Storing the M1 Garand ?

[pdh]

Is it best to unlatch the trigger group assembly on the M1 while being stored?

Thanks all

 

[sigman4rt]

The way I was taught was to leave the trigger group unlatched on an M-1 Garand when storing so it won't compress the wood. This also holds true for M-1A's and I would suppose for Ruger Mini-14's with wood not synthetic stocks. Synthetics won't compress. Will leaving it latched hurt anything, dunno for sure, but leaving it unlatched doesn't cost anything and it can't hurt. Hopes this helps.

 

[Mac Attack]

I asked the same question on another forum and most of the replies said they took their trigger assemblies out. Several people said that for a older CMP M1 which may be as old as 60 years, that the wood would have already been compressed during storage to the point it would not make a difference if you keep it in or not. I just finished refinishing my stock using the Dishwasher method and found that the wood expanded overall. When I put my trigger assembly back into the stock it was nice and tight unlike the way it was when I first received it. For the record I keep mine out.

Mark

 

[pdh]

Thanks guys...I kept the trigger assembly unlatched on mine and it makes sense too.

 

[Publicola]

Unlatch the trigger group then remove it. Then take a thick sock & put it in the trigger group. Pull the trigger to uncock the hammer (the sock is necessary to prevent any damage) & make sure it's lubed. That's the best way to store a Garand for long periods.

The trigger guard will compress the wood over time, & a loose lock up will hurt accuracy. Letting the hammer down just saves the hammer spring. probably not a big deal but it doesn't cost a thing as long as you cushion the hammer's blow.

That being said, why would anyone want to store a Garand? lol

 

[Steve Smith]

FWIW, I would not remove the trigger group from a match prepped rifle...I would just unlatch the trigger guard.

 

[cracked butt]

I'm wondering if unlatching the trigger guard then relatching it later doesn't compress the wood more than just leaving it latched all the time that its not in use?