Which is the better deal?

B

Bartholomew Roberts

Moderator
OK, you've got $560 saved up for a CMP Garand and a 280rd can of loaded enbloc-clips. You notice that the Shotgun News is selling FALs wholesale in the $450-480 range for used parts kits and new receivers (from SOG, Century, etc.)

So which is the better deal? You've got nothing more than $560 to spend and you are looking for a military-type weapon. Are you better off with the more modern FAL in .308 even though it may not be functioning all that well or do you go with the reliable M1 Garand, tested and functional?
 
M1 Garand is the better deal, without hesitation. It appears that the FAL parts kits are of somewhat dubious character until you get to the $700-800 DSA's. A Garand has character in spades, and accuracy, and reliability, and joie de vivre, and panache, and so much more. :p
 
I've owned both but sold one...now I have 4?
Confused?
Garand all the way....

Oh ya, I believe the CMP is out of 280 Rd clipped ammo. They still have cans of 400.

TS
 
My druthers.

If wantin a genuine piece of history military battle rifle. Just to have it. Definately get the Garand. Great gun, fun, accurate, little pricy for ammo.

If wantin a battle rifle to do battle rifle things with. Go for the FAL. Ammo cheaper, 20 round mags ten bucks or less. Very easy to clean, work on or fix. Adjustable gas system allows you to use subsonics, mil spec ball, butt stompin APs, launch soda pops or whatever.

You don't have to buy a kit.....complete L1A1s from J&G for under $450. Could get gun, three spare mags and 500 rounds within your budget. Yeah, it would be a kit gun but all together and guarenteed to be functional.

Extremely rare to find a genuine GI Garand that isn't a kit gun. Even tho all the parts that gathered themselves together to become a Garand are milspec GI owned. Still, most are put togethers with replacement parts from over the decades. Hard to find a gun that has been service that long that hasn't been reworked at least once. The Garands we were issued in the 50s has no matching parts....but they functioned properly.

I love the M1, and have literaly slept with it but think the FAL is a better tool.

Sam
 
Thanks for the replies

I actually already went with the CMP Garand a year or so ago but saw the ads in the Shotgun News and was wondering whether the FAL might not have been the better choice.

At the time I was looking for a large-bore centerfire that would serve as an all-purpose rifle (some hunting, some plinking, and the potential for social use).

My Garand turned out to be a postwar H&R. Its not much in terms of collectability since its been arsenal refinished at least once judging from the assortment of parts in it; but its a nice shooter and I can do 2 MOA groups with it right from the box (on a good day). That's enough to keep me pretty happy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top