M1 Garand Questions

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WOLFGUNNER5150

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I recently bought a M1 Garand but have little knowledge of the inner workings of it.
I’m set to pick it up on the 5th but will have to wait till the 8th to get it due to security concerns were I work. So I have time to pick up a few things. What I am looking for are suggestions on what DVDs, books, and accessories to get and the best place to get them. I’d also like to know who makes the best ammo (30-06) and where to get it the cheapest.
I’ll post on a few different sites and let you all know what I come up with.

Here is a link to my newest pride and joy:cool:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-rifles-m1-special.shtml
 
The Complete M1 Garand by Jim Thompson is a good book to have lying around. It helped me solve two different problems with my rifle.
 
The M1 Garand: Owner's Guide by Scott Duff
Dewey coated Service Rifle rod
Dewey brass muzzle guide
M1 Gas Cylinder Wrench from Fulton Armory or Orion 7 Enterprises
Lake City M2 Ball surplus or Greek HXP surplus ammunition from the CMP

The best ammo is probably Federal Gold Match .30-06 with 168gr BTHP and is probably the only commercial ammunition that is Garand safe. Garand safe refers to the fact that modern .30-06 ammunition is loaded with powder that has pressure that exceeds the safe operating range of the Garand's operating rod. This is why most people stick with USGI M2 Lake City surplus ammunition from the CMP (or the newly available Greek HXP surplus that is M2 spec). Lots of people claim and do shoot commercial .30-06 ammo in their Garands and claim they have no problems. This may be true, but they can't see the negative effects that the "out of M2 spec" ammo is having on the oprod, whether it be a bent oprod or damaged/worn oprod lugs/tabs. It's a lot cheaper to get a case of M2 spec ammo from the CMP than it is to get a case of new commercial .30-06 ammo and a new/repaired oprod.
 
CMP has a booklet called "Read this first" or something like that that they ship with every M1, or it can be bought fro $4-5. It has everything you need to know about the m1 in it. I'd send it to you, but I already sent my copy to anotehr M1 newby.
 
The original bible is Hatcher's "Book Of The Garand". Originally published around 1948--but very thorough. The man was on the scene for a lot of what he writes about. The newer ones are ok (I have most of them) but this one is the go-to book for me.

Kuhnhausen's book on Service Rifles is excellent but overkill for most.
 
Yikes....$1500.00 msrp for a Garand?? You know how many Garands you could get from the CMP for that??

But, to each his own. Can't think of anything to add that the others haven't covered, except buy lots of ammo :D
 
Are those books good for helping you troubleshoot? I have been thinking about where or who I can get help with a Garand I have.

I have one Garand that I bought 2nd hand that came from CMP. It would not feed reliably at first, but I eventually realized it had a bent op rod. I replaced that and it is mostly reliable these days. Sometimes, it will eject, but not pick up the next round. I figure there is something in there wrong or something I am not doing right.
I have another CMP gun I got from CMP this year and it operates just fine.
 
Go to www.ODCMP.COM.

There is a forum there with very kind people with a lot of knowledge. Also, instructions on stripping the rifle, cleaning, lubbing, etc. Most of what you need to know is there, without having to purchase any books.

Once you get your M1 and fall in love with it, THEN go and buy some books!:D
 
MechAg94 said:
Are those books good for helping you troubleshoot? I have been thinking about where or who I can get help with a Garand I have.

I have one Garand that I bought 2nd hand that came from CMP. It would not feed reliably at first, but I eventually realized it had a bent op rod. I replaced that and it is mostly reliable these days. Sometimes, it will eject, but not pick up the next round. I figure there is something in there wrong or something I am not doing right.
I have another CMP gun I got from CMP this year and it operates just fine.
Click to expand...

The Kuhnhausen shop manuals are probably some of the best books for gunsmithing.

As far as your Garand not feeding the next round, it could be cause by a number of issues.

1. Check to make sure the rifle is properly lubed.

2. Check to make sure the gas cylinder lock screw is tight.

3. Use proper M2 spec ammo, preferably USGI Lake City M2.

4. Replace oprod spring. Stainless steel spring from Orion 7, preferred.

It could also be a bad gas cylinder or undersized oprod piston which would result in short stroking of the oprod.
 
I would suggest a muzzel guide for the cleaning rod since M-1's are cleaned from up front. Be sure to grease the right places.

Ammo: CMP has Lake City Ball for sell which makes great brass for reloading if the crimp is removed.

Remmington green box in anything below 180 gr.
PMC with 150 FMJ's
Federal Gold match in 168's
Black Hills below 180's
Korean M-2 ball with lot numbers starting with a P should all be M-1 safe.

As already brought up, replace the op rod spring as a starting point to fix the short stroking.
 
Also, the Korean "PS" headstamp ammo is supposed to be non-corrosive. The "KA" headstamp is supposed to be corrosive. Usually, the people selling it will say which they are selling. It normally comes in bandoliers and clips if you need them. The KA is the cheapest I have seen if you don't mind using it.
 
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