What to build on a Garand receiver?

D

Derek Zeanah

New member
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I purchased a "B" grade receiver from CMP half a year ago; I've
recently sent it to Fulton Armory to get it in the queue. I've only
got a few months to figure out what I want it to come out as. ;)

I guess the big questions are:
1) .308 or 30-06
2) do I want a Krieger "heavyweight barrel" or not?
3) What sort of reliability will a "competition" or "peerless" grade
rifle exhibit compared to a stock M1? I'm guessing the differences
are going to be due the the bedding, but I don't know what that
really means as far as cleaning the rifle, etc.

This is going to be used more at the range than anywhere else, but it
may see some hunting use and will provide some peace-of-mind in SHTF
scenarios (I grew up in Los Angeles but was stationed at Benning
during the riots. You never know what might happen, even here in
GA).

Anyway, my feelings are mixed. .308 availability is greater than
that of 30-06, but I'll be reloading soon (Santa!) so this won't
matter as much except in worst-case scenarios. I'd prefer to see
flawless reliability, but I've heard bad things about "target-grade"
semis.

What do y'all think?

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Go for it but go with 30-06 -- then stockpile. Buy lots of good brass (a few thousand cases) and other components as you feel the need. Get a good load that the rifle likes and stay with it. IMR 4895 is the powder of choice for the Garand gas system, bullets up to 175 gr max. Make a lot, shoot some and stockpile, then don't worry about shtf scenarios.
 
dzeanah,

What bad things have you heard about "target grade" semis? The only thing I heard of is problems with GI ammo in match-grade chambers (match-grade chambers are reamed to close tolerances and GI ammo might not properly headspace).

Since you are paying Fulton Armory a whole bunch of $$$, You might talk to Clint.

If it was me, I would pick .308, but I already have a pair of service grade Garands in 30-06. Some say there is slight accuracy edge with .308, but you would never see it at normal hunting ranges from a Garand.
 
I'd say competition grade w/standard weight barrel 1.1 MOA, sounds good to me. If your shooting highpower or CMP matches go all the way, if not I think you might be spending to much for another .1 MOA. I'd ask Clint about your expectations as well so he can put you where you want to be. To late now but did you check out Orion7 at http://www.m1garandrifle.com ?

Brian
 
1. Get a .30/06. The Garand was designed around this cartridge. The pressure curve is enough different for a .308 that it takes a good 'smith to make the conversion reliable. (By all accounts, Fulton Armory has VERY good 'smiths.)

2. Unless you're into serious highpower competition, get a standard weight match barrel. The Garand is already heavy enough for the uses you described.

3. Reliability should be fine in any guise, if built by a good 'smith.
 
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