M1 Garand.......cant get em out of my mind.

BChandler wrote:I've been thinking of picking up a garand, but I know nothing about them. So these were made by different companies, right? Is one type preferable to another?

I would probably be getting one in the $500 - $700 range. For those of you who are familiar with these rifles, which would you recommend?

Quick history lesson ---

Springfield Armory and Winchester produced Garands during the WWII era. Springfield, Harrington & Richardson Arms (HRA), and International Harvester Corp. (IHC - Yes the Tractor Company) produced them during the Korean Conflict.

All were made to strict Army specifications so a part made by one company would fit into a rifle produced by any of the manufactures. 99.99% of ALL Garands produced have been through at least one arsenal rebuilt. Accordingly, you will find a Springfield rifle that could have Winchester, HRA, and/or IHC parts in it – this are usually referred to as “mixmasters”. A Garand that has all the correct parts in it as it was when it left the factory is usually referred to as a “correct” grade Garand. This is usually the result of someone buying a mixmaster and replacing the parts with the correct parts.

If you just want a piece of history and a Garand that shots well, a mixmaster is the way to go. As stated above, CMP is the place to get it!! If you can not make it to the South Store in Anniston, AL to personally select your Garand, I would suggest ordering a Service Grade. Service Grade Springfields and HRAs are $695.00 + $24.95 shipping. If you can make it over and select a Garand, you may be able to pick-out a Field Grade Garand that will serve you well for a little less money. The Field Grade Springfield and HRAs are $525.00 + $24.95 shipping.

Since they were all manufactured to strict Army specifications, there is not is little or no difference in how each manufacture’s Garand performs. Experience has taught me that the HRAs are probably the best for the money. Since they were some of the latest produced (Korean Era) they seem to be in the best overall shape.

Winchesters can be had through CMP but you are going to pay dearly for the name Winchester. This is somewhat confusing in that Winchester produced more Garands than HRA or IHC. Go figure!! Another anomaly is that IHC are very expensive while HRAs and Springfields are probably the cheapest to be had. Actually, IHC produced more Garands than did HRA!! Again, it’s all in the name!!

If we can be of further assistance, ASK!!

captain-03 wrote:

Springfield Armory and Winchester produced Garands during the WWII era. Springfield, Harrington & Richardson Arms (HRA), and International Harvester Corp. (IHC - Yes the Tractor Company) produced them during the Korean Conflict.

Captain, I thought I remembered hearing a while back that IBM made some also. Is that correct?

Johnny

I agree with the original poster. I think the M1 is gonna be my next shooting discipline. Beside the history of this weapon it just appears to be a pleasure to shoot!...and I need a new group of obsessed friends

I just had a great day shooting a match with my Winchester! An advanced collector once told of Winchesters cost more because there are three types of collectors after them: Garand, WWII, and Winchester. IHC's are more expensive because they are scarce. More were produced, but the are not to be found. Speculation is they went to Iran as military assistance and we obviously will not get those back. Winchesters are ugly, they have rough machining marks all over because of quick wartime production. H&R and late Springfield have the best fit and finish.

EVERYBODY MADE CARBINES!! Not Garands!!

I would love to have an IH garand.

Take a look here -- seems like the HRAs Service Grades are still the best buy ...

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?p=507319#post507319

22lrfan wrote:I've got an IHC and a Springfield. I really "need" to go get me a HRA and a Winchester.

Heheh, I have a Winchester, IHC, and an SA Inc. I really want to snag a couple more Winchesters from the CMP.

Why didn't you come to Bogue Chitto and exercise them Saturday????

I'd like to take this opportunity to shamelessly plug the SW Gun Club matches in which you can shoot your Garand: the Bogue Chitto HP matches are at 200,300, and 600; CMP at Bogue Chitto are 200yd; CMP matches & M1 clinic at McComb are fired 100yds w/reduced targets:
Feb. 4 - HP match at Bogue Chitto
Mar. 3 - HP match at Bogue Chitto
Mar. 10 CMP match (also Vintage Bolt) at Bogue Chitto - 200yd
Apr. 7 - HP match at Bogue Chitto
May 5 - HP match at Bogue Chitto
May 12 Vintage Bolt at McComb
May 26 CMP M1 clinic McComb
June 2 HP match at Bogue Chitto
June 16 MSFOA / CMP M1 and Vintage Bolt State Championships at Bogue Chitto
Come on out & play with those fine old rifles!