Newbie M1 Garand questions.

[TimH]

I've been bitten by the Garand bug. I don't own one but plan to. I have basic knowlege of what to look for when purchasing a rifle. I have the ME & TE gage to check barrel condition. I have never handled a Garand so I have a couple real simple questions so its not too obvious that I don't know all that much about them. Does the bolt lock open? I'm guessing it does but I'm not sure. If it does lock open how do I unlock it or maybe I should say where is the release? I know there is a multitude of thing to look for when buying a Garand. I'm not looking for a clloectors piece just one that is in decent shape without a shotout barrel. TIA for you help....Tim

 

[carolinaman]

Hi there Tim,

Here is a helpful link:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/garand/index.asp

Enjoy your new aquisition.

Chris

 

[Swampy]

Tim,

Three words...... "Civilian Marksmanship Program"

Go here: www.odcmp.com

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[Grumulkin]

Garand

When the last shot is fired, the bolt is held open and the 8 round enbloc clip ejected by the magazine follower. When you put the next 8 round clip in, the bolt will close (watch your finger) chambering the first round. If you want to close it without a clip, just push the magazine follower down with your finger and it will close (use the other hand to let the bolt close gently so as not to smash your finger); really pretty simple.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is great fun and participation gives you a path to Garand ownership that's a bit more economical than an off the shelf purchase at your local gun store.

 

[Chipperman]

Yes the bolt does lock open.
After getting the Garand you can test the bolt closure yourself.

Here is what you do:
1. Call 911 ahead of time.
2. Lock back the bolt
3. Take your thumb and push down on the magazine follower
4. Bandage thumb while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.



Being bitten by the Garand bug means getting M1 thumb shortly thereafter.

You have been warned.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

With the M1, pull back the bolt -- if the rifle is empty, it will lock back.

If the rifle is not empty, hold the bolt handle back with the right hand and press the clip latch on the left side of the receiver with your left hand. The clip will eject, and the bolt will remain locked back.

To release the bolt, put the edge of your right hand on the bolt handle and push back. Then press down on the magazine follower with your thumb. Allow the bolt handle to ride forward a fraction of an inch, remove your thumb from the receiver and move your hand smartly upward.

To load, use the same procedure -- except that you insert an enbloc clip and press down on that with your thumb.

Never let the bolt handle get out of control.

 

[oneshooter]

This may be of some help.

http://www.garandflash.com/


http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/

And welcome to the sickness that is Garand shooting!

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[jefnvk]

Being bitten by the Garand bug means getting M1 thumb shortly thereafter.

Still have yet to be bit, after owning mine for a year now. Don't see how you could, unless you are sticking fingers where tehy don't belong.

CMP is the best way to get one, but they are running out.

 

[Onmilo]

I'm with the other posters on this one.

Buy your rifle from The Civilian Markamanship Program.
If you order a Service Grade Rifle you can be assured of getting a rifle with a good and shootable barrel and a well written basic operation manual is included with each rifle.

You close the bolt by pressing down in the magazine follower while pulling back slightly on the operating rod handle with your other hand.
Use a firm grip and be careful while doing this or you will feed the thumb that is pressing down on the follower into the chamber.
The resulting injury is fondly known as an "M1 Thumb".

An M1 is a wonderful rifle and well worth owning so don't let this glitch in the basic design from turning you away.
Most folks only do the M1 thumb thing once and never do it again

 

[Roudy]

M1 Thumb

Hi Tim,
Just finished reading the responses you got from your query. I've been shooting the M1 since 1963 and haven't gotten my second M1 thumb.....you only get one. It hurts so darn much that you learn very quickly.

Just don't let those sissies talk you into using both hands to close the bolt!

 

[Trebor]

With the M1, pull back the bolt -- if the rifle is empty, it will lock back.
.

One extra tip: Make sure when you pull the bolt back to lock the action open, that the bolt is ALL the way back. The bolt can easily hang up on the follower. In that case, the action will stay open, until you put *any* pressure on the follower, at which time the bolt will fly forward and smash your thumb. If you look in the action though, it's pretty easy to tell the difference between the bolt being locked back and being just held in the place by the follower.

 

[P-32]

Like others have said go with a CMP. Couple of reasons. Some times you can find a great price on a M-1 in stores like Big 5 for example. The reciever will not be USGI and could be out of spec. Or it could be a USGI reciever which has been rewelded. I would think it would be best to leave spotting a reweld to those who know what to look for. The counter guy would no be real happy if you pulled the rifle off the stock to take a quick look.

 

[TimH]

Thanks Again for all the responces!

I finally received my C&R license in the mail yesterday so that'll make buying from CMP much easier. I won't have to go to the range and get range master to fill out live fire form. I think I may order one as early as this coming week. Of course with Christams and all there is alot of place for $ to go.

Regarding M1 thumb I've often thought that as long as you held the bolt back while putting in the clip you would be OK. I know Roudy thats the sissy's way Again I don't know a whole heck of alot about these rifles. I ordered one of Scott Duff's books yesterday. That should help also. Thanbks again