I can't believe I bought my "New" M1 Garand today!

R

Rome

New member
Well, it finally happened. I was there at the right time and place when this beauty happened to be there so I bought it at an acceptible price and left walking on air. I finally got myself a Sprinfield Armory M1 Garand.

I went to the shop today to actually purchase a "rack queen" that had been sitting there for a few months. I'd done a ton of research on a Czech VZ52 semi auto rifle and finally located ammo for it. I figured that I'd buy a couple of cases and shoot it for a couple of years. I had the VZ on the counter, all stripped down and it looked really good. So, I buttoned it up and was waiting for the salesman to come over to start the paperwork. While I waiting, I notice what I thought was a Garand sitting quietly in the rack about five rifles down. I walked over and picked it up and got the "chill" that said "take me home". I couldn't believe it. So, back to the rack for the VZ and on the table with the Garand. It is a fine shooter begging to be cared for. Original receiver and barrel. Replaced trigger and misc parts. The stock is very nice; probably replaced. But it is a shooter with all the right parts. So, right now I'm happier than Buch with the Floriday Sec. of State! I'll do a complete tear down, cleaning and reassembly over the weekend and do some initial shooting next Tuesday.

Sorry for the long post but I just had to tell somebody! I figured my fellow TFL'ers would understand.

By the way, if that weren't all, my wife AND daughter informed me that they both want their CC permits in February and the only thing my daughter wants for her 18th birthday is a pistol of her own!!! Oh baby. It just doesn't get much better than this!

Rome
 
Darn, all my daughter likes to do is dance on the Dance Team and put on make-up. Good purchase- Have fun..Best, J. Parker
 
"Sorry for the long post but I just had to tell somebody! I figured my fellow TFL'ers would understand."

I understand Rome! Biggest problem that I have had with wife and oldest daughter is I let my wife hunt one time with my 25-06 Rem 700 and had hell getting it back. Biggest fight with daughter was when she wanted to buy a .25 Auto and I kept telling her that a .22 would be better. She still has a hearing problem (won't listen to her old man) she bought the .25 lol.
 
The same has happened to me...

and you know that it was destined for you to meet. What else could it be? Love at first sight? Congratulations on your M1 and may it give you countless hours of shooting pleasure.
 
My regular gunshop has a couple of Garands on the rack, and I am tempted BUT

I know nothing about them. How do you tell a junker from a good shooter?

Thanks for any help.

Hawk
 
M1 selection

Hawkman:

I've been reading and researching the M1 for so long that I could almost see the one I'd eventually own. The only thing stopping me was the price of the basic "shooter". Paying almost $600 for what I wanted was just too high and the prices have steadily increased as the supply of rearmored rifles has begun to dwindle. Now, pretty much all you see are old M1s with CAI (Century Arms Intl) receivers costing $450 and have spotty reputations. Finding an old warhorse is becomming very hard, indeed. I even have a friend who is an extremely serious military colletor (travels the world) and he's told me that the old widows who show up with militaria to sell have all done their research and know the value of what they're selling. No one is willing to sell an old GI M1 for $100 anymore. So what do you look for?

Understand that you'll never if ever find a weapon with all matching numbers. These rifles have all been recycled and rearmored over the years. But that doesn't mean you can accept just any parts.

First, I looked at the reciever. Is it an authentic military issue? Then inspect the barrel although it can be replaced at a reasonable cost. Then check any other part just like you would any other rifle. It is really that simple. A reputable shop will point out defects, too. Just ask. I have the luxery of stopping by the Sprinfield Armory Museum whenever I want so I can research parts right from the source, including how to tell a barrel is bent.

I've read posts from so many TFLrs about finding that special weapon that you just know you have to have. I've handled many pieces over the past years but never wanted to own very many of them. I've purchased the ones that I've desired. Each piece says something to me. Sometimes, however, you just have to wait for a little while until it shows up. I was at a gun show this Summer and passed up dozens of M1s because none of them was really what I expected let alone the price. This one particular rifle shows up totally unexpectedly when I've already decided to select a different rifle. Fate does play interesting games.

Before I bought one of these, Hawkman,I'd do some reading on M1s and I'd also try shooting one. I've discovered that few, if any, fellow shooters would deny someone the opportunity to try a new weapon that they have never shot before. If you see someone firing an M1, ask to try a shot. Maybe you won't like the recoil on this rifle. It is pretty noticable. When we shoot rifle at our range, we all offer everyone the change to fire a few rounds from our very different rifles. It is great fun and good experience.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind posts. This Tuesday pm I'll be taking the M1 for a test spin. I'll have the range officer (military shartshooter) do an inspection first. After I'm satisfied it shoots, I'll start the cleaning and tuning it deserves. I especially looking forward to stripping the stock and bring it back to original. (I'm a cabinetmaker.I guess my wife's new dining room table will have to wait one more day!) I hate shiny finishes.

I'll provide a range report soon.

Rome
 
I had to pass up a Springfield 1942 receiver/43 barrel with original stock, GI web sling, correct trigger group, and the barstock (I believe that is what they are called) rear sights. Almost all m1's no longer have these, from what I understand. In short, it was absolutely beautiful. How much was the owner asking? $550. I siply didn't have the cash. This occured only a month and a half ago. A person in the group I was with did purchase it. When I asked him later what he would be willing to let it go for he replied "About $1200". Ah well, maybe I will find another one some day.
 
Rome,

Thanks for the reply. The one I am looking at right now is a Springfield Armory receiver. I checked it out last night and it looks good. Bore is in excellent shape, stock has a few dings, but otherwise is in good shape. I couldn't find anything obviously wrong. I'll probably test fire it today.

The shop is asking $600 for it, which seems to be the going price around here. I'm going to check the serial number for date of manufacture just for the heck of it.

Hawk
 
Yeah our gun laws suck in Canada, but I picked up my Danish-returned 1941 Winchester Garand for $130 US. Beautiful once I scrubbed all the gunk off of it. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but the barrel looks pretty good too, so I'm expecting a good shooter. Our local milsurp gunshop is advertising a "Family Pack" of 4 Garands for $375 US. Enough to make you cry isn't it? When can I help you move in?
Clead.
 
Hi Rome,
I know the feeling. I purchased an M-1 nearly two years ago
from National Match Amory (located near Fort Worth Tx.).
So far a nice 'parts' rifle. It is bedded, decent trigger; a heck of a good shooter. The Parkerizing of the parts is a combination of two different colors (gray-green & black-green); sounds odd but looks good.
At one time I was going to accquire one from the 'DCM', but
I'm not thrilled at spending $$ for something sight unseen.
Have fun with yours,
Bob
 
So Canada is good for something after all huh? ;)

Wonder if I could get that 4pack of US M1's for 375, make that like 6 4-packs.... :D
 
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