CMP SA Special Arrived!

[Once A Marine]

The Fedex driver just showed up with my newest Garand. Ammo shows up later this week - then it's time to take it shooting!

[CSDGuy]

What grade did you get? Is it one of their Specials? The reason I ask is that it looks like it was built yesterday...

[Army GI]

What grade did you get? Is it one of their Specials? The reason I ask is that it looks like it was built yesterday...

That's because it is. The special grade has a new stock and barrel. Original GI receiver that has been freshly parkerized.

Nice looking rifle there, Marine! She's a beauty. Get back to us with a range report when you can!

Can you get us some more pictures from different angles?

[Once A Marine]

I'll do more pics shortly.

I'm assuming they did some work also on the metal - if all they did was parkerize it, then the metal looks to be flawless. 3.8 million serial - late 1994 I believe.

[Once A Marine]

[mls343]

She's purty, Marine!

Nice weapon!

[mala in se]

she is a beauty. she just needs to be greased up a bit. i was thinking of selling my service grade to get one of those.

what kind of sling did it come with? i know some people who ordered early enough go the leather slings as well.

[stevie]

Nice rifle you got there!

[WokMaster1]

How much was it? Beautiful. Since the barrel is new, can you use modern day ammo in it or do you still have to shoot surplus 30-06?

[Once A Marine]

she is a beauty. she just needs to be greased up a bit. i was thinking of selling my service grade to get one of those.

what kind of sling did it come with? i know some people who ordered early enough go the leather slings as well.

Came with a green, web sling.

How much was it? Beautiful. Since the barrel is new, can you use modern day ammo in it or do you still have to shoot surplus 30-06?

I believe the CMP site lists it for 995, plus shipping. The weapon is still spec'd for US Rifle caliber .30 ammo, so it's best to stick with milsurp, the Federal AE -06 rounds for the M1, and some commercial ammo, like any other Garand. I believe the manual that comes with the rifle mentioned commerical ammo < 180 gr, but I'll stick with surp or commercial "designed for" ammo.

[Milsurp Collector]

Since the barrel is new, can you use modern day ammo in it or do you still have to shoot surplus 30-06?

The recommendation not to shoot modern commercial ammo is because the gas system is tuned for M2 ammo, not because of the barrel. You can shoot modern commercial ammo in any Garand if you install an adjustable gas plug.

[slopoke]

Since the barrel is new, can you use modern day ammo in it or do you still have to shoot surplus 30-06?

Modern commercial ammo is too hot for the Garand. You will either damage the op rod or possibly crack the receiver or both.

[Once A Marine]

Range report update:

After a quick detail disassemble, wipe down, and re-lube, I took the rifle and a bandoleer of HXP M2 ammo (78 vintage) to P2K to perform a BZO at 25 yards. Let me tell you - the refinished rifle is tight - putting in a clip, the bolt didn't even budge, so I pulled back on the op rod and chambered the first round. I started with the rear sight at the 200yd mark (hoping that maybe someone did a basic zero when they test fired), and I was way high and a little left of my 1 1/4 inch impact zone. After a quick adjustment to the front sight windage, and dialing down a few times, I was still a bit high - probably 1 1/2-1 3/4 inches. I decided to call it a day after 4 clips, as I didn't really have a stable shooting platform on the 25yd range, and I was sure I'd hit paper at further distances. Marked my zero with a silver ink Sharpie, went home and ran a few patches down the bore.

Next trip was today, where I fired at 100yards @ P2K. Rifle is still tight, each clip requires manual assistance to release the bolt and chamber the first round. Now that I'm on a normal bench, using the generic wood blocks for support, I start to really "feel" it with this rifle - my grin is 8 miles wide as I start firing away. First clip is still high (in the neck on a silhouette target), so I dial back 2 clicks, and the next 8 rounds are in the upper chest area. I figure that's a good spot for 100yd impacts for a BZO, and continue to fire out the 2nd bandoleer to just enjoy the rifle - the feel and smell of the new wood, solid heft as I adjust position, taking the slack up on the trigger, watching the round eject out of my peripheral vision, the heavier recoil in my shoulder and repeating until I hear and see the clip eject out (which just makes me giddy as it's just a classic M1 Garand sound). Attached is my 2nd target for the day.

The rifle functioned flawlessly, other than the initial feed issues which I'm sure will work out with time. It was also a serious attention grabber, as everyone was amazed at the brand new look with the refinished metal and new wood. after 64 rounds today, I'm left with a huge smile and nice bruise/tenderness in my shoulder to remind me of the fun I had today with MY VERY OWN M1 GARAND!!!!

Next trip will be to South Bay Rod and Gun for 200/300yd shooting.

[reidnez]

I have one of these as well--my first and (so far) only Garand, a 1942 Springfield receiver. They are beautiful weapons and shoot like a dream. Mine is extremely tight as well...I have to "slingshot" the op handle every time, too. I would still like to get a more 'weathered' rifle for historical interest, but I could not be happier with this rifle as a shooter.

[Dr.Mauser]

Amazing condition! Late war I assume?