M1 Question

[Cyborg]

I am getting ready to join a local club in the Civilian Marksmanship Program and buy a surplus M1. I wanted to pick the collective brains of the group here.

At the CMP store they have M1 Garands and Carbines. I want something that I can use against targets out to 200 yds or so (distance vision won't allow me more'n 200 or so max without a scope) - don't ask what I want to shoot.

Now, which is more powerful? Also, how much of a problem is the little 5-round clip (I think that is what you would call it since it isn't a full blown magazine) on the Garand?

Pros and cons on both, if you please folks. I am looking for an affordable weapon that is usable for hunting both varmints and larger game (deer).

Thanks in advance,
Cyborg

 

[USSR]

Cyborg,

The M1 Garand is MUCH more powerful. If your intention is to hunt deer, then it is the only serious choice.

Don

 

[Doug S]

M1 Carbine, short, handy little carbine with a choice of 15 or 30 round magazines. You can find commercial ammo pretty easily, and even some decent defensive ammo. As far as I know M1 Carbine ammo is non-corrosive. I would choose this one if I were looking for a defensive carbine. I've had two, and both were completely reliable.

M1 Garand, significantly bigger and heavier, as well as, significantly more powerful. 8 round clips. Harder to find ammo. If going for a hunting gun, this would be the choice. I haven't shot my Garand yet, but I expect it to also function reliably barring any unusual issues. From what I've read it might be a little more tricky loading the clips than the carbine magazines. Also, unless you find commercial ammo, the ammo will be corrosive.

Both are neat pieces of history, and fun to research. Both should do fine at 200 yards. From reading the above, you might get the impression that I like the Carbine a little better, but that is not the case. I like them both. If I had to choose one, I'm not sure which I'd choose.

 

[marsche]

The M1 Garand is a 30-06 and the M1 Carbine is a 30 Carbine Caliber. The 30 Carbine is comparable to a mag pistol round. There is no comparison between a 30-06 Springfield and a 30 Carbine cartridge. The Enbloc clip used in an M1 Garand holds eight rounds. I am not sure what you mean about problems with the Garand clip. For a deer rifle the 30-06 has it, hands down.

 

[FlyinBryan]

i would say you definitly get the garand first.

also get your ammo from the cmp.
the price has gon up but you can still get 192 rounds for 75 bux and its already in clips.

its an extremely powerful round for a soft kicking semi auto.

and their pretty too

 

[CZguy]

The carbine was designed as a defensive weapon to replace a sidearm. It could be shot at 200 yards, but you would really be stretching what it was designed for.

The .30 cal. carbine cartridge is really only useful on people (my opinion) and isn't worth much as a hunting round. This is based on a bad experience I had back in the seventies trying to use it for deer hunting. The best thing I can say about it was it is easy to carry.

The Garand doesn't suffer from any of these limitations.

The carbine is a fun little plinker, but it was way more fun in the sixties when there were tons of cheap surplus ammo.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

Don't use factory hunting ammo in your Garand.The pressure curve is completely different from Military Ball. You may end up with a bent operating rod and other damage to your rifle. Use only mil-surp ammo ,unless you install an adjustable gas port from Brownells or one of the other large parts suppliers.
These are great old rifles ,and part of our American heritage.I hate to see them get damaged or destroyed. Many are lost each year because of being fired with hunting ammo.