choice to make (and need some schooling) on 7.62 garand

[eighteenninetytwo]

So I am going to stop buying long guns at the end of 2013. I figure I have $2.5k to use until that point. One of the things I MUST have is a an M1 Garand. Current collection consists of mainly enfields, some other .303 brit stuff and some Enfield stuff in 7.62 NATO and an L1A1 / FAL. I've tried to keep calibers to a minimum. So my choice is :: Either a) branch out into 30-06 this means I'd get a garand and would try to get. Model 1917 and winchester 1895 to go with my 303 brit versions (1895 and P14) which is nice... OR b) try to get a garand in 7.62 NATO and an M1A for the $2.5k. What say the peanut gallery here? And are there any more rifles available in .303 AND 30-06.

[Armistice]

1903? Mine's in 30-06. I haven't shot mine yet though

Any why not buy more? Is there something else other than you'll have to wait 10 days. For both my 1903 and Mosin, I had to do a 10 day wait

[eighteenninetytwo]

I'm not buying long guns after end of year for tin foil hat reasons due to necessity to register new purchases. Choice is between a) and b) really. Don't have money for more. I AM interested in other rifles that cross both calibers but I never heard of an 03 in 303

[smeg]

I have two Garands. One in 30-06 and one rebarrel to .308.
I shoot the .308/7.62x51 more because the ammo is more available to me than the garand M2 ball. When the SB53 ammo bill passes stopping online ammo purchases, the CMP source for 30-06 will end. I can find 7.62x51 easier and I also reload it.

I also have a M1a as well so a 308 Garand is a natural addition.

I like your Plan b)

[Standard]

Get a Garand and M14 type. A .308 Garand from Cmp is about $1k, then pick up a polytech m14 for well under $1500, or save up more for a Springfield.
Great combo.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[Mustang]

Get a Garand and M14 type. A .308 Garand from Cmp is about $1k, then pick up a polytech m14 for well under $1500, or save up more for a Springfield.
Great combo.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

Are the Polytech M14's any good?

[plumbum]

Since the M14 accepts a removeable magazine, it would be considered an "assault weapon", am I right?

Anyway, I'd still say Garand.

[Mustang]

It has no "conspicuous pistol grip"...so not an "assault weapon" (at least under today's definition of same).

[Standard]

Are the Polytech M14's any good?

Yes, they are great. The are more true to USGI specs than the Springfields in general, though the receiver and barrel finish isn't as polished. They also have chrome lined barrels.
There were spotty reports of soft bolts, but it seems to have been way overblown and if headspace is good, the rifle is good. Also, the rear sights should be replaced with USGI at some point, as they were kind of a weak point.

[smle-man]

Yes, they are great. The are more true to USGI specs than the Springfields in general, though the receiver and barrel finish isn't as polished. They also have chrome lined barrels.
There were spotty reports of soft bolts, but it seems to have been way overblown and if headspace is good, the rifle is good. Also, the rear sights should be replaced with USGI at some point, as they were kind of a weak point.

I'm still waiting to learn of a Polytech that failed due to excessive headspace or soft bolts. I've owned two and currently have one. It is accurate and reliable. I prefer the all GI M1A that I gave to my son but the Polytech works just as well. The headspace is on the large side of 7.62 NATO but is safe.

[Pete1979]

Get a real cal.30 Garand and a loaded model M1A.

[eighteenninetytwo]

OK decision made. I'm going to get a Garand in 7.62mm and Polytech M14 clone. The extra caliber is too much of a PITA and I'm aiming at shutting down purchasing by year end. Thanks to all that contributed.