The Garand put the Nazi's back in their holes and .223 brass is a whole lot harder to come by than 30-06 these days. Just my opinion 
if you could only own one, ar15 or garand?
- Thread starter FlyinBryan
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its amazing to me that even with the surge in popularity of the ar15 rifle, that the garand has led this poll just about the entire time.
we didnt have a garand when i posted this poll.
now i have 2.
we didnt have a garand when i posted this poll.
now i have 2.
skiddoo: Yes.
After standing in the actual fox holes of the 101st Airborne's E and F Companies, outside Bastogne during an excellent guided tour back in May, there was no doubt in my mind. The tours are hosted by Mr. Reg Jaans in his personal van, and he was somewhere on "Youtube" (also linked on the web, within Normandy's "Battlebus").
He knows some veterans personally, and has studied their experiences in order to let you stand where actual skirmishes/battles happened and understand what these heroes did.
The classic Garand (30-06) with wood always appealed to me much more than a polymer rifle in .223.
I wonder how a semi-automatic AR-15 (powerful .223) would have done in the dirty subzero foxholes against the Wehrmacht's 8mm Mauser rifles during the encirclement (Einkreisung), but am new at this and won't comment.
Won't "tread on delicate toes".
After standing in the actual fox holes of the 101st Airborne's E and F Companies, outside Bastogne during an excellent guided tour back in May, there was no doubt in my mind. The tours are hosted by Mr. Reg Jaans in his personal van, and he was somewhere on "Youtube" (also linked on the web, within Normandy's "Battlebus").
He knows some veterans personally, and has studied their experiences in order to let you stand where actual skirmishes/battles happened and understand what these heroes did.
The classic Garand (30-06) with wood always appealed to me much more than a polymer rifle in .223.
I wonder how a semi-automatic AR-15 (powerful .223) would have done in the dirty subzero foxholes against the Wehrmacht's 8mm Mauser rifles during the encirclement (Einkreisung), but am new at this and won't comment.
Won't "tread on delicate toes".
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Garand. 30-06 round is more plentiful and powerful and many different loads. You can get bulk ball ammo through the CMP. 8 months ago it cost around 25 cents a round through the CMP. I'm sure it has gone up and there is a waiting list. The Garand needs less maintenance and cleaning to keep it functioning properly. It is definitely a lot heavier than an AR.
krs
Member
Not so much heavier once all of the "necessary" accoutrements are added to an AR-15. The light(s), the vertical grip, the heavy optics, and batteries, never forget the batteries..
A Garand rifle is ready to go out of the box and will fire effectively to 800 yards on it's basic sight settings and with service ammo.
Garand. A classier way to kill an enemy of your country. They were good enough to volunteer to die, might as well show them some respect.
funny you should mention that, i know someone who has an unfired springfield m1a national match that he said i could relieve him of for 1300 bux.
he also has an unfired standard model that he said i could have for 1100, also a springer.
im seriously considering the nm model.
sharps59
Member
P.B.Walsh
Member
AR15, because of versitility.
But the Grand is a CLASSIC, the AR can never ever touch in that criteria.
But the Grand is a CLASSIC, the AR can never ever touch in that criteria.
DMK
Member
I own and love both. I have no wish to give up either. Both have great sights, fun to shoot and are 100% reliable.
However, from a practical standpoint, if I had to just keep one, it would be an AR15. If I wanted a collectible, I'd keep just the Garand, it's rich with history and sentimentality. However, the AR15 is more accurate, easier to shoot, easier to clean, lighter weight, much, much more versatile with switchable uppers, different calibers and bolt on accessories available.
The Garand has longer range and shoots more powerful ammo, but quite honestly I don't "need" the power or range of 30 cal. For my uses, I can't envision a situation where .223/5.56 wouldn't suffice.
"AR15A2", that I built myself
1943 Springfield CMP gun, rebuild by Deans Gun Restorations and converted to 308/7.62x51
However, from a practical standpoint, if I had to just keep one, it would be an AR15. If I wanted a collectible, I'd keep just the Garand, it's rich with history and sentimentality. However, the AR15 is more accurate, easier to shoot, easier to clean, lighter weight, much, much more versatile with switchable uppers, different calibers and bolt on accessories available.
The Garand has longer range and shoots more powerful ammo, but quite honestly I don't "need" the power or range of 30 cal. For my uses, I can't envision a situation where .223/5.56 wouldn't suffice.
"AR15A2", that I built myself
1943 Springfield CMP gun, rebuild by Deans Gun Restorations and converted to 308/7.62x51
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I voted Garand. I like the Garand. But mostly, I don't like the AR15, so if it were a choice between the AR15 and a slingshot, I would have had to ask, "what kind of slingshot?"
I voted for the M1 Garand.
I noticed that the count is very close. I suspect that lines are drawn on what Uncle Sam issued to you if you served in the armed services. I was in the infantry waaaaay back in 1958-1960. We were issued the last go around for the M1 Garands before the Army decided to issue the M 14 (7.62 x 51).
That being said, as a gunner on an .81 mm mortar, I was issued a .45 sidearm.
