M1 Garand Rescue

[M. M. Wright]

Some time ago I bought an old parade rifle or drill rifle at a gun show. Mostly for parts since the barrel was plugged, the gas cylinder lock and screw were welded, the bolt was welded shut and the barrel was welded to the action. There was even a glob of weld to prevent the operating rod from being removed. I Dremelled the welds away and screwed the barrel out and bought a gas cylinder, lock and screw. Acquired a good complete bolt and bought a used barrel off ebay for $21.00. Screwed the barrel in, and assembled the rest of the parts. Of course I had to use go and no-go gauges to set the head space and the op rod was a little bent so I straightened it. I had another stock that had the carbon fiber or some sort of hard plastic plates on the sides where the action and trigger group grip the stock. Sighted the thing in and sorta forgot it until Pitchy got his Garand. I had a couple of bypasses done on my heart about a year ago so haven't done a lot of shooting until lately. Dragged the old girl out of the safe today and oiled her up, stuck a clip of 165 grain bullets over 47 grains of H4895 in her and shot this group at about 50 yards from my redneck bench. (pickup seat out the window)

[Sixgun]

Pretty cool MM.....looks like you have a little gunsmith in you. All of this inspiration is gonna get me and my Garand out on Friday. What era is the receiver from?---6

[JerryB]

Ron, I believe that is about one minute of angle for a deer in the edge of a hay field. Truck door windows do make a good rest.

[Pitchy]

Cool beans Ron glad ya got her running.

[AJMD429]

Cool beans Ron glad ya got her running.

Yep - that's really cool...!

[mikld]

Old Garands never die, they just waste away in a closet somewhere... Good work (and thanks) on bringing that Garand back to life.

I had wanted an M1 Garand since the show "Combat" was aired way back when, but it didn't happen until I finally got one 6 years ago. I believe it's right up there with my lever gun as far as fun factor, and while I have slowed my shooting down considerably (rain, forest fires, and health), my Garand still sees the range. I have a tendency to take "related guns" when I shoot; I nearly always take my 1911 when I shoot my Garand, and my single actions ride along when I take out my lever gun...

[COSteve]

Done

[M. M. Wright]

6, Looks like she were made in July 1944. The barrel I scored is from '53. I went through basic in '61 and we used Garands. I've actually slept with one a time or two. Kids must learn discipline.