My first Garand

[Astro14]

Since carrying one in AOCS (Aviation Officer Candidate School....think "An Officer and a Gentleman" with Richard Gere), I've wanted an M1 Garand. I have even bought and read Hatcher's book on the rifle's history.

So, for my 50th birthday, my brother and mom sent me a check, with which I bought my first Garand. It arrived from the CMP a few weeks ago, an H&R Service grade, throat and barrel measured out at 1, some dings in the stock, some missing finish on the trigger guard and op rod tip and overall, I couldn't be more pleased with what I got.

Field stripped it (with the Gunny's words of 27 years ago describing the parts echoing in my head), cleaned up all the preservative, greased it and took it to the range on the day it arrived.

56 rounds of American Eagle 150gr M1 ammo later, all I can say is, WOW....what a lot of fun. Some moderate but smooth recoil, lots of noise, good accuracy and smooth function. Yep, my thumb is still intact, in case you were wondering.

So, my questions for this group:

Best source for parts (main spring looks worn, would like to replace)?

Best source for maintenance/cleaning/lubrication practices?

Any recommendations on either owning or shooting one?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Astro

 

[morepwr]

Good for you and congrats! I really want one of those myself.

Maybe look for a local gunsmith who may be able to get parts and replace that main spring?

 

[BISCUT]

Brownell's always an excellent source for parts. Probably a good idea to join M1A forum(s) as they usually have a Garand section.

I was friends with a retired LE whow is now a smith near Camp Perry. About 5 years a go he picked out a nice one for me and re-parkerized. I refinished the stock and it's a [censored] good gun! Lot's of fun.

 

[Robenstein]

I have a 1943 vintage Springfield that was rebarreled by Denmark. I will say that you need to be careful with what ammo you use in a garand. Easy to bend an operating rod with too stout of ammo.

And yes Brownells is a good source, you can also find stuff on Gunbroker if you need some odds and ends.

 

[strat81]

Brownells should have whatever springs you need.

The CMP Forums are the place to go for information.

Plain white lithium grease will handle your main lubrication needs. Modern greases will also work. I use Boeshield T-9 as a protectant and am happy with it.

Consider a Schuster adjustable gas plug if you plan on using non-"Garand-Spec" ammo. Bullet weight isn't the only concern - the type of powder must fall within a specific burn rate range too. Hornady reloading manuals usually have an M1 Garand reloading section.

 

[paulo57509]

I purchased my Springfield Armory M1 (S/N 140xxxx, 1943) way back in 1993 for $346 before the craze took hold. It was an Arlington Ordnance import. Short cycled, pitted barrel, ugly wood. I did what I could with my limited gunsmithing skills and figured it would be best to send it to someone that had proper tools, gauges and knowledge. It has no collector value (at least not to me and I wanted to shoot it) so off it went to Fulton Armory. Three-four weeks and $425 later, it had a new Fulton Armory barrel, worn parts replaced and was refinished.

Some suggestions in no particular order:

http://www.fulton-armory.com/
http://www.m1garand.com/
http://www.billricca.com/
http://www.brownells.com/
http://www.odcmp.com/

http://www.milsurps.com/

http://www.scott-duff.com/

Get these books! (not necessarily from Amazon):

http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Caliber-Operat...9003&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.com/The-M1-Rifle/dp/B0...keywords=M1+nra

http://www.amazon.com/M1-Garand-Owners-G...words=M1+owners

If you can come across a re-print of Field Manual FM-23-5 (1943 Edition) get it.

I almost forgot these folks:

http://www.thegca.org/

I helped compile one of their first journal indicies years ago.

 

[Astro14]

Thanks guys - some great places to start. Already have a Brownells account, already joined the CMP forums.

I always appreciate the experience of other folks when I am starting a new endeavor...

 

[dinkydau]

Own a Springfield built in 45, was issued to the USMC and later sent to Korea on a lend lease then returned to the states. Original barrel not in the best shape but still a great shooter, can consistently ring a 24in gong at 200yrds standing off hand at our local range.
If you are going to reload for it stick with 4895 burning speed level powder as that was what was spec for it back in the day by the government. 150 to 170gr bullets was also spec for the garand, you can go lighter with no problems but heavier than 170 and you can get a bent op rod. Always full lenght size the brass, neck sizing only is a big no no with auto's. Was told by an old Camp Perry shooter to use a hard primer otherwise you risk slam fires and that will happen before the bolt is fully locked and will do major damage to the rifle and your self. Ive used Winchester primers and never had a problem. Stay away from Federal primers as they are on the soft side. CCI makes a hard primer just for military rifles.
There's nothing better than hearing the enblock clip go ping when ejected! Love it. Enjoy your new/old baby. DD

 

[RW1]

Did you see that the CMP is selling Greek 30-06 ammo? Good stuff. I have a can on the way now.