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M-1 Garand Operation And Ammo

Waltur
Hello, I recently purchased an M1 Garand. It is a Springfield with a 5 digit serial number and appears to be in really good condition.

I have never fired an M-1, so I have a few questions:

1) I paid just over $1,000 for this gun, so I'm scared to shoot it. Are there any tried and true methods to get over this feeling? It's like that new toy that you are afraid to take out of the box and devalue.

2) More serious: can I "single" shoot the Garand? Just in case I have problems with my clips at the range.

3) Very serious: I have some Russian made .30-06 ammo. I'm very concerned about it fouling/overpowering the gun. Just a gut reaction. I know about the CMP ammo but it will be a few months before I can get it.

Thank you.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • MIKE WISKEY
    I would NOT shoot the russiam ammo in a m-1, either U.S. ball ammo or equivelent reloads. If I'm not mistaken Hornady has ammo spicificly for the m-1. Most commercial .30/06 is not ment for the m-1.
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  • ammo guy
    Yes you can single load the gun. As noted by the other reply stay with GI spec. ammo. Don't be afraid to shoot it.
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  • nmyers
    It's always a good idea to have a "technical inspection" by a gunsmith familiar with service rifles. You don't know where it's been & who has done what to it. Even USGI rifles have been known to blow up, so it's not wasted money; it should cost < $100.

    Before you attempt to fire it, buy & read a copy of The M1 Garand: Owner's Guide by Scott Duff. Be sure to apply grease on the critical wear surfaces, which are explained in the book.

    No, the M1 should never be single-loaded, unless you use a special clip called a "sled". Malfunctions & damage to your rifle can result from single-loading.

    Neal
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  • flyingtorpedo
    quote:Originally posted by nmyers
    [br
    No, the M1 should never be single-loaded, unless you use a special clip called a "sled". Malfunctions & damage to your rifle can result from single-loading.

    I second that. Don't be afraid of shooting the rifle, that's what it was made for. Have someone check it out for you. If you can't enjoy it, then there's not much point in having it, IMO. Stick with Lake City (LC) or Greek HXP ammo or reloads. Buy a can locally or on GB while you wait for the CMP ammo. Hornady makes a match round for the garand as well. I sure wouldn't shoot russian ammo in my M1.
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  • PA Shootist
    I have no qualms about single-loading my Garands. It is also a common practice at any and all Garand matches that I attend, by the vast majority of shooters without the "sled". I have seen many, many thousands of rounds single loaded without any malfunctions or damage to the rifle, the possible exception being to those who don't know how to load without hurting themselves (the dreaded "M1 Thumb!), in which case the rifle is just fine except for blood spots. The rest of the ammo advice is spot on, as well as getting a manual, and having a qualified inspection.
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  • kimi
    quote:Originally posted by PA Shootist
    I have no qualms about single-loading my Garands. It is also a common practice at any and all Garand matches that I attend, by the vast majority of shooters without the "sled". I have seen many, many thousands of rounds single loaded without any malfunctions or damage to the rifle, the possible exception being to those who don't know how to load without hurting themselves (the dreaded "M1 Thumb!), in which case the rifle is just fine except for blood spots. The rest of the ammo advice is spot on, as well as getting a manual, and having a qualified inspection.


    +1. This was the only practice used for slow fire stages of fire in my day and time.
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  • Spartacus
    quote: I have some Russian made .30-06 ammo.

    there is some "commie" M2 milsurp available but I don't think its russian.
    If it's new commercial ammo, don't use it in your garand. it's too hot.
    some (alot) of folks feel that greek M2 is the best. It's headstamped HXP. this is what CMP typically has.
    240 round tin or 192 round box (clips and bandoleers).
    I have one of each, so if you need some garand food while youre waiting for your oder, let me know.
    have fun with the new toy!
    tom
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  • givette
    Five digit SerNo? If you would be so kind, would you break the rifle down into the three groups, and write the numbers on the parts that you can see? I'd like to know..because if you have a correct rifle for the period, you would have a very nice catch, indeed. Best, Joe
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  • Waltur
    1000025s.jpg

    1000020a.jpg

    It's past 2 am and I'm kinda tired to break the gun down but here are some pics, givette.

    If these help any or if you have any comments then please let me know. Thank you.
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  • countryfarmer
    WOW, that is a early one, you have a good buy there. I think Brownells has a adjustable gas plug you can install on the M1. You then can adjust the level of the gas pressure. This allows you to use hotter ammo or the comerical stuff without risking damage to the gas system.

    http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=20456&title=ADJUSTABLE%20GAS%20SYSTEM
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