M1 Garand Question?

[gengra]

I'm wondering if someone can tell me the difference between A National Match barrel on a M1 Garand vs standard issue? Heavier? contour? # of groves? What makes it better?
Thanks

[BPTactical]

Typically a NM barrel is going to graded on a few things, I can't make a statement on the amount of grooves but they should be very consistent in the tolerance range, slightly heavier contours in key areas, better concentricity of the bore relative to the OD, component mounting areas are located correctly and to correct specifications and bore straightness.
I feel it would be a good bet to say that an original military NM barrel is probably rode hard and put away wet.
Aftermarket such as Krieger is the way to go.
But the actual barrel is a small component of a NM rifle. Correct chambering, headspacing, correct gas cylinder fitment, correct operating rod alignment proper action/stock relationship and fitting all play into the equation.
You can have all of the NM components on a rifle but if they don't work together correctly it doesn't mean much.
How the rifle shoots defines NM suitability better than it having all of the NM goodies hanging on it.
I have witnessed a 1954 vintage Garand with the original barrel and standard GI components shoot lights out compared to NM Springfield M1A's because it was put together right.

[BlasterBob]

Although I don't claim to know a whole lot about Garands, they are my all time favorites of ALL firearms (including C&R's and moderns) and I sure do enjoy posts and conversations about them. Wish there were more folks here who feel the same way about Garands and discuss them. [blaster]

[68Charger]

I'd love to get a Garand in .308 , with adjustable gas system ( I know some of you are cringing, but hear me out)

Since the only advantage 30-06 has over .308 is with heavier bullets... Which should not be shot out of a Garand...
I am already setup to reload .308... So it fits better for me as a .308

The only way I'd buy one in 30-06 is if it was beat to hell and priced like it... Just look at all the marks and let your imagination take over...

[BPTactical]

A Garand is like an old Harley Panhead.
A bit cantankerous, needs the right touch and lube but when running right it is sweeter than you can ever dream of and has a soul.

[BlasterBob]

A Garand is like an old Harley Panhead.
A bit cantankerous, needs the right touch and lube but when running right it is sweeter than you can ever dream of and has a soul.

+1. The correct lube/grease can make a difference.[blaster]

[gengra]

Thanks for the input!! Still trying to figure out if a NM barrel construction is really better built. One would think so. Back in the day, I wonder what type craftsmanship went into National Match M1 Garand?
OR just Mass produce?
Thanks Again?

[BPTactical]

Mass produced, they just took the time to go through piles of barrels and hand select some sweeties.

[wctriumph]

I will never sell my M1, I have had it for 30 something years and it is a shooter. If you miss, it is your fault. I would like more M1's but I can only shoot one at a time and with my M1917 and 1093A3 all shooting the same ammo, it starts to get expensive. Have fun with yours!

[BlasterBob]

I will never sell my M1, I have had it for 30 something years and it is a shooter. If you miss, it is your fault. I would like more M1's but I can only shoot one at a time and with my M1917 and 1093A3 all shooting the same ammo, it starts to get expensive. Have fun with yours!

+1. Although mine is not a National Match Garand, it is dang near as accurate. If/when I'm not doing real good with it, it is entirely MY fault. Long live the M1 Garands.

[Musashi]

Definite +1 for the Garand
It shoots better than I can most days and is smooth as a 30-06 can be.
Sometimes walnut and steel trump plastic and aluminum
I would never give my IH up!

[10x]

The NM USGI barrel is the same contour as a regular barrel. Four grooves as are most service barrels (some service were two groove).
The NM barrels are guaged more tightly and are not allowed to have a larger bore diameter at the muzzle than the chamber. Service barrels have a small tolerance.
The NM barrels are stamped "NM" above the gas cylinder area.

[jmg8550]

Yep. I was just reading up on Glen Nelson built rifles. He also did M1 rifles in the earlier years for the USAMU. Barrel tolerances were very precise, as well as headspace. And most of the other parts were hand selected for quality.

[BlasterBob]

I presume the M1D's and similar M1's were somewhat assembled for accuracy too???
Although I was in the Army small repair in the mid-50's when the M1 Garand was THE main battle rifle, I never did come across any M1C's or M1D's.

[jmg8550]

If I remember correctly, the M1C and D were mostly standard rifles with scopes. Some may have shot better than others, but no special parts were selected.

[BlasterBob]

If I remember correctly, the M1C and D were mostly standard rifles with scopes. Some may have shot better than others, but no special parts were selected.

This sounds right. At one time, while working in Ordnance Supply in Fort Riley, I could have easily got myself a handful of the mounts and scopes for the M1D's but had no interest at the time and really preferred not to do any "bad time".

[jmg8550]

That must have been quite the sight to see. Were the receivers drilled for a scope mount? I've never personally looked a C or D over. Most are too expensive to handle.

[BlasterBob]

That must have been quite the sight to see. Were the receivers drilled for a scope mount? I've never personally looked a C or D over. Most are too expensive to handle.

