Just took 2 Field Grade Garands home from CMP North Store. CMP obviously inspect the rifles and list throat and muzzle gauge #s on the rifle tags, I just assume the headspace would be checked and forgot to ask when I was at the store. I don't have 30-06 headspace gauges but I still like to know if I need to check the headspace someway, such as tape on a sized brass, or just trust CMP. You experience?
Do I need to check M1 Garand headspace from CMP?
- Thread starter HankC
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Headspace is checked as part of the inspection process. From the CMP website:
"Each M1 Garand rifle sold by CMP is an authentic U.S. Government rifle that has been inspected, headspaced, repaired if necessary and test fired for function. "
"Each M1 Garand rifle sold by CMP is an authentic U.S. Government rifle that has been inspected, headspaced, repaired if necessary and test fired for function. "
bbqreloader
Member
I was told by CMP, that even though they do a check and a test fire, still advisable to have a gunsmith check it over due to it being a 70+ year rifle. I did. Headspace was a couple thousands (termed by gunsmith) and within spec for the rifle. Plus the gunsmith tore it down, looked thru it and fired a full clip. Good to go and really peace of mind for me. This was my top wish list purchase, July of 45, got a WW2 production SA, shoots well and love learning about it. Have fun!!
OK. Thank you guys. One of the 2 Field Grade I picked from the store today has throat gauge reading 2 and muzzle 3, the other is 3 and 3. If not because of the Hackberry stock, they fall into Service Grade, hope they shoot well. Almost all the Field Grade they have at the store today are SA with hackberry stocks, only 1 is not, some sort of yellowish brown wood, not GI and has throat erosion 4, I passed it. Hackberry is not too bad and throat reading is more meaningful to me! First Garand and first 30-06! Have plenty range pick up 30-06 brass, now I just need to buy a die set!
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bbqreloader
Member
Hank, you reloading for it I take?
bbqreloader
Member
I just started loading for the garand a few weeks ago, been an education. Used the Hornady Garand data and H4895.
FL-NC
Member
These checks are a large part of what they do when they inspect, grade, and release rifles.
Yes you should definatly check headspace. Rifles are supposed to be test fired and head space checked but some do slip between the cracks, more so lately. Buddy of mine had one that would not close on a go gauge, very dangerous. Also a good idea to atleast replace the op rod spring with one form Orion 7 or Garand Gear.
The bolt actually contacts the receiver heel every time the rifle is fired. A weak spring and the heel takes a battering, cheap insurance to replace it
The bolt actually contacts the receiver heel every time the rifle is fired. A weak spring and the heel takes a battering, cheap insurance to replace it
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Here is a little note on the subject from our friends at CMP.
Ron
Just my opinion but if you want accurate measurements of headspace forget about things like using tape on a case. You may also want to note that the CMP favors the Clymer gauge over the Forrester flavor. There are places which will rent you a gauge.
Ron
GBExpat
Member
FWIW, the headspaces on all 15 of my CMP M1s (+2 M1 Carbines and 1/ea M1917, 1903A3, 1903Mk1) were good.
Yeah, I'm a bit OCD about something like that. I have the gauges and know how to use them.
Heck, I detail-strip and inspect all of my milsurps anyway ... might as well check the headspace while I have the bolts in pieces.
Enjoy!
Yeah, I'm a bit OCD about something like that. I have the gauges and know how to use them.
Heck, I detail-strip and inspect all of my milsurps anyway ... might as well check the headspace while I have the bolts in pieces.
Enjoy!
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