M1 Garand. Do I buy it?

[C-dub]

Hey Austin Boy, did you get that M1?

Everyone else, I also might have a chance to get an M1. My BIL mentioned that he knows someone that has one and wants to sell it. I mentioned it to the wife and she seems interested. I'm curious about something, though. I always thought the M1 was chambered in 30-06, but I've noticed a few here and there that say they are chambered in 7.62 or .308. Are these knock-offs or replicas or what?

All USGI M1 Garands are chambered in 30-06. The M14 (M1A) is .308 (7.62x51).

Thanks. That's what I thought.

[G26ster]

Hey Austin Boy, did you get that M1?

Everyone else, I also might have a chance to get an M1. My BIL mentioned that he knows someone that has one and wants to sell it. I mentioned it to the wife and she seems interested. I'm curious about something, though. I always thought the M1 was chambered in 30-06, but I've noticed a few here and there that say they are chambered in 7.62 or .308. Are these knock-offs or replicas or what?

All USGI M1 Garands are chambered in 30-06. The M14 (M1A) is .308 (7.62x51).

Thanks. That's what I thought.

I did not count the U.S. Navy Garands that were chambered in .308. Those would be USGI also, so I guess I was wrong.

[C-dub]

All right. It looks like I might really get to see this rifle and it is for sale. $800 cash and includes several clips and about 150 rounds of 30-06.

Since the only time I've seen one of these is at a gun show and never really came close to buying one I haven't become too familiar with them. The seller says that it is in excellent condition. Other than the cosmetic stuff, what else do I need to check before buying. Although the seller is a stranger to me, my BIL knows him and he should be easy to contact if there is something wrong with the gun. I would also like to fire it or see it fired before buying. Does anyone think that is unreasonable?

[G26ster]

Best advice: Join the CMP M1 Garand Forum today! Right now, and ask your questions there. You will get immediate advice from Garand experts. Takes about a minute to join.

http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jeff B.]

$800 cash and includes several clips and about 150 rounds of 30-06.

On second thought, maybe I should take a peek at this weapon... Want to share the seller info? I sure wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you!



BTW, just kidding... that sounds like a pretty fair deal. Garands are only getting more and more scarce. One day, like the Springfields they'll only be available as re-sales.

Jeff B.

[C-dub]

$800 cash and includes several clips and about 150 rounds of 30-06.

On second thought, maybe I should take a peek at this weapon... Want to share the seller info? I sure wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you!



BTW, just kidding... that sounds like a pretty fair deal. Garands are only getting more and more scarce. One day, like the Springfields they'll only be available as re-sales.

Jeff B.

I'm checking out that forum G26ster recommended. There's just not enough time in the day to be on that one and this one and work.

I already have a 1903 Springfield made by Remington. It's almost all original. My dad took the original stock off because it was too heavy and put a sporterized one on. Except for the striker, I think everything else is original from when it was made sometime in 1944. If I do get this M1 it will be a great addition and I'll bring it with me to Elm Fork next month to show off.

[igotta40]

I just bought one on March 9 at the CMP South Store in Anniston Alabama. I drove out there from Pasadena to see them in person. It was worth the drive to me (I was going to Florida anyway). It's a Springfield Armory, made in November 1943.

A quick check of the barrell condition can be done by inserting the correct (30.06) bullet into the end of the muzzle and then gauge how far the brass case is from the muzzle. You should have 1/16" at the minimum. If the bullet slips right in, the barrell may be shot out.

If the front handguard is loose and rattles a bit, it's okay, that's normal.

You can run the serial number through a M1 database and get the month & year of production.

[ammoboy2]

Garands in 7.62x51 are sweet, besides the Navy Garands there were no USgov built rifles, but all it takes is a barrel swap. It is a good idea to have the receiver well block or 762 marking to differentiate from 3006 and prevent a mix up. The Navy rifles were rebuilds or rifles with barrel chamber inserts. The insert version were unsatisfactory to dangerous.

Besides barrel chamber, muzzle, and bore condition the next item of concern would be op rod piston condition and receiver tab. The rest are replacement parts if the receiver is in good condition. It would be difficult to wearout the forged recievers.

[DEB]

I just bought one on March 9 at the CMP South Store in Anniston Alabama. I drove out there from Pasadena to see them in person. It was worth the drive to me (I was going to Florida anyway). It's a Springfield Armory, made in November 1943.

A quick check of the barrell condition can be done by inserting the correct (30.06) bullet into the end of the muzzle and then gauge how far the brass case is from the muzzle. You should have 1/16" at the minimum. If the bullet slips right in, the barrell may be shot out.

If the front handguard is loose and rattles a bit, it's okay, that's normal.

You can run the serial number through a M1 database and get the month & year of production.

This When I got my M1, I noticed the loose handguard and shimmed it up tight. After I did so, when I shot it, all the shots were far left. I removed the shims and viola, all the shots were back on. I then took to reading and talking to several of my friends with M1s. I found that the barrel has to be floated. So, as my Garand came with a new CMP stock, I sanded down the stock everywhere it touched metal and really improved my shot group. Garands and other wood and steel military firearms really get me going, love 'em.