Which is the best of the M-1 Garands?

S

Scott Evans

Staff Alumnus
If I were out to purchase the best of the best in a M-1 Garand where would I go and what would I buy and why?

My goals would be reliability in function and better then average accuracy (without building a Match gun) in a rifle that would last for generations.

What am I looking for?
 
A documented CMP rifle. I think the individual preferences for, say Springfield, etc, is more of a personal preference than accuracy-performance, etc. You can REQUEST a specific make, but might not get it. All rifles are used, but guaranteed issue grade, meaning it will be a shooter, not a wallhangar.

If no CMP documentation, you're getting substandard, unspec receiver.

Look up CMP, it's really painless to qualify, and runs $500 plus, I think, $28 or so shipping, delivered to your door.
 
Most Garand Nuts tend to agree that when considering just fit and function the best rack grade M1s are the late production Harrison & Richardsons. These rifles were made in the years after the Korean War under peacetime quality control standards by a top notch manufacturer that knew firearms, and the rifles benefited from all the modifications, improvements, and learns that came from 15 years of Garand production that preceded H&R's contact.

If your interested in sentimental value the HRA is dead last. They weren't used in WWII or Korea and never saw much (if any) action in combat. Again, considering strictly fit & function after H&R the peacetime Springfields are probably the best, then wartime SAs, then Winchester, and lastly International Harvester.

Now, collector interest is almost the complete opposite. The IH Garand is highly collectable because of low production, numerous variations and well documented production snafus. Winchesters are always in demand because of their wartime record and commercial name recognition. Wartime Springfields are very common but still have sentimental value, postwar Springfields are the best rifles the Armory ever made but many have mixmaster parts and lack the history of being used in the "Big One."

Peoples' opinions vary, but that's my take. -- Kernel
 
Also consider the Danish grade for $400 is a great buy especialy if you get a nice VAR barrel. The danish will be a US receiver with a mix of US and European parts. Good luck.

Brian
 
Listen to Kernel...he knows of what he speaks

Agree with all above. I prefer wartime Winchesters *slightly* ahead of Springfields, but for my own esoteric and strange reasons. My personal working gun is a Springfield, and has not failed me in 1000's of rounds.

What I really want is a all original Rockola M1 Carbine! These are the real hens teeth!
 
Well, You can say all you want but the DCM/CMP in years past was a great way. I think that you may still be able to find some keepers. My Winchester came with a Springfield barrel and bolt from a Springfield rebuild in 1955. It was like new and was in the wrap.
dcm-garrand.jpg
:D These days I don't know of a single source but once in a while you will see a nice example at a gun show.
Good luck in your quest.

Hank
 
The CMP rifles are the way to go. Try a Danish for breakfast!

Now I get to gloat - I found a Winchester Navy Mk2 Mod1 7.62
Trophy Rifle at the Richmond gun show last weekend for
thr very reasonable price of $750.
 
CMP is not what it use to be. I bought two last year and they won't compare in quality with what use to be sold in the mid '90s. Of my two recent acquisitions, one shot over a 1 foot group (nick at crown) at 100 yards & the other a more acceptable 6" group. Be that as it may, I would still prefer to buy a gun from CMP than from a dealer and I would especially stay away from any of those new CAI produced Garands.

Remember, if you're receiver and bolt are sound (mate well), you can always buy a better barrel, glass bed it and have the trigger honed.
 
Scott - You've gotten a lot of good info.

It sounds like you want a shooter and not a collectible. My recommendation would be to check out the select grade rifles offered by Orion 7 Enterprises

I have one and it is accurate, reliable and shoots like a dream. No glass bedding or NM parts... just an honest rifle.

Since a picture (or photo) really can be worth a thousand words, here's a pic of my target at 100 yards. Ammo was LC 1952 M2 ball. I'm not employed by Orion, BTW. Just a VERY satisfied customer.

Cliff

target.jpg
 
With out a doubt the information has been excellent! Thanks much all! To be sure I am looking for a shooter. The best trade off between accuracy and reliability under field conditions.
 
I must say there is something about that stylized Winchester trade mark stamped below US Rifle Cal. 30 M1 on the receiver.:):)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top