI holster with a GI pistol belt.) I have an "old style" first aid pouch on that belt to carry a double handfull of .22s and a "new style" compass pouch -- with a compass in it.
I popped out the compass, and put in 2 8-round clips (.30-06). It works like a charm!! The trick is to put the first clip in base first, the second slides down beside it nose first.
Are there any other problems we can solve for you?
Sportsmans Guide has two cell HK 91 mag pouches for 1.00. They will fit two HK or FAL mags, so you could fit several clips in there. The best part is they have a loop so you thread your belt through them. You don't need Alice hooks. I'd try those or the slightly smaller Mauser pouches. The Mauser pouches would be more size efficient, but I'm not sure how they attach. There probably is some style that uses a belt tunnel instead of hooks.
Bwana John
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I have a O.D. canvas M-1 Garand, 2 clip USGI pouch I will sell cheap ($5 shipped) E-mail me jlsjbs(REMOVE)@aol.com
It also fits 2, 15 round M-1 Carbine mags.
It also fits 2, 15 round M-1 Carbine mags.
3 gun
Member
Burt has the right idea. The pouch will hold 2 enblocs, will fit over most light weight belts anywhere you want to put them and cost $5 for 3 here in Ohio.
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