At one time I was the legal owner of an M1D but as you indicated they are just too expensive. So I got rid of it for something that I could shoot and enjoy without the worry about depreciation due to my use or abuse. [BooHoo]

[Troublco]

I used to shoot an issue USAF M1A1 (7.62x51) Garand that was NM, and that gun would outshoot my NM M1A all the time. It had one of the Rock Island 7.62 match barrels and a very high gloss stock. I had a .308 Garand built when I had to turn the issue gun in, I liked it so much. One thing I have not seen mentioned yet is the NM trigger mod. More of a trigger job than a mod, but still part of the NM process. Also, the sights are unique to the NM gun with the rear having a hooded aperture that when rotated 180' gives you a 1/2 MOA adjustment vertically and the front being one of two specific widths.

[Aloha_Shooter]

I'd love to get a Garand in .308 , with adjustable gas system ( I know some of you are cringing, but hear me out)

Since the only advantage 30-06 has over .308 is with heavier bullets... Which should not be shot out of a Garand...
I am already setup to reload .308... So it fits better for me as a .308

The only way I'd buy one in 30-06 is if it was beat to hell and priced like it... Just look at all the marks and let your imagination take over...

A buddy of mine and I built our 7.62x51 Garands using an Italian parts kit. I ordered 2 receivers from the CMP while he got 2 kits. Basically, the barrel, the op rod, spring, and one of the handguards are 1/2-inch shorter to accommodate the shorter cartridge. We did it thinking there would be more surplus 7.62 available when OIF spun down. They work fine but really not much point in it once I got my M-1A.

[Aloha_Shooter]

If I remember correctly, the M1C and D were mostly standard rifles with scopes. Some may have shot better than others, but no special parts were selected.

The M1-Cs had specific serial numbers. You can occasionally come across M1-Cs that were converted to drill rifles. [facepalm] M1-Ds were selected for conversion seemingly at random so harder to verify as a true GI M1-D (as opposed to someone's private conversion). I have a couple M1-Ds in my safe complete with cheek pads and M84 scopes and my CMP certificates verifying their status.

[BlasterBob]

While we are on the subject of M1 Garands, I am wondering if any you Garand owners may have a spare/extra Garand combination tool available to sell to me (at a very reasonable price).

[zteknik]

While we are on the subject of M1 Garands, I am wondering if any you Garand owners may have a spare/extra Garand combination tool available to sell to me (at a very reasonable price).
Is that the one that goes at the end of the cleaning rod? If so I think I have a couple.

[sneakerd]

For what it is worth, Firing Line has an excellent selection of USGI M1 Garands right now. 8 or 9 of them. All have very low ME and TE numbers, one with a 1940 receiver and -2 bolt.

[BlasterBob]

Is that the one that goes at the end of the cleaning rod? If so I think I have a couple.
Thanks zteknik but what I am looking for is a combination screwdriver, chamber brush and another "blade" tool that fits into the butt of the Garand.
What you have is most likely the tip of the cleaning rod that will hold a cloth patch.

[BlasterBob]

For what it is worth, Firing Line has an excellent selection of USGI M1 Garands right now. 8 or 9 of them. All have very low ME and TE numbers, one with a 1940 receiver and -2 bolt.

Recall just an APPROXIMATE price on these Garands?

[Hummer]

I love my "Gehr-und" rifles. My first was an HRA mailed to me by the Dept. of the Army through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship. Picked it up at the Post Office. If I remember, it cost $97.50 + shipping, total $112, and entailed a 13 month wait. It had a new barrel, mostly new parkerizing and is still a fine shooter. It was my first big game rifle, took several deer, elk and antelope with it, and shot HP matches with it for 20 years.

True NM marked barrels are collector items. If one wants a precision shooter, go with a new Krieger or other match barrel.

[zteknik]

Thanks zteknik but what I am looking for is a combination screwdriver, chamber brush and another "blade" tool that fits into the butt of the Garand.
What you have is most likely the tip of the cleaning rod that will hold a cloth patch.
Ok now I know which one you mean-the one I was talking about was basically the handle for the cleaning rod. I'll poke around my bins, I remember having a couple somewhere.

[BlasterBob]

Just thought I'd resurrect the GARAND thread. These are great firearms and although I am fairly familiar with them, it's always enjoyable to read discussions about them. I fully realize there are web sites devoted to these rifles but it's nicer to get info/ideas from fellow members here.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks zteknik but what I am looking for is a combination screwdriver, chamber brush and another "blade" tool that fits into the butt of the Garand.
What you have is most likely the tip of the cleaning rod that will hold a cloth patch.

I have 1 or 2 of those. Can scrounge through the parts bins next time i'm cleaning the shop.

[BlasterBob]

I have 1 or 2 of those. Can scrounge through the parts bins next time i'm cleaning the shop.

No great hurry at all Jim, but will appreciate keeping me in mind when scrounging through those parts bins and possibly locate an extra combination tool.[blaster]