Storing M1 Garand

[dodge]

For those that own one how do you store it? Hammer down on a empty chamber, left cocked or with snap caps? I recently purchased one and after getting it I purchased a 2 round clip and some Azoom snap caps so I could de-cock it for storage.

 

[NRA-Highmaster]

Hammer down w/empty chamber. To let the hammer down gently with out snap caps : pull the bolt back partially till it contacts the hammer, then depress the trigger. Then send the bolt home. For extended storage, some NM M1 guys would unclamp the trigger group so it wouldn`t loosen the action to stock fit.

 

[jr_roosa]

Dry fire won't hurt it at all, provided the chamber is empty. Even then it won't hurt the rifle.

 

[Slamfire]

Hammer down w/empty chamber. To let the hammer down gently with out snap caps : pull the bolt back partially till it contacts the hammer, then depress the trigger. Then send the bolt home. For extended storage, some NM M1 guys would unclamp the trigger group so it wouldn`t loosen the action to stock fit.

Agree on that. I unclamp and stick something through the hole in the safety to keep the trigger guard from falling out.

Next match, I wack the trigger guard to the locked position.

 

[shrewd]

shoot I always just put the safety on and let it sit with the other long guns

 

[bergmen]

Hammer down w/empty chamber. To let the hammer down gently with out snap caps : pull the bolt back partially till it contacts the hammer, then depress the trigger. Then send the bolt home. For extended storage, some NM M1 guys would unclamp the trigger group so it wouldn`t loosen the action to stock fit.

I do the exact same thing with my M1A. Didn't think about the trigger guard though, thanks for that bit of info.

Dan

 

[Geneseo1911]

I would think that constantly loosening/tightening the trigger group would be much worse for it than just letting it stay tight, but I am by no means an expert.

 

[bergmen]

I would think that constantly loosening/tightening the trigger group would be much worse for it than just letting it stay tight, but I am by no means an expert.

Only for extended storage as mentioned above.

Dan

 

[Claymore1500]

Why not just buy a Mosin Nagant, to store those you just close the bolt to keep the bugs out, and throw it under the front porch.

 

[Hacker15E]

No reason to treat a Garand gently...not even un-hooking the trigger guard to loosen up the tension on the stock is necessary.

 

[HKGuns]

Why not just buy a Mosin Nagant, to store those you just close the bolt to keep the bugs out, and throw it under the front porch.

Seriously? - Because Mosin's are crap when compared to a Garand.

Pulling the trigger guard to store? -I don't.

 

[briantf]

>>>
Seriously? - Because Mosin's are crap when compared to a Garand.
>>>

Aww, come on, I've got 8 Garands left and only 2 M-N's, but the M-N's are a quality rifle with a commendable lack of parts compared to other (*ahem* BROWNING) firearms of the same period. It's a darn sight easier to tune an M-N trigger than a Garand, if nothing else!

Dry firing Garands, sheesh, any one you touch has likely been dry fired more than you can imagine. The clever little plastic plug that lets you short stroke reset for dry firing is the best underutilized training tool ever.

Dropping the trigger group without a zip tie to hold it in risks pulling the action out, which means 5-10 clips to get the accuracy back afterwards. For a plinker, who cares, but for match prepped rifles, watch out!

Shucks, I usually leave the bolt open so nice warm air wafts through it while in storage. The stress on the spring is from ACTION, not storage, why get all worked up about it?

The 2 rd clips are not needed, nor is the SLED - your rifle worked fine for matches for 25+ years before either of those items were invented.

Regards,
Brian in CA

 

[madcratebuilder]

This!

Store with trigger guard open so you do not compress the wood.

 

[carbine85]

I store mine the same way the military does. The hammer is dropped and I wipe it down with Rigg. Dry firing won't hurt anything.

 

[MythBuster]

"The 2 rd clips are not needed, nor is the SLED - your rifle worked fine for matches for 25+ years before either of those items were invented."

Exactly. I see no need for either. When single loading put a round in the chamber and GENTLY close the bolt.

 

[Hummer70]

I store everything empty chamber hammer down. Leaving a spring compressed could lead to less striker energy as the springs can take a set and lose energy. Rifle may still fire however other bad things may show up well before you get misfires.