M1 Garand, US Rifle .30 cal. M1The M1 Garand was the most popular weapon at our military rifle matches. It was early summer 1991 and I had recently purchased an M1 through the DCM, which is now the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). Members of affiliate gun clubs who participated in the program could buy an M1 Garand for about half it's market value. Arsenal reloaded ammunition was available cheap also.
US Rifle .30 cal. M1
It took several months of paperwork, approvals and three qualifying matches before one would arrive at your doorstep. They were guaranteed to be functional but condition was unknown. ...ANTICIPATION! Mine, when it finally arrived, was well worn and the bore had a few small rust pits. The stock was in so-so condition so I immediately refinished it. I could manage to shoot 4 inch groups at 100 yards with it. I glass bedded the stock in hopes of obtaining better accuracy. It didn't help. Some day perhaps I will have it rebarreled, but for now it shoots well enough to be enjoyable. And I did enjoy using it at those matches. Though the AR-15 guys always seemed to get the high scores, The M1 shooters seldom had problems with functioning. Those old beat up battle rifles just kept going and going. No wonder they earned so much respect during WWII. My favorite part of the matches was rapid fire. 10 to 12 shooters could put on quite a display of firepower with their semi auto rifles. Matches were typically 90 rounds each. You would think that might be a bit hard on your shoulder, but due to it's 9-1/2 lb. weight, the .30-06 recoil is moderate.
A Little HistoryDesigned by John C. Garand, the M1 was adopted by the U.S. Military in 1936. They had tested and reviewed several other rifles. Initially the .276 Pederson cartridge was considered. The .30 Cal. ball (.30-06) ammunition and Garand's design were the eventual winners.The Garand became the first semi auto widely issued to troops and proved itself in World War II, Korea and even Vietnam. They are still in use by drill teams today. During WWII they were produced by Springfield Armory, Winchester, Harrington & Richardson and International Harvester. Later on Beretta and Springfield Armory, Inc. became producers. Over 5.4 million have been manufactured. In 1957 the M14 replaced the M1 as the primary military issue. Originally designed around a 173 grain bullet, they work well with anything 150 to 180 grains. Heavier bullets can be hard on the operating rod. I tried 190 gr. bullets once and I could feel the abuse! Today you can also buy an M1 in .308 cal. A grenade launcher could also be attached.
FeaturesThe M1 is equipped with a 24 inch barrel and is 43-1/2" long overall. It is very easy to field strip for cleaning. No tools are required. Make sure of course that the gun is unloaded first. To disassemble, pull back on the rear of the trigger guard. There is a small hook like catch on the trigger guard end. Once you feel it release pull the guard all the way down. See the photo above. The trigger assembly can then be pulled out of the stock. The barrel and receiver group are free to be lifted away as well. To reassemble, reverse the procedure. In the butt plate is a hinged door covering the cleaning kit storage compartment.
The rear sight is an aperture with adjustment knobs for windage and elevation. The knobs have very well defined clicks when turning. It would be difficult to accidentally change the settings. The front sight is barleycorn style. Well protected from damage in rough conditions.
The gas operated rotating The bolt is strong and easily visible for checking lock up. 
M1 Garand 8 round en bloc clips left. The yellow one is modified to hold 5 rounds, legal for hunting in some states. These are loaded from the top and eject with a distinct 'ca-ching' after the last round is fired. Click on this link for more on loading.
Loading and firing the M1 Garand At right is the magazine release button. Full or partially full clips can be ejected with this. The M1 Garand continues to be a well sought after firearm. It has shown itself to be a very durable and accurate military rifle. The CMP continues to provide training and more for this great rifle. |
