M1 garand general questions

[WilliamAnderson]

So, got my Garand last Friday from the CMP.
Questions

1.) The stock is beautiful walnut and USGI, yet there is no cartouche but there is a circle p on the bottom of the pistol grip. What does this mean?

2.) The oprod is just about flush to the stock and I noticed that if I were shooting it that the rod would "rub" against my fingers. Would this hurt or can you not feel it?

Thanks

[Nodda Duma]

So, got my Garand last Friday from the CMP.
Questions

1.) The stock is beautiful walnut and USGI, yet there is no cartouche but there is a circle p on the bottom of the pistol grip. What does this mean?

Short answer: Circle P is a proof mark. Ie the rifle works as intended.

2.) The oprod is just about flush to the stock and I noticed that if I were shooting it that the rod would "rub" against my fingers. Would this hurt or can you not feel it?

Thanks

When properly held, the rifle should rest on the palm of your hand or perhaps the web between forefinger and thumb and not held with a closed grip. Ie, change up your grip. Hint: the M1907 sling comes in real handy.

Hope this helps,
Jason

edit: Btw my buddy looking over my shoulder says you can also move your hand forward

[Army GI]

You should be using a "V" shape with your left hand to hold your rifle.

(1)Nonfiring Handgrip. The rifle hand guard rests on the heel of the hand in the V formed by the thumb and fingers. The grip of the non-firing hand is light.

I know that's an M16, but the same principle applies.

[SimpleCountryActuary]

Give the Man a Hand!

Go look on You Tube and watch the shoots. They all wear big fat gloves on their left hand. The glove not only helps prevent being pinched by the op-rod but, more important, helps prevent the sling from squeezing all of the blood from their hand (because the sling has to be TIGHT).

[Fate]

Back to question 1: Sounds like you have a USGI stock, however, the cartouche could have been sanded away. I've read tales of drill sergeants demanding those ugly stamps be buffed away by the next inspection. Enjoy your new rifle.

[adamhoud]

I just picked up an M1 garand and it has a 73 on the bottom of the stock...looks to be a birch replacement, any ideas what that is?

[Dirtbiker]

Birch is Greek or Danish return I think

[Josh3239]

How long did it take for you to get your Garand? I sent in my paperwork early December and got an email saying they received it on 12/23. Been 44 days and still nada.

[postal16]

How long did it take for you to get your Garand? I sent in my paperwork early December and got an email saying they received it on 12/23. Been 44 days and still nada.

They still haven't gotten to the 12/1 orders for Winchesters, and it sounds like December orders will be another 2 or 3 months out. They got swamped with a post Obama wave of orders along with releasing the Winchester Garands and Carbines so they are way backed up!

If you haven't already check out their forum for updated information:

http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/default.asp

[ironpete]

I've heard that if you're touching the op-rod when firing it will affect the trajectory of the bullet. I've never touched it anyway...like slide-bite it just seems like a bad idea.

-pete

[thefifthspeed]

I just picked up an M1 garand and it has a 73 on the bottom of the stock...looks to be a birch replacement, any ideas what that is?

The 73 is a rack number by whoever had is stored. I've gotten a few stocks with a painted rack number and have taken them off.

[Army GI]

How long did it take for you to get your Garand? I sent in my paperwork early December and got an email saying they received it on 12/23. Been 44 days and still nada.

They're running 8-10 weeks. It's been like that for years. You still still have a while to go.