WOO-HOO, "mini" range report! And another pic:
I didn't have a chance...ok, I didn't really take the TIME to go to a place and set up proper targets at a measured, longer range than what I had at my disposal. I made do with an old milk jug and flat piece of cardboard at a...let's just say "NOT long-range." Pretty accurate, and had some darn entertaining results (like hitting the cardboard sheet "just so" to make it go flying up off the hill)!
I found the "kicks like a mule" rep to be a smidge overblown, IMHO...
Anyhoo...right off the bat, I noticed that I had to "help" the bolt close on the first round of a clip. Maybe I was causing that problem: Being wary of "Garand Thumb," and not sure how much time I'd have to get clear after seating a clip, I'd use my off-hand to hold the oprod back while putting in a clip.
Now, I took Swampy's advice earlier to heart that the Garand DOES NEED GREASE. Er, problem is, I missed the part about parts of the trigger assembly needing it until AFTER I got my workout for the day by getting the trigger guard back in. I wish my guard had the 'loop' in the back - but as it is, a piece of steel cleaning rod helped me get the leverage I needed.
So anyhow, I'm hoping that lack of a proper lube was what led to the following situation on each clip:
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM .....??? *ch-clack* BOOM BOOM-PING!
IE: Once per clip (twice on the last one), the action would cycle just like normal EXCEPT the hammer wouldn't cock!
I'd work the oprod and chamber a fresh round, and then things would get moving again.
ETA - any good tricks for separating the stock from the receiver? I'm afraid to apply a WHOLE lot of 'elbow grease' to get the job done, but I haven't found any other way yet...
ETA2 - D'OH! Uh, maybe it's because I didn't close the bolt...:embarassed:
