m1 garand question

[mister_wilburn]

My question concerns the operating rod on the m1 garand and the m1a/m14's. I should note that I fire left handed. With a two handed grip on the rifle (no bench rest) would the operating rod's action cut up my palm or thumb if it came in contact with skin? I dont intend to rest my palm on the rod, but I know how things get with rapid fire. I am seriously considering adding a M1/M1a to my collection, mainly as a battle rifle, with secondary duty as a deer gun. Thanks guys for helping me out with this question, the internet is worthless.

 

[Gator]

An awful lot of left handed servicemen have managed the M1 and M14 over the last 60+ years without that problem. If you hold the rifle correctly your hand/arm shouldn't be in the way of the op-rod.

 

[robmkivseries70]

Welcome Mister_Wilburn,
I shoot left eye and left hand. I always had my left hand at the grip to the rear of the receiver. Nowhere near the op rod on either piece. HTH
best,
Rob

 

[Ian]

Nope, your palm won't contact the op rod. Doing so requires you to really wrap your hand up around the stock, to the point that it would be pretty awkward to hold and fire the rifle.

 

[mister_wilburn]

thanks guys, now to convince the household 06 that its a wise investment, and I'm on my way to a new springfield M1 garand.

 

[hso]

new springfield M1 garand

Why buy a copy when the real thing is still available for much the same price?

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Not much lower anymore---and SA Geneseo does offer a lifetime warranty.

In 100 years our grandkids will be making the judgment on the receivers used in the current SA rifles. I'll bet they'll be OK. But no doubt--I'd bet my life that there will still be MANY original receivers on the firing line giving hard use in a century. I have '44 and a late '55.
The M-1 Garand is the '62 Vette that you can race hard without concern about wearing it out.

It is still a VERY credible battle rifle--I wouldn't carry anything else in that role. There are handier rifles, newer rifles, lighter rifles---
but you never worry about training to 'double tap' with a Garand.


Don't fear the 'OP rod', you'll be fine. It would be an un-natural grip that would grab the op. I'll tell you this--you won't do it twice!

 

[Gator]

new springfield M1 garand

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Get a better one from Fulton, Orion, or The Garand Guy for the same or less money!

 

[Sunray]

I shoot left handed too. Never had an issue shooting any semi-auto. Take until October to convince management. The CMP says they'll be taking orders for a real M-1 in October. The Springfield is an expensive copy. They won't even publish a MSRP, but figure on about $1500.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

They'll go for about $1200 from SA Genesseo--the problem is availability. It's sketchy to be sure. A nice original will better serve in probably 90% of cases.
But still, those folks make a good product. Not an original, and it's a cast receiver---but the process has come a long way. I know, the hardware store owner tried to talk me out of oil based exterior paint in favor of latex the other day--NO WAY. Similar line of thought applies to Garands.

If SA Genesseo offerend a liftime warranty that could be enforced by a lawful heir---that might be a slightly compelling reason. But then again, why bank on them existing in 100 years. I hope so--but lets be cautious.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Dunno about the Springfields, but when the CMP rifles were avaialble it was an easy discussion re investment: $700 at the local gun shop or the same thing at $425 at CMP. Instant 65% return on investment.

 

[mister_wilburn]

500 or less is a deal for the rifle from CMP. Which grade would you recommend for my purposes? Or rather, which would you not recommend? I'm looking for a rifle that is going to outlive me, seeing as how I refuse to part with firearms, never have...October isn't so long afterall.

 

[Sunray]

"...Which grade..." There's no information on the CMP site about the rifles they're expecting. I'd lean towards a Service Grade if the CMP didn't have this silly idea about having to be a U.S. citizen to buy from them. Any rifle is going to out live you though. Firearms are the only mass produced thing you can expect to hand down to your kids. Except maybe for a refrigerator.
If you need to do all the required qualifying stuff, June, July, August and September are good months to do it. Being warm and all.
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/eligibility_requirements.htm

 

[NC-Mike]

CMP is coming out with a new grade of Garand called "Select Grade."

They are assembling what parts they have into these rifles. I believe they will have new barrels and CMP stock sets. I think price was going to be 1,200 or so. Expect the Select Grade Garands to sell-out fast.

There's also another ship load of M1 returns from Greece that CMP will get it's hands on next year.

If I was after a Garand now, I take the advice of the poster who recommend Fulton, Orion, or The Garand Guy.

 

[mister_wilburn]

I went to a local gunshop today and shouldered a few m1a's. The basic model and the scout. (left handed) My thumb rested right on top of that op rod, its fairly comfortable below it, but that isn't a good sign. I dont want that thing operating in the vicinity of my thumb. Well, as much as i do like the feel and solid character of the weapon, seems like I am going to have to steer away from it, for now. unless i can fire one a few times and see how it works in action. Maybe an AR in 308 or 260 would be better for me.

 

[Oohrah]

Not sure of left hand operation. Marine Corps, everyone fired
right handed reguardless what hand you favored in your other life.
No exceptions !!! Can't recall what the exceptions did or even
if they admitted to it. Only recall one who did not at least qual-
ify as a marksman. I wonder if the empty cases would be more
of a problem, rather than an op rod?

 

[cdrt]

My McCoy M1 converted to .308 throws them forward so it has never been a problem.