M1a or National Match Garand

[Dirtbiker]

I lost a dear friend and I have the opportunity to buy a rifle from his collection.

Price is the same for each, not I wont tell how much other than it is a good deal. I can only afford 1 not both.

Choice 1: Springfield Armory M1a, like new, mid 80s, all USGI parts

Choice 2: A mid 50s M1 National Match Garand, brand new, he had it built to shoot in Camp Perry matches but never got the chance.

What does Calguns say?

[Olav]

You buy one
I buy the other

[gotshotgun?]

M1a all usgi for sure

[cabinetguy]

I want to know the price. Based on what info you gave I would go with the garand

[bubbapug1]

Find someone to loan you the cash and buy both.

If you can only buy one the M1a in 308 is a better match rifle as it has better sights and a magazine. Garands in 308 are excellent, but still not as user freindly as the M1a.

[russ69]

If the Garand is a full blown NM and not a Garand match rifle with a stock barrel, it will be a better shooter.

[russ69]

If you can only buy one the M1a in 308 is a better match rifle as it has better sights...

The Garand sights and the M1A sights are virtually identical.

[Dirtbiker]

It's a complete NM including the gas cylinder, barrel, op rod, sights, and I believe trigger. What should I look for to be sure?

[BrianRodela]

Go with a piece of history. The M1a can be bought anywhere, but the Garand on the other hand.....besides, I am sure your friend would have wanted it to be cared for by a buddy and not a stranger.

[hbogart]

If you plan to shoot it much, I would buy the M1A. M1As can be pretty accurate if setup properly, and it will probably be easier to work on.

Fulton Armory sells new M1 Garands. Also, do a search on "M1 thumb".

[m1match]

I would say the Garand, but if you can get more information on it, it could enhance the value and collectibility. True NM Garands were built in the 1950s and 1960s by Springfield Armory for the military. Some of them were sold directly to competititors by the CMP. If you have official paperwork documenting the provenance, these are very valuable and collectible. If not, then it would be nice to know who built your Garand. I have three match tuned Garands, full match builds done by the late Don McCoy, a double distinguished Navy shooter and armorer. His rifles shoot as well as any Garand and I used them to make Expert at NRA Highpower and Long Range.

Good builders of match tuned M1 Garands and match tuned M1As are getting fewer and fewer as the military trained armorers aren't getting any younger. My friend Don McCoy built my rifles about 12 years ago and he just passed away at the age of 93. USGI M1As are also very nice and are also valuable, but I'd have to lean towards the Garand for a rifle to collect and remember your friend.

[Dirtbiker]

Also, do a search on "M1 thumb".

Thanks, I've owned Garands before and I'm always VERY careful.

[FX-05 Xiuhcoatl]

+1 on the Garand

[ocabj]

If it's a NM Garand, it's going to have 1/2MOA sights vs 1MOA on the USGI M1A/M14 clone.

I think it's more of a question of what you want to do with it.

If you want a general purpose rifle, the M1A is the way to go.

If you want something that is a fun, interesting rifle that is enjoyable to shoot at the range, the NM Garand is the way to go.

[sunborder]

+1 for credit card/loan.

Either that, or find another shooter you know and respect, and get them in on the deal...preferably a younger one who will keep that rifle in service/in good repair for as long as possible. Maybe even a kid who will always treasure it...