Looking to buy a Garand, what do I need to know?

[2531usmc]

I’m looking to buy a Garand. What do I need to know?

I’ve been a history buff all my life and I’ve always wanted one. Now that I’m retired I have time to go the range more often. Not really serious shooting,

Do I just buy one from the CMP?

 

[TSnave]

CMP is probably the best option. You just need to be a member of an affiliated club or organization. Garand Collectors Association is probably easiest if your local range isn't. CMP has a database. Then just decide what you want, fill out the paperwork and send it in.

 

[Pharmseller]

Don’t shoot standard -06 in them.




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[2531usmc]

I always heard that WW II 30-06 ammo was loaded to lower pressures than todays ammo and you could not shoot modern ammo.

But the CMP web page basically says not to shoot heavy bullets greater than 150 gr.

Can you buy 30-06 ammo loaded to the old specs?

 

[Choupique]

Can you buy 30-06 ammo loaded to the old specs?

Yes, several different kinds. The CMP will occasionally get mil surp as well.

Just buy one from CMP. Great organization and you know what you're getting. I did the one with the new barrel and new stock. No collector value, but great utility barrel. Mine was in vastly better condition than then description led me to believe it would be.

I shoot factory 150gr stuff in mine all the time, not garand specific. As long as the rifle is properly lubricated it's fine.

 

[Rotnguns]

I always heard that WW II 30-06 ammo was loaded to lower pressures than todays ammo and you could not shoot modern ammo.

But the CMP web page basically says not to shoot heavy bullets greater than 150 gr.

Can you buy 30-06 ammo loaded to the old specs?

Consider a Schuster plug that you can tune for any ammo you want:

M1 GARAND - SCHUSTER MFG INC

www.schustermfg.com

 

[2531usmc]

The Field Grade is $800 and the Expert Grade is $1150. Kinda thinking the field grade is all I need, but just might want to consider the expert grade in case the field grade is beat up

 

[Milestone522]

Just buy the field grade if you want a shooter. I always wrote "prefer Springfield " on the order form, and then received rifles with early to mid ww2 production receivers. Barrels will be from Korea or Vietnam era probably. Kind of a coin toss on the wood condition.

Order a couple if you can afford it, that way you can get the pick of the litter and you can resell the others to friends or family, etc.

You can shoot old USGI ammo, Greek or Korean surplus ammo, or any 150gr stuff without worry. Just be aware the real old stuff might be corrosive.

If you like history it will become one of your favorite shooters...

 

[RockAndSage]

The issue about shooting ammo designed for the Garand is a real one. It's not so much about high pressure vs low pressure, but where the pressure spikes inside the bore. If it peaks too close to the gas port, you can end up with a bent operating rod from that. There's plenty of data out there on handloading with the right powders and bullet weights to safely shoot handloads in Garands, and just in the last few years there have been more factory options for Garand ammo. Just know that it's a thing, and that it matters.