I was wondering if this was even a good deal. The Big 5 sporting goods store in the area is selling M1 Garand military surplus rifles for $800. The one I looked at was in less than awesome condition. The stock was all scratched up, which didn't really bother me, it is a war relic. What bothered me was that in my brief inspection of the chamber I noticed it was dirty. This concerns me that the previous owners didn't maintain it. Of course the guy at the store says it'll shoot ok, but he's a salesman.
Then I read this: http://www.ehow.com/how_4595295_purchase-m-garand.html
After seeing the condition of the one at the store and reading about some of the things that could be wrong with it, I'm starting to think I should just spend the money on a new one (a store in the area is selling new ones for $1,400). I like the whole history aspect of it, and it'd be cool to own a war relic that might have seen action, but I don't want to get something just to display. A new M1 Garand would still have history to me, and I do want one I can use at the range "out of the box".
What I'm getting at is have ya'll found well functioning military surplus Garands, how much are they worth, and what are the major things I should inspect at the store before I think about buying a milsurplus Garand? Or would I just be better off getting a new one?
Then I read this: http://www.ehow.com/how_4595295_purchase-m-garand.html
Before Purchasing ask if they can do a barrel throat erosion check for you. If the shop does not have the proper gauges take the bullet of a cartridge (of the proper caliber) and insert into muzzle, if it sinks to the brass do not purchase. (unless you plan to buy a new barrel)
Tips & Warnings
* Check for a diagonal line on the back of receiver underneath the serial number (means re-weld, DO NOT PURCHASE)
* Check for pitting in the metal of weapon
* Check for stock to receiver fit (If it is too loose you can purchase a new stock relatively cheap)
* Check for a feed ramp (if present this means weapon is chambered in 308 not 30-06)
* Check to ensure that safety functions properly before purchase
* If the receiver is a re-weld DO NOT PURCHASE
* If the receiver has deep pitting or gouging be weary of purchasing
* If Barrel does not look straight or throat erosion does not pass DO NOT PURCHASE
* Make sure that ammunition is of proper caliber that your weapon is chambered in
After seeing the condition of the one at the store and reading about some of the things that could be wrong with it, I'm starting to think I should just spend the money on a new one (a store in the area is selling new ones for $1,400). I like the whole history aspect of it, and it'd be cool to own a war relic that might have seen action, but I don't want to get something just to display. A new M1 Garand would still have history to me, and I do want one I can use at the range "out of the box".
What I'm getting at is have ya'll found well functioning military surplus Garands, how much are they worth, and what are the major things I should inspect at the store before I think about buying a milsurplus Garand? Or would I just be better off getting a new one?