“M1 Garand: FULL REVIEW, Pt 2” by Nutnfancy04:33

PART 2 of 2: The M1 Garand appeared on the world stage at a critical crossroads in world history. If it had been a poor design, it was be nothing more than yet another forgettable footnote of World War II as the Allies stood against Axis aggression. But the Garand, a briliiant design of John G. which dominated the competition, was much more. It was easily the best and most influential battle rifle of the war. The Garand provided US forces with superior firepower, a quick reload, high accuracy, and durability under frozen, jungle, and even desert conditions. In TNP I set out to prove this all for myself and the crew in over five months of extensive and expensive testing of five M1 Garands, hailing from the WW II, Korean, and modern era production periouds. As a former drill rifle to me, I needed to gain expertise in the M1 system. It came readily. Not because I’m something special but because the Garand is easy to master and shoot well. The M1 1 MOA adjustable apertures sights are exceptional even today and we shot successfully to 400 yards on man sized targets with them. Don’t expect night capabilities however on the M1, it’s pure 1930s technology. Other ergonomic considerations such as reloading, sling and accessory considerations, stock fit, and safety actuation are discussed. The two stage trigger is not light but it is predictable and smooth, contributing to accuracy. Quality levels in most Garands is superb: each features a forged steel receiver which, when made today, will push prices to $1600 and above. The black walnut stock has character and is durable. It can absorb and hold Cosmoline/oil weight and retain it however, adding to the package. The weight on this .30-06 battle rifle made out of black walnut and steel is substantial: samples shown weigh from 9.5 to 10.5 pounds. Coupled with heavy ammo that weighs double that of an AR-15/M4 loadout, that’s a lot. But its round defeats many choices of cover that your opponent may stupidly rely upon as its power dominates the 7.62x39mm, 5.45mm, and 5.56mm caliber choices. Firepower is limited by modern standards but the eight round en bloc spring steel clips can remain loaded forever and recharging can be fast once practiced. Maintenance with the Garand is generally simple: ensure referenced components are greased/lubed and the op rod spring is sound and the M1 will run near 100% in all weather conditions. Though not a closed action design, I remain amazed at the ruggedness, durability, and resistence to wet weather the Garand action showed in my testing. Accuracy is excellent , targets shown. With good lots of M2 152 gr ball, two Garands showed near MOA groups with iron sights, benchrested shooting at 100 yds. Practical accuracy on the 175 yard steel targets was outstanding. The test subjects are various grades of CMP rifles to include SPECIAL, CORRECT, and SERVICE Grades of Springfield Armory WW II and HRA 1950s rifles. These CMP rifles are available under wide qualification to civilians, shipped direct to your door for reasonable prices. CMP is my top recommended source for your for their value, high integrity documentation, and variety. Other sources exist but exercise care from non-vetted private sourcing. At the time of test and review, TNP purchased the SERVICE GRADE HRA for $625, an exceptional value. In 2012 Special Grades chambered in .308 became available (preferences discussed). The product improved M1 Garand, also known as the M14/M1A is a more capable platform in terms of optics mounting, firepower, and flash suppression but at its heart lies the rock solid Garand. But it’s much more expensive, does not have a forged receiver, and it lacks the history. If money is tight, the $600 Garand my top choice for major caliber battle rifle. POUs are discussed and Recreational use is a top choice. For more serious POUs, I would feel well armed with a Garand in many encounters. Therefore, after thousands of round fired through the M1s here, I answer the question definitively: the M1 Garand is still capable in a modern battle. Some compromises will be made in its choice but it can end the fight with authority just like it did in over three wars. Trusted by generations of American soldiers whose lives it saved, the M1 Garand’s design excellence stands the test of time even today. It is a rifle with history, with soul, and if you listen, each one of these rifles will tell a story…just like it does here. ///////////////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scales: 10 out of 10 for CMP SPECIAL Grade, 9 out of 10 for CMP CORRECT Grade (more expensive), 10 out of 10 for CMP SEVICE Grade at quality level shown.//////////////////////////Music licensed from TNPR Bryanisms