I do not like my Garand (fits like a 2x4)

[ID-shooting]

I went down to Taladega CMP a ways back and came home with one of the $650 rack-grade refurb Garands. New barrel, new stock (walnut with CMP cartouche) , new re-finish on all parts. I love the rifle as I bought to shoot and do the ocassional vintage rifle match. I just hate shouldering the thing. Of all my milsurp guns, it fits the worst. It literally feels like I am holding a 2x4 up to my shoulder. Way to wide, LOP too long, no ballance, and feels heavier than it should. As I look at it, it seems there is a lot of excess wood. It is very proud where it meets the metal and seems much thicker than it needs to be. Not "sleek and sexy" but fat and bulky. I hope this makes sense.

Anyway, as this is not a collectors Garand, I know value will not be affected. Any of you Garand guru's ever slim down a Garand stock to have smoother metal to wood transitions and to give it a better feel in the hands?

 

[GooseGestapo]

A matter of perspective....
The M1 is a “battle” rifle. Different “necessities”....

The stock is designed to absorb and endure being used as a battering ram, bayonet pike, and butt stroking uncooperative enemies!
For the most part, it stood up well to the many demands placed on it.

Some original vintage walnut stocks aren’t as “proud” as the Boyd’s stock used by the CMP. You can take some sand paper and gradually work it down, but be careful not to remove wood from critical areas.

Personally, I’m quite fond of the M1. Even “medaled” with my CMP “Special” shooting in the inaugural JCG Garand match.

But I suppose it’s like Beer. It’s an “acquired” taste!