Is 8 Rounds Enough?

M

M1Rifle30-06

New member
I just bought another Garand yesterday. A 1953 receiver, and it has a chopped down black polymer stock. While it's not the same elegance as a restored WW2 original with a beautiful walnut stock, I have one of those too.

But I was shooting my new Garand today, and it got me thinking...

It's about the same length (due to the short stock it has) as a full size 20" AR15. It's a bit heavier, but I don't mind as it keeps the recoil at a very comfortable level. I can shoot 8 rounds of 30-06 pretty quickly and accurately. Overall it's very accurate, reliable, and powerful.

But, as a "go to rifle", NOT counting SHTF situations, but as a truck gun, rural home defense gun, and outdoors rifle, would this 8 rounds of 30-06 and a reload be enough for every situation? Yes it's old, heavy, and only holds 8 rounds, but still...
 
I read an account of an enthusiast using a Garand in a 3-gun match, and while he didn't win, he did OK. Apparently changing clips isn't all that much slower than changing magazines, even if it has to be done more frequently.

Practice (safely...) changing clips, and the Garand will be fine.

Unless you are thinking of team entries and "dividing the pie" with the muzzle. I'm not sure it was ever intended for that role. :)
 
I read an account of an enthusiast using a Garand in a 3-gun match, and while he didn't win, he did OK. Apparently changing clips isn't all that much slower than changing magazines, even if it has to be done more frequently.
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I can actually reload an enbloc clip into the Garand much faster than switching magazines on my M1A. With the Garand all you have to do is stuff a clip into the receiver and you're ready to go. With the M1A/M14 you have to manually take the old magazine out, drop it or put it away, and get out and insert a fresh magazine, then release the bolt.
 
One shot could be enough, if you can hit your target. If you can't make good, consistent hits, extra capacity won't help.
 
One shot could be enough, if you can hit your target. If you can't make good, consistent hits, extra capacity won't help.
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Some say you should have more than 8 rounds, due to the possibility of multiple threats, misses, and such.
 
What are you expecting to encounter?

Yes 8 shots will be fine for dam near every situation.

Apart from if your house is being attacked by more than 8 people, but if you are then I think apart from a light machine gun your chances of fighting them off is extremely low.
 
As long as you can reload it, should be enough.

My estimation is that any mammal in north America could be brought down with three shots of 30.06 maximum. With one shot doing the trick in nearly all situations.

If two don't do it, you need to start hitting pelvis bones or something
 
8rds, as long as you hit you should be fine. If you run into multiple scumbags I think the report of the gun will probable do its job in scaring the #^*^ out of them, especially if it’s in your house. :eek:
 
8 rounds enough?

Lighten up and go fishing, relax just a tad. Look at all the folks defending their rural properties with SxS shotguns, six shot revolvers, Rem 788's (3 or 4 shots), and well- just about any other bolt actions only hold 3-5 rounds.

Or, get that M1 Carbine you asked about in the other post loaded up with 15rnds and... I don't know... go fishing or something to get your mind off your place being overrun.
 
Will it be enough for every situation? No.
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There are probably situations in which an entire Armored Division would be of no help ...... and many more in which it would be more harm than help ......

You do what you can can with what you have, so choose wisely.
 
I think the report of the gun will probable do its job in scaring the #^*^ out of them, especially if it’s in your house.
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I'm sorry, I just can't see the soundness of that advice- it's just too much like the nonsense of racking a shotgun or 1911 slide to instill fear. If this was a drug-free world, my views may differ- but please folks, either you have reason/grounds to fully engage or not. A home invasion is no time to try various scare tactics. Verbal commands first if feasible, then up the ante if needed.
 
I won't get in to the 'scaring' aspect of it, but a 150gr .30-06, taking in mind shot placement, should to do the trick.

If it takes more, react accordingly.
 
8 rounds enough?

Lighten up and go fishing, relax just a tad. Look at all the folks defending their rural properties with SxS shotguns, six shot revolvers, Rem 788's (3 or 4 shots), and well- just about any other bolt actions only hold 3-5 rounds.

Or, get that M1 Carbine you asked about in the other post loaded up with 15rnds and... I don't know... go fishing or something to get your mind off your place being overrun.
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I'm not worried about being overran at all. Actually, I'm not sure what situation I would need more than 8 rounds of 30-06. It's the constant barrage of people saying you should have more than 8 rounds cause of "Murphy's Law" and such that makes me wonder.
 
ping

The Garand and 8 rds and cal .30-06 defeated the Nazis, the Japanese, the N. Koreans and Chinese, and not a few Viet's. It will work for you too.
 
Would it be enough? Probably.

Will it be enough for every situation? No.
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Look at the average number of rounds fired from a rifle in self-defense in civilian situations. I think that number is between one and two. Obviously, any fight you may be could deviate from the average, which is why people advocate that you always have at least one full reload available. What are the odds you're going to have to fire 16 rounds of 30-06 at someone? What are the odds of a Mumbai-style terrorist attack in your area? My guess is that you'll hit a $500 million dollar lottery before that happens.

You probably won't need your rifle and you likely won't be near your vehicle if something happens. So, carry a good pistol with at least two full reloads. If an attack does occur, and you're lucky enough to get your rifle, then by all means rip though a bunch of Garand clips and put them down. But, I doubt any of that will ever happen. I think your odds of pulling the rifle out to shoot a varmint are far, far higher :D

The Garand and 8 rds and cal .30-06 defeated the Nazis, the Japanese, the N. Koreans and Chinese, and not a few Viet's. It will work for you too.
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As did the hundreds of guys in their units. You forgot to mention the planes bombing the enemy, all that artillery and a whole bunch of tanks. I highly doubt any of that will be available to him in the event something happens.

Now go buy one of these:

http://www.antipersonnel.net/fmco/005.html#5
http://olongapooutfitters.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=9
http://olongapooutfitters.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=15
http://www.originalsoegear.com/m1tray.html
http://www.originalsoegear.com/garand.html
 
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chopped

Did not intend to not recognize all support forces in the conflicts I mentioned. Guess I did a sort of drive-by though.

Some type of violent civis disorder is a possibility, witness the trouble after Katrina, the LA riots, etc.....

BAck to rifles, I've always thought chopped "tanker" Garand in .308 would be a good GP/utility rifle, as well as the 16" variant that is being offered by some shop up north (can't remember nothing)

If I think of the chopped Garand shop I'll repost
 
back again

The chopped Garand is Shuff's Mini -G.

I carry may Garand ammo in simple cloth bandoleers, made for .223, or old surplus bando that are similar.
 
If 8 rounds of .30-06 (16 with your back up clip) won't stop whatever it is that needs stopping, I don't think you are in need of extra capacity... what you need for that is a howitzer :D:D
 
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