M1 Garand Must-Have's

[USMC Tanker]

Ladies and Gents,

For new Garand owners, it is often difficult to wade through the hundreds of threads dedicated to this fine warhorse. Though a fantastic platform, the Garand requires specific tools/products for maintenance and performance purposes.

For the money-conscious owner, what are the TRUE NECESSITIES of M1 Garand ownership?

Before a shooter on a budget takes a can of CMP surplus ammunition and an itchy trigger finger to the desert, what must he/she spend money on prior to ordering an M1917 leather sling from Turner's Saddlery?

Lubricants, cleaning solvents, greases, tools, brushes, rods, etc.

Your knowledge and assistance is most definitely appreciated!



My premium-grade M1 Garand from Garand Guy (HIGHLY recommended, military friendly)

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Nice looking Garand there!! Way nice.
Only thing you need, is a good quality lithium grease for the op rod track, and of course the usual Break-Free for everything else.
A tool for the gas cylinder helps.

 

[30Cal]

I'd get the M10 cleaning tool handle thing (combo tool)
A muzzle guide
One piece steel or coated cleaning rod
Jag, patches, bronze brush, chamber brush, copper solvent
(don't dunk brushes into the solvent bottle--it won't remove copper from the bore if you've contaminated the whole bottle)
Some grease (any kind--doesn't matter)
A good leather sling
Some clips
Local club's Highpower match schedule

Ty

 

[Titan6]

Everything .30cal said except you need bullets also. The best deal running is still case lots from CMP. I also suggest just getting the whole orginal style cleaning kit. It is about $30 but is just like the original and fits neatly into the two little holes in the but of the rifle. You will always have it and the lube on hand when you need it.

Oh, and a laser holographic site (just kidding)

That is a beautiful rifle BTW.

 

[USMC Tanker]

Thanks gents!

Perhaps if this thread takes off, a sticky is in order for a "one stop shop" for new Garand owners?

 

[USMC Tanker]

Titan, do you have a link to where you can pick up original/repro cleaning kits?

 

[MikeH]

A pack of ice for the Garand thumb, just in case.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Get the original segmented cleaning kit if only for the bolt tool (I use an aluminum rod and 'modern' kit for cleaning.

Ditto on the grease--I use the old stuff but the white lithium is better.

A spare op rod when you can get a deal on one or complete gas system is great. Never pass up a deal on spare parts--the rifle will be around longer than you will and will need things. The gas system and barrel will wear out LONG before almost every other part except (possibly) the extractor and firing pin.

Most of all, get a military manual (long version FM 23-5 TO 39A-5AC-11 or similar.

The thing I KNOW I need and haven't bought --and they are still cheap--the winter trigger kit.

And AMMO from CMP right now.

 

[USMC Tanker]

I've been curious, what's the expected lifespan of the CMP's ammunition supply?

 

[USMC Tanker]

I've already got an original FM23-5 dated 1951 thanks to a dear friend of mine.

White lithium grease, where can you find it? Is it firearms specific or can it be found at Home Depot?

 

[Sunray]

"...can it be found at..." Yep. However, any automotive supply place should have it too. Walmart will likely stock it. All you really need for an M-1 is a cleaning kit and a combo tool. Other than the bayonets, grenade launcher and sight, ammo belt(s), flash hider(it'll go on a regular rifle too), ammo(bullets alone won't be of much use), clips and full length sizing reloading dies.

 

[Titan6]

Cleaning kits (and other toys) can be had at www.cjweapons.com . They are fast and courteous. $24.95 + Shipping. I was completely satisfied.

CMP ammo - I wish I knew what the lifespan of their ammo supply is. I could order my life time supply based upon that. They raised prices recently for the first time in a year or so. Still way cheaper than anywhere else for good quality ammo delivered to your door. $.25 - $.35/ rd. The Greek stuff is a little better than the LC surplus, so far as condition goes. But they both shoot just fine.

 

[MarshallDodge]

USMC- That's a nice Garand. Does he re-barrel them? I am thinking about having mine restored.

 

[USMC Tanker]

Marshall, I believe he can.

Even if it's not listed on his website, he's very personable and will respond to emails/questions promptly and personally.

