New (to me) M1 Garand, what to do with it?

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SIXFOOTER

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Jan 18, 2009
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Ahhh, I have always liked this rifle, now I got one. Its an original Springfield Arms June 1942 edition if the serial number is to be believed. Now what to do with it? Its in Very good shape, not much wear and not beat up at all. Should I add flame supressor? Sniper Scope kit? Already looking for the butt stock cleaning kit, parts of it are there. The plan is use it for hunting hogs and the occasional deer, Oh and also for backup in the event of Zombie Appoclipse!
Recomendations?
 
Hi,

Well, even as a mix-master rifle, it still has value as a collector piece. So I'd avoid doing anything that can't be undone. So I wouldn't drill or tap anything or add flash-suppressors. That would kill the value of it. Besides, half the reason to use and shoot such a rifle is to enjoy it as it was meant to be. And it's really is just fine as it is.

You do understand that modern commercial ammo is loaded a bit too hot for the old girl correct? The chamber pressures are OK, but the pressures at the gas port are too high and will accelerated wear and can damage the gas system. Remember, this a 1930's designed weapon.

Two rules I was taught by old timers. When shooting the Garand never shoot bullets heavier than 180grs. and don't use slower burning powder than IMR-4320. If you do that, you and the old girl can stay in chops and bacon for a long time together. And still repel off the occasional attacking zombie horde.

dalee
 
i agree, leave her as is...they are a pinnacle of engineering for its time and an all round fun rifle to use, never owned a garand but used em a bit and liked them a lot. I still have an affinity to the SMLE no1 mkIII though since it was my first REAL rifle.
 
Carry it around a lot, to get in shape, and remember to practice reloading and listen for the "twang", in case of Zombies.
 
If it is original, don't mess with it! No stock refinishing, rebluing, or anything else. Just clean it, apply a light coat of oil, put in your safe, and sit on it. Current value is at least $1500 to $2000 bucks if it's an original Springfield and it will only go up in value from now on. Any 'making it pretty' will drastically reduce the value. Personally, I wouldn't shoot it either other than maybe a couple of rounds to ensure it does fire. I have a Garand but mine is a hodge-podge of parts so I do shoot it and love it. You can get such a shooter for $500 to $1000 so go that route if you can't leave the trigger alone. I carried a Garand for real a lot of years and they are still one of the most capable rifles ever issued to American GIs. Big, heavy, sturdy, accurate, and a hell of a firearm! If original, it's history so please don't customize.
 
Have it appraised first. Certain ones are worth some money.
 
All good advice, thanks.
I wasn't aware of the gas pressure issues so thanks for that. The short term plan is get some ammo and sight it in, then see whats what.
Thanks Guys
 
Old CW4 said:
If it is original, don't mess with it! No stock refinishing, rebluing, or anything else. Just clean it, apply a light coat of oil, put in your safe, and sit on it. Current value is at least $1500 to $2000 bucks if it's an original Springfield and it will only go up in value from now on. Any 'making it pretty' will drastically reduce the value. Personally, I wouldn't shoot it either other than maybe a couple of rounds to ensure it does fire. I have a Garand but mine is a hodge-podge of parts so I do shoot it and love it. You can get such a shooter for $500 to $1000 so go that route if you can't leave the trigger alone. I carried a Garand for real a lot of years and they are still one of the most capable rifles ever issued to American GIs. Big, heavy, sturdy, accurate, and a hell of a firearm! If original, it's history so please don't customize.
Click to expand...

If it's a real, honest-to-god, original, Springfield...this. Seriously. Post a pic, or two, while youre at it.
 
Sixfooter, If you like, PM me with some pics and description. I'll be glad to look it up in my reference materials and provide you a ballpark estimate. I've seen what you describe at local gunshows for $2000 and even more with people at the table, their tongues hanging out, bidding up the price. Original Garands have gone from $500 or so just a few years back to 2k plus. Just an example of the law of supply and demand. They ain't makin' 'em no more and they are/were a classic. Like I said, I packed one for real and always felt comfortable with the big clunker in my hands. If I couldn't shoot you, I could bayonet you or beat you to death with it.
 
I would not recommend using it for a zombie armageddon. It's too heavy and it's too loud. The loading is a bit awkward too. For zombie you'd want the m1 carbine. It's very light weight, decently accuarate at ranges that you'd engage zombies and one of it's magazine hold nearly twice the m1 garands.
 
yeah but come on, for a zombie hoard you want something you can club them with too...size comparison:

Image1.jpg


I love the carbine, but their is something about the Garand that screams "I'm here for business!".
 
Get the throat erosion checked, that'll help you decide if you should shoot it for fun/food or store it
Oh, Fulton Armory does have a few drop in rail mounts
 
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+++1 to what dalee100 and others have said relative to shooting BALL ammunition only..you could easily BEND the operating handle when you have to try and UNLOCK a stuck action..if you do lock the action up, slam the rifle butt forcefully on a hard surface. Don't even think about beating on the operating rod's handle....well, it is your rifle so you could do what you want.

M1 Garand's benefit from grease properly applied in a couple of areas..get a field manual, follow it and you'll be fine.

I have a Springfield Garand,#2842XXX, and shoot Mil-Spec ball..usually Korean surplus. I have "given" this rifle to my youngest brother who can take delivery as soon as he moves from the Chicago area to a FREE State.

Enjoy your new rifle.
 
My group of hunting buddies has frequently used them for hogs and I think they are great for that purpose, so long as you are not doing a lot of longer range shooting or shooting in very low light. Unless you have really good eyes, the standard iron sights aren't great in low light. I don't particularly like the scope mount setups I've seen.

In my experience, one should not run hot-loaded ammo in a Garand. Accuracy suffers and it's hard on the action.

DancesWithKnives
 
DWK2 said:
My group of hunting buddies has frequently used them for hogs and I think they are great for that purpose, so long as you are not doing a lot of longer range shooting or shooting in very low light. Unless you have really good eyes, the standard iron sights aren't great in low light.

DancesWithKnives
Click to expand...

Hi,

Garand sights are positively neon orange compared to issue Mauser sights. I swear you need 20-10 eyesight on a perfect sunny day to even see them. Let alone use 'em.:D:D

dalee
 
Good point. I'll acknowledge that Garand sights also seem better in low light than those on my 03-A3. However, in dim conditions I'd rather have (1) a ghost ring setup, (2) a v-notch and white or fiber optic bead or (3) a good low-light scope like my illuminated reticle 1.5-6 x 42mm Swarovski.

DancesWithKnives
 
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