CMP Garand advice
I recently picked up a Garand (service grade with muzzle reading at 2+ and throat at 3 but not sure exactly what that means [:I]) from the Civilian Marksmenship Program. I've done a field strip & through cleaning and plan to get out to the range eventually to zero in at 100 meters.
Any advice on where to go from here? I've got some en blocs coming, still need to get some other items such as a buttstock cleaning kit, a sling, maybe a bayonet in time. Anything else I should be looking for? While searching for the cleaning kit, I've come across a multi-tool but not sure if this is anything I need.
For right now, I plan on only shooting surplus ammo but may eventually look to shoot modern commercial ammo.
Thanks
Any advice on where to go from here? I've got some en blocs coming, still need to get some other items such as a buttstock cleaning kit, a sling, maybe a bayonet in time. Anything else I should be looking for? While searching for the cleaning kit, I've come across a multi-tool but not sure if this is anything I need.
For right now, I plan on only shooting surplus ammo but may eventually look to shoot modern commercial ammo.
Thanks
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You will need to get ammunition that is loaded to M2 ball specification like the Greek HXP sold by the CMP. Ammunition not loaded to that spec may have a pressure curve not compatible with the Garand's gas system. I believe Federal and Hornady load ammo to M2 specs. Or you can get an adjustable gas plug like this:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/SearchResults.aspx
(Hopefully someone with more knowledge will advise what's good. I just use M2 ball).
You don't really need the combo tool, but it is helpful. You can use a phillips head screw driver to remove the gas nut (poppit).
I hope you read the CMP booklet and greased the areas specified.
Other than that enjoy! [:)]0 -
You really dont need anything. You can clean it with any .30 kit.
Get some ball ammo and get to the range and make your marks.0 -
I say do NOT ever use regular hunting ammo in your Garand. You'll be a frequent visitor to a gunsmith for bent operating rods and other damage if you do.
The 150 gr FMJ loaded to M2 specs (Like Federal's American Eagle) is perfectly good to use.0 -
I would suggest that you get a bore guide. A Garand has to be cleaned from the muzzle. It's just a little brass cone that prevents your cleaning rod from scraping the rifling at the muzzle. 0 -
Grease before firing. No oil. Period.
And handloads are the best diet. Ball ammunition works, but so does Match ammo, all of which after 1946 was loaded to accommodate the gas system of the Garand.
Check the splines which retain the gas cylinder. If it wobbles, remove the cylinder, whack the splines at the edges where the interference occurs to pin them in a tad, and remount, preferably with a wooden block and mallet. Wobbling or loose gas cylinders are the primary cause of inaccuracy with used M1 Garand rifles.
Only very slow powders can mess up the gas system IF you grease properly. I use cheap wheel bearing grease I purchase at an auto parts store. Buying expensive, specialized stuff is a waste of time AND money.
No military manual after 1943 recommends the use of oil on key parts of the M1 Garand, and after about 1952, oil is mentioned basically as a solvent and preventative.0 -
badchris: Go to the {elsewhere} website and for about $ 100.00 you will find all of the Garand ascessorys. Butt stock cleaning kit, repo. case, sling, multi-tool, enbloc clips,ect. I just purchased all of the above for the M1's for Vet's Garand that our gun club is going to present to a deserving vet. We gave away 52 Garand's in 2011. We going for more this year. 200 round's M2 ball handloads go with the rifle. Do not forget the reprint operating manual. We also get reserved place at the CMP match that takes place imed. after the presention. My H&K 91, that I have had since 1980, looks like a Darth Vader designed deer rifle will be right next to the Vet with his new Garand. This going to be a lot of FUN!! 0 -
I suggest that you buy a copy of the inexpensive paperback book, "The M1 Garand Owner's Guide" by Scott Duff.
Neal0 -
I use white lithium grease where needed. I handload 150 grain bullets over 48 grains of IMR 4895. You'll want to get a factory crimp die. Probably good idea to use the "harder" #34 CCI Military primers too. Pick up all the books, etc. on the M1 you can find. You should have gotten a handbook from CMP that details safety & tear-down etc. Look over all that parts & detail the "stamping #'s" that tell you who, when, & where that part was made. Most M1's are "mix-masters" but each one is unique. Join a John C. Garand match nearby if available. You'll enjoy the other People that are into Garands too. I enjoy all my Garands!
ENBLOC0 -
Do you handload?
If not get M2 ball from CMP- they had some bayonets left last I looked as well.
If you DO handload use powders faster than IMR 4320 and no slower than 3031. 147 to 168 grain bullets do very well.
I personally use 50 gr. of 4064 and don't need a milspec primer, but you might.
When greasing, you just need a touch. Too much and it sprays in your face.
Of my 4 M1s, ALL shoot better with the hand guard slightly loose, meaning the splines are a bit forward. No disrespect to Jimthompson. I'm talking about a centimeter of play here.0
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