 

[dfariswheel]

"Necessary:"

A good cleaning rod.
Preferably a stainless steel or coated rod, NOT brass or aluminum or sectioned, screw-together rod. Most of us buy a "Service Rifle Rod" which is a rod made the exact length to clean an M1.
The butt stock sectioned cleaning rod is used ONLY for emergency field use. It can wear or damage the muzzle, so use it only when you have to.

A muzzle guide.
These are brass, (preferred) or plastic cones that prevent the rod from rubbing the muzzle.

Grease.
On the M1, oil is a preservative to prevent rust. GREASE is the lubricant.
In truth, any good heat and water resistant grease will do just fine.
Many National Match shooters buy Moly-Lithium grease at Wal-Mart.

An M3-A1 Combination tool.
This is THE most useful item you can have.
It's used to:
Disassemble and reassemble the bolt while it's out of the rifle.
Disassemble and reassemble the bolt while it's IN the rifle. (Best way).
Disassemble the gas system.
Tension the rear sight.
Disassemble the rifle action.
Extract a stuck cartridge.
Scrub the chamber.
Check the parts sellers at gun shows for new chamber brushes that fit the M3-A1 tool, and buy a couple of spares. Surplus tools often have worn brushes.

"Good to have":
An aluminum gas cylinder wrench.
This is a tool used to disassemble and reassemble the gas system for cleaning.
It prevents stressing the splines on the barrel and gas cylinder.
It's available from a number of sources, including Brownell's for $15.00.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...44&title=ARMORY+M1+GARAND+GAS+CYLINDER+WRENCH

 

[Neo-Luddite]

And another thought. Buy some special purpose ammo now while it is still lawful and availible. The projectiles can be bought for later reloading uses and are more easily obtained as no one that I'm aware of is currently loading AP or Tracer mil surp ammo for the .06 (Talon did a few years ago, and you see old stock at gun shows sometimes but it is overpriced).

I know, everyone will tell you don't need any AP or Tracers, or API.

This is largely true-- AP is hard on the bore and tracers have been largely rendered obsolete by night vision scopes. But both are loads of fun to shoot out of the M-1 when done on a safe range. Some API is still around, too--but it is getting rare and pricey.

Also get a few vintage m-1 carbine 15 rd 2 mag pouches--they will hold 2 clips and cardboards for the Garand also and will slip on a regular belt or (of course) a regular G.I. pistol belt.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

What do you need????

M1907 Sling
M1905 (arsenal modified to 10") or M1942 10" bayonet & scabbord
M1936 Cartridge belt & suspenders (you know, for the range)
Clips, ammo, and lots of it!

 

[30Cal]

This is largely true-- AP is hard on the bore and tracers have been largely rendered obsolete by night vision scopes. But both are loads of fun to shoot out of the M-1 when done on a safe range. Some API is still around, too--but it is getting rare and pricey.

That old-wives' tale has persisted quite a long time in spite of the study done at Frankfort Arsenal in the mid-40's.

 

[Big Duke Six]

USMC Tanker- The CMP website says they have enough M2 ball to last another 10 years.... thats gotta be a couple million rounds.....

 

[USMC Tanker]

Thanks Duke!

 

[Buckskinner]

Get the NRA publication "The M1 Rifle", found on Ebay for $10 +/-.

Has run downs on accurizing, trigger job, history, and an intro to High Power shooting...

 

[Neo-Luddite]

That old-wives' tale has persisted quite a long time in spite of the study done at Frankfort Arsenal in the mid-40's.

You may be right--but I wouldn't bet my barrel's longevity on it. The partially ferous-metal jacketed ammo won't hurt anything to be sure, and at any rate the cost of plinking with AP is now pretty much prohibitive compared to using the very good stuff from CMP.

 

[jrfoxx]

I'd get the M10 cleaning tool handle thing (combo tool)

+1 to that.It makes assembly/disassembly of the bolt SOooooo much nicer.For the $10 they cost, there's no reason to not get one and go thru all the hassles and possible pain! Also great for the Gas Cylinder Lock Screw.Hard to find a screwdriver big enough to fit and not chew it up.