I also have a warm spot in my heart for the 30-06 cartridge. Considering how old it is it can still get the job done. I feel that the DD did the ground troops a disservice when they went away from the .30 caliber round, but that is just my opinion.
I noticed that the count is very close. I suspect that lines are drawn on what Uncle Sam issued to you if you served in the armed services. I was in the infantry waaaaay back in 1958-1960. We were issued the last go around for the M1 Garands before the Army decided to issue the M 14 (7.62 x 51).
That being said, as a gunner on an .81 mm mortar, I was issued a .45 sidearm.
I also have a warm spot in my heart for the 30-06 cartridge. Considering how old it is it can still get the job done. I feel that the DD did the ground troops a disservice when they went away from the .30 caliber round, but that is just my opinion.
If I were a soldier, I would pick the AR, but I'm not.
The Garand is much more practical for me because it's a much better rifle for hunting large game.
The Garand is much more practical for me because it's a much better rifle for hunting large game.
I prefer the machine that goes *PING!*
I don't have a Garand, yet, but I really want one, I've fired the AR-15, it's a nice weapon for sure, but I'm just not interested in owning one
I don't have a Garand, yet, but I really want one, I've fired the AR-15, it's a nice weapon for sure, but I'm just not interested in owning one
When I first posted, I didn't have a Garand yet....I do now! Was in the service an have had a AR since 1980....many good things about my AR I love, but I hold this CMP Garand, an look at the new walnut wood on it, I look down at the 6 digit serial #, made in Oct. of 1942, an I wonder in awe at the places or fire fights its been through, I feel the power an see the damage of a 30/06.....I can see myself selling the AR if I needed money, no big deal.....but not this Garand, what did I vote for..?......"Ping"
If you own a AR, an never shot a Garand....please do yourself a favour, get a CMP Garand, I have no regrets.
If you own a AR, an never shot a Garand....please do yourself a favour, get a CMP Garand, I have no regrets.
moooose, I was just looking through my closet, and I happened to discover that I have a rope here with your name on it.
Garands ugly? Bloody heretic!
Lordy lordy lordy, this is as tough a choice as has ever been presented to me.
I guess it would come down to the nature of the question being asked.
If I could only own one or the other, but could have any OTHER rifles I wanted? I'd go with the Garand. Plenty of other .223s out there I'd be happy with.
If I could only have one or the other, with no other weapons? I'd go with the AR. It's just too much more versatile than the Garand.
I guess it would come down to the nature of the question being asked.
If I could only own one or the other, but could have any OTHER rifles I wanted? I'd go with the Garand. Plenty of other .223s out there I'd be happy with.
If I could only have one or the other, with no other weapons? I'd go with the AR. It's just too much more versatile than the Garand.
Quoheleth
Member
This one's tough. I have an AR - wanted to get an EBR before I couldn't. I want a Garand for its historicity (is that a word?), power, elegance and doggone rugged good looks. Hey - I also want a '69 Dodge Charger for the same reasons.
But when I balance $600 for a service grade Garand plus ammo ($800 easy) vs. what else I can buy for $600 (Ciener .22 kit for my AR, holsters for CCW, a pot-wad of ammo or components, and maybe even a used .22 rifle or pistol for my daughter) it gets tougher.
One day, I think I'll blow the wad and get the Garand. Next day I think I'll get the Ciener (or other) conversion and other stuff.
Sigh...I guess I'll see what the mileage reimbursement is this month and go from there. Anyone want to offer their 2 cents for me to ponder late at night?
Q
But when I balance $600 for a service grade Garand plus ammo ($800 easy) vs. what else I can buy for $600 (Ciener .22 kit for my AR, holsters for CCW, a pot-wad of ammo or components, and maybe even a used .22 rifle or pistol for my daughter) it gets tougher.
One day, I think I'll blow the wad and get the Garand. Next day I think I'll get the Ciener (or other) conversion and other stuff.
Sigh...I guess I'll see what the mileage reimbursement is this month and go from there. Anyone want to offer their 2 cents for me to ponder late at night?
Q
lol, ya, its a decision that can drive you nuts!!!!!
all i can offer on the subject is what my own experience has been.
ive own ar15's for years, and have never had a doubt in my mind that they would always be my favorite rifles.
i kicked the idea of getting a garand around in my head for months before i did it. i just couldnt convince myself that the old workhorse would get enough range time. you know, its a very high powered cartridge, its a heavy beast, its an 80 year old design, after hearing everyones ar's and ak's at the range the garand sounds more like artillary than a rifle. i wondered how i could ever be accurate with it, getting used to the recoil, etc, etc, etc,,,,,,,,
then i just jumped in with both feet.
now i cant put the thing down. the old rifles accuracy inspires confidence when you shoot it. recoil is nothing like a 30-06 bolt gun, not even close. it feels so solid. it is amazingly accurate. most groups at 50yds are one big demolished area on the bull. its heavy, but it is balanced so well you would think it was designed to point first, and then they figured out a way to make bullets fly out of it.
now its very common for me to pack up to go shoot and dont even bother to grab my ar15's. (but i still love my ar's, but my garands have definitely became my favorite shooters. (power, power, power)
they are incredibly addictive.
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