Posted on 12/02/2009 4:23:41 PM PST by Chasaway
Just picked up a 1943 M1 Garand.
What I'd like to know is...EVERYTHING about the Garand.
1. I need to know where to get ball ammo to feed it (it's a bit scarce, as far as I can tell);
2. I'd like to know the best data sheet/book on the Garand (breakdown, cleaning, greasing, etc.);
3. The best info I can get on making the weapon as accurate as possible (peep sights on the current configuration);
4. Where I'm most likely to pick up the best (and best valued!) accessories for it (slings, parts, etc).
I know...I should Google all of this. I HAVE! The Google results are enormous! But as always, FReepers have been the best on gun stuff!
And it's my bet that there are some Garand owners/aficionados on FreeRepublic...
Any thoughts or ideas...or even comments about the rifle?
Thanks in advance...
Chasaway
I’m going to guess that using modern 150-grain that does not significantly exceed the muzzle velocity of standard M2 ball is probably going to be OK. I would NOT recommend 180 grain or higher.
Heavier bullets (at the same velocity) will cause higher pressure at the gas port, and thus more stress on the operating rod. In order to push a 180-grain bullet out at the same muzzle velocity as M2 150-grain, the chamber pressure has to be higher.
That is what I suspect the problem is. I won't advertise that as fact, I don't know. I think I will get the adjustable gas port just because. Thanks for all of your input. The M1 is a fine rifle, no wonder those men loved them.
Well from what I remember: The M1 Garand is a .30 Caliber, gas operated, air cooled, shoulder weapon. At least my DIs in basic used to tell me that. I love the M1 and the M14 also. Congrats on owning one.
You butt stroked the shushi chef at kabuki with that didn’t you ?
If you’re really serious about the best possible care for your M1 - knowing such things as complete assembly/disassembly (right down to the screws), function of all parts, troubleshooting, accurizing, and so on, you really should invest twenty-five bucks or so on the DVD version of American Gunsmithing Institute’s “M1 Garand/M1A Armorer’s Course and Technical Video.”
They make the best sort of study materials, with clear visuals of each step, and their instructor, Master Gunsmith Bob Dunlap, has forgotten more about the inner workings of firearms than most human beings ever know.
In each video, he strips, cleans, lubricates, and reassembles each and every weapon from the tiny parts on up, discussing issues along the way. Then he gets into accurizing, customizing, and accessorizing each weapon.
AGI videos have taught me more in a short period than I learned in two decades of shooting/hanging around the range/talking it up with hardcore members of the Old Timers Club(among whose membership I now count myself).
The videos are well worth the money and the time, whether you’re a duffer just starting out or an Old Timer well known at the range.
Highly recommended.
American Gunsmithing Institute
1325 Imola Avenue West #504
Napa, CA 94559
707-253-0462
By the way, I am NOT a paid - or in any way compensated - spokesman for AGI; I just happen to love their videos!
Join the NRA and request their information on every firearm in existence.
“Squantos, can you help here? Who else on here might know?”
The problem with commercial ammunition is the pressure curve.
While any commercial .30’06 would be “safe” to fire, as long as CHAMBER pressure is within SAAMI limits, PORT pressure can greatly exceed the design limit on the M1 resulting in a bent operating rod. So, use M2, buy the Garand load from Hornady, learn to reload, or buy an adjustable gas plug.
Feller had it coming for serving folks bait instead of dinner!
“I have some of the Greek surplus ammo. It is mil ball, but it is hot loads. So I don’t know why commercial 150 would be harder on the rifle.”
Greek HXP is not “hot”. It is loaded to M2 ball specs.
Thanks for the info.
That claim was according to Fulton Armory on their web site when I ordered mine.
“That claim was according to Fulton Armory on their web site when I ordered mine.”
They can claim that, but they seem to have removed it from their website. It’s not correct.
http://www.fulton-armory.com/RecommendedAmmo.htm#greek
“Thanks for the info.”
You’re welcome and welcome to the wonderful world of Garand ownership. You can never own just one.... ;)
Reloading info here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20000620055732/home.att.net/~Masterpo/M1load.htm
If archive.org is acting up, try again the next day.
There’s one reference to “IMR 4094” powder ... to the best of my knowledge there’s no such thing ... should be 4064.
Fairly decent bullets here:
http://www.wideners.com/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8440
You shoul;d becom very familiar with this site. The CMP can provide everything you will ever need to enjoy your new toy.
From the NRA’s American Rifeleman Magazine:
http://www.americanrifleman.org/Webcontent/pdf/2009-6/200961711142-garandpedersen.pdf
(I Thing the article was published this past June.)
Also, go to this NRA search page and search for “garand”:
http://www.americanrifleman.org/Search.aspx?query=Garand+site:www.americanrifleman.org
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