M1 Garand Stock Questions

[American Finn]

Hello to all! I hope someone out there can help me with this question. I recently purchased an M1 from the CMP. The bore is nice and sharp, gauging 2's at the muzzle and the chamber. However, the receiver seems to be loose in the stock. Since I am unfamiliar with these rifles, is this common? If this is uncommon, what can I do to correct the problem? Is their a way of shimming the receiver to make it tighter in the bedding channel? I ask this because I purchased the rifle to enter the world of Service Rifle competition. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wilbur 46]

stock fit

Hi. Most CMP rifles are plenty of fun but are not always accurate enough for an international competition. The fit of the receiver in the stock is the result of compression of the wood. You can check it by stickin a couple of business cards in between the trigger group bottom plate and the stock and then latch it shut. If it is tighter, you've found the problem. You might bed the stock, but it is not legal in some competitions. The most practical way is new wood, which runs about $125 shipped. I suggest you shoot it for a while as-is and see what it will do. I have 1 as-is rack grade with a 52 bbl in sort of loose wood which will group a lot better at 200 yds than I can hold it. Read a lot of the CMP forums for specific tips and ask any questions there. They are the experts with this rifle. Have fun,and Regards, Bill

 

[nbkky71]

Congrats on delving into service rifle shooting! We can always use for folks in our sport.

If you're going to be shooting CMP-style Garand matches, then a stock M1 will probably do fine to start with. However, the rules are particular about the rifle being in 'as issued' condition and shimming/bedding is not permitted. Replacing & fitting the stock will help though. Expect the rifle to shoot around 3-5" groups at 200yds using ball ammo.

While an M1 will get you into the game with NRA Highpower and CMP EIC/Trophy matches, it's not going to give you a competitive edge against match-tuned & accurized rifles.

If you're *serious* about shooting the M1 across the course, then your best course of action is to find a reputable gunsmith who can overhaul your rifle. The pricetag can be steep and a tuned M1 can usually hold it's own in a match. To give you an idea, I had a .308 match M1 built for about $1800.

Don't let that disuade you though. There are folks that have earned their Distinguished Rifleman's badge with an M1!

 

[American Finn]

Thank you!!

Thank you gentlemen for your assistance!! I am going to break it down and completely clean it first, and then take it to the range and see what it can do. If I am not satisfied, I will purchase a new stock for it. If I may ask another question: can you recommend any printed material that I should read before I start to compete in Service Rifle competition? What I am really looking for is a guide for the beginning shooter. Thank you for any help that you can provide.

 

[Onmilothesameone]

Service Rifle Match rules do allow bedded stocks if the bedding was done as part of an Arsenal rebuild program.
Examples would be Danish issued rebuilt rifles and rifles rebuilt by government arsenals.

Fresh bedding and rebedding is not legal for Service Rifle Match competition.

You can buy a decent replacement stock direct from the CMP that should be tighter than the issue stock, they aren't always.

Some good gunshows have dealers that offer genuine GI stocks and you may be able to trial fit your rifle to a replacement stock that is tighter and then trade your stock for the tighter stock.

 

[30Cal]

If I may ask another question: can you recommend any printed material that I should read before I start to compete in Service Rifle competition?

I would, but I think it's better just to show up and ask for help and borrow whatever gear you need (whatever you might be tempted to buy first is probably the wrong gear anyhow). Reading is no substitute for shooting.

You'll need a two clips, 88rds, a mat if you have on, a sweatshirt, sunscreen and a sandwich. I think the CMP sent you a yellow chamber flag; you'll also need earplugs and some eye protection.