Posted on 09/27/2009 4:55:32 AM PDT by ryan71
In my day it was the M1 Thumb. Whatever, it hurt like hell. And lasted for a long time.
I’ve had one or two in my experience. Yes, it hurts. Right between where the fingernail starts and the first knuckle...hurts somethin awful....
ask away ... just know I am not an expert, just one that loves and has a passion for garands ,,,,, and most anything else that goes bang
My first memories of going to the Army-Navy stores were the tables of 1903’s and Mausers stacked up like cord wood.
I sure didn’t think they would become scarce.
And the Woolworth drug stores even sold M1s back then.
There are two categories of people that have a lot experience with garands. Those that have lost meat of the thumb and will sheepishly admit it. The other category are flat out liars.
It happened once .. I learn to keep my palm flat against the receiver ... no doubt it will happen again when I am lost in admiration ... not paying attn.
It is like being a pilot. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots
If you want to see a thing of beauty, try looking up Garand’s video demonstration of going through the motions with one of his rifles....he makes it look like smooth as silk cycling....
My M-1 Carbine (circa 1942) is my favorite rifle. Upgraded with a Picatinny rail and a holosight, it is a dream to shoot and much more accurate (for me) than with the sandard iron sights.
Yikes! I had forgotten about the smashed thumb agony with the M1. The Browning Automatic Rifle or BAR was also a heckuva weapon. Clyde Barrow used a sawed off version. I wasnt very good at assembling either one blindfolded.
Sorry, I’m not a victim of M-1 thumb but it did almost happen when the follower was holding the bolt back instead of the lock. The bolt kicked my thumb out of the way so I was lucky. It won’t happen again.
The Garand was a miracle at the right time just as the British Spitfire.
very cool
From what I recall, it’s been more than 50 years now, it always takes you by surprise. You get used to putting the thumb in there depressing the gadget and letting go of it and the bolt at the same time. You do it time and again, over and over. And then one day, BAM!
***I get nearly sick to my stomach every time I see it. ***
Years ago one of the major gun magazines had a photo of a beautiful walnut base with a gold plated “demilled” frame from a .45 Auto on it. The author of the article had it done to remind himself how the US gov then destroyed billions of dollars in PUBLIC PROPERTY to keep it out of public hands.
“but again one must be a CMP member to order.”
No CMP membership is required or actually exists (technical nit, I know).
1) What you do need is a notarized purchase form for the first time (they file this for future orders) stating you are buying this for yourself and not for resale. Subsequent ammunition orders can be online, but all firearm orders must either be by mail or in person at the two stores. They are based in Alabama with the original store in Ohio at Perry.
2) Evidence of marksmanship activity (pistol permit, FFL, shoot a match and have send in your scorecard...).
3) Membership in a qualifying organization (most State Associations, many gun clubs, the Garand Collectors Association, or the US Armed Forces.)
As of today, by the way, they are out of M2 ball. They’ve been out of US M2 ball for a year now.
Technicaly you are correct.
However, the first time I applied in person, I found that my CCW license, nor my DD214 carried no weight at Camp Perry. It was not a big deal, at that point I did not have a notarized purchase form either. I went home to SW Ohio, got the form notarized, joined a local CMP org for 25 bucks and 9 months later I was notified that Camp Perry was about to release for purchase their new line “special grade” I made the purchase, waited 9 months and recd. it.
At the same time I ordered a “correct grade” and struck gold, all parts came from the single manufacturer, and it was in very good to excellent condition, and I only paid 50 dollars more for it than I did for the “special grade”
For actual shooting purposes the “special grade” is by superior.
and yes again, by rule, techically you do not have to belong to CMP.
However, I will tell you this. Becoming a very active member of CMP locally has led to countless hours of enjoyment and great friends. It is one of the best things I have ever done.
Interesting. I think I used my pistol license for my “marksmanship activity” proof. That was some years ago. Although I’m a member of an affiliated club, I joined the GCA since they actually had membership numbers. ;)
A DD214 should have passed for proof of marksmanship activity. It wouldn’t necessarily for “qualifying organization”.
http://www.thecmp.org/eligibility.htm
““special grade” I made the purchase, waited 9 months and recd. it.”
The Specials are the rebuilds with new stocks and barrels.
“At the same time I ordered a “correct grade” and struck gold, all parts came from the single manufacturer, and it was in very good to excellent condition, and I only paid 50 dollars more for it than I did for the “special grade””
All the “correct grades” have parts from the same manufacturer (or correct to the rifle, like an IHC with an LMR barrel). I’ve got two cosmoline soaked “Corrects” from back when the HRAs were available. These were “Greeks”.
The Specials are assembled here in Alabama. Rifle sales are HQ’d here.
“and yes again, by rule, techically you do not have to belong to CMP.”
Technically you don’t belong to the CMP. You are an approved customer. A “local CMP org” is just a shooting club that affiliated.
Have you joined the CMP forum?
I just received my authentic Expert Marksman badge from the trip to the range in 1951, through the help of my congressman. That oughta do it.
Do they consider squirrel pelts?
(not mine, but close!)
“I just received my authentic Expert Marksman badge from the trip to the range in 1951, through the help of my congressman. That oughta do it.”
You really want them to keep that on file? ;)
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