August 21, 2005
Playmate Of The Month August 2005
The M1 Garand
(Click the pics)
This is my M1 Garand that I received from the Civilian Marksmanship Program for $200 bucks about ten years ago. After I completed the course the US Postal Service shipped it to my house.
Operation: Semiautomatic, Gas Operated
Caliber: .30 (.30-06)
Length: 43.6 in. (1103 mm)
Weight unloaded: 9 lb 8 oz (4.37 kg)
Barrel: 24 in. 4 grooves, right hand twist
Magazine: 8 round internal box, clip loaded, clip ejected after last round fired
Muzzle: velocity 2800 fps, 2903 ft-lb
500 yds: 1918 fps, 1362 ft-lbs
Ammunition: 174 gr bullet, 50 gr charge, Ball M1
Effective Range: 440 yds
Classification: "Standard" from 1936 until M14 adopted in 1957
Total production: Approx. 4,040,000
A favorite among dog soldiers, the Garand was a very tough reliable rifle that could pack a punch. The eight round clip gave it limited capacity and it was a heavy piece because of its large gas operated ejection system. It still managed a very loyal following and is a favorite among collectors and shooting enthusiasts alike.
Originally designed for a .276 cartridge, the US Army changed it to 30.06 before production started in 1936. The M1 garand was used in WWII, Korea, and even in Vietnam. it was eventually replaced by the M14. More info here and here
When loading the M1 a firm grip and good thumbs help with the 8 round Enbloc clip. It takes a little practice but it not that hard. When the last round is fired the clip ejects automatically. (Many did not like this feature as the sound of the metal clips hitting the ground could compromise your location). I loaded 165 grain Spitzer boattails for accuracy. Most military loads were 150-155 grain ball tips. It is not recommended to shoot anything over 180 grains as it is hard on the ejection system. Just push the lever in front of the trigger guard and the rifle field strips in less than thirty seconds.
The M1 is a blast to shoot with a distinctive bark and a helluva bite! The Metal butt plate can get old, but the gas ejection takes some of the punch out of the recoil. 11 1/4 lbs of good old American shooting history, a great addition to any collection.
Posted by BillyBudd at August 21, 2005 01:23 PM | TrackBackI always wanted one of these. When I was younger their were thousands of these being given away for almost nothing (surplus). They used to have the ones rechambered to .308. Now they are all .30 cal and expensive.
Instead of getting a brand new one I ended up with an armalite for a similar amount of money.
Posted by: gindy at August 22, 2005 11:41 AMGot mine from the CMP, too. It's an International Harvester and was completely refurbed in the early sixties for shipment to Vietnam, but never made it. I received it unfired and in the cosmoline. At the time it was refurbed, it was electro-penned on the bottom of the barrel, "Red River Arsenal".
When my son was 12, I took him out to shoot it and he put 7 shots in the black. I am convinced that the 8th one went through a previous hole because I don't believe he could have missed completely given the grouping of the other rounds.
I adore my M1 and keep it near the bed with a full clip. Always thought about going Private Ryan on some intruder's ass with it...and then bayonet him to boot. That would have the cops scratching their heads!
Posted by: Circa Bellum at August 22, 2005 11:49 AMThis one was the same with a 1965 date on the barrel, the action was brand new and I believe it came from Tennesee, in cosmoline. I will check and see if anything is written on it.
Posted by: Billy Budd at August 22, 2005 04:58 PM