new Garand and Carbine...now what?

[RP88]

So, I decided that it was time to owe some more money to my bank, and picked up a Garand and an M1 Carbine at what I thought were much better prices; I guess Christmas was hurting some people's wallets moreso than mine. Decided that it was now or never to grab them.

I picked up an Underwood (with Inland barrel) Carbine that was one of the Austrian Civil Guard issued carbines. It is in great shape for its age to say the least. Paid $580 out the door (or...off gunbroker after shipping and transfer)

The Garand is a Springfield rifle. everything but the bolt matches, which is an HRA bolt. It's dated 1-54 on the barrel, so it is in great shape. Paid $605 out the door.

But now...I gotta get out there and shoot 'em after I get them checked out just in case first.

What are my ammo options for both? I know that there is commercial .30 carbine ammo, but I hear that the garand's gas system does not like modern .30-06 very much, so you need to buy the lighter stuff, apparently, such as the M1/M2 ball, right? Are there any sites to look at (other than CMP, as I'm not eligible due to laziness) that would carry ammo? Is there also any way to make the Garand able to handle modern commercial loads?

and now, of course: gotta post pics. Excuse the "junk table" behind the safe.

 

[jr_roosa]

Careful, in that bottom picture you don't have the bolt all the way back. It's just hung up on the follower.

When it's like that it's like a mousetrap ready to slam on your thumb. Pull the oprod back with a little more authority.

Also when it's like that you won't be able to fit the clip in because the bolt is in the way.

The CMP is well worth the trouble for ammo. They just bought a bunch more and it will save you hundreds of dollars. They were selling 192 round cans for $75 before they ran out. The next batch will probably cost more when it becomes available in the next month or so. Who knows how much, but it will certainly be cheaper than new garand specific ammo.

You can get a Schuster gas plug and shoot regular commercial ammo, or Hornady and Federal make garand specific .30-06 loads, but they'll cost more than $1 per round. Try midwayusa.com for schuster gas plugs and garand ammo. As for surplus you can try gunbroker or gun shows, but they will take you to the cleaners.

Nice rifles, by the way.

-J.

 

[RP88]

yea, I figured out the follower tip after I took the pics (not the hard way, though). Glad I googled up a manual.

And it looks like I'll have to try out one of the gas plugs. Thanks for the tips.