Incredible Rifle

[Kennedy]

Went to a range in Cherry Hill today and shot my Uncles Original 1942 made Springfield M1-Garand. I had never shot anything this large in caliber before so I had a huge grin on my face the first time I let a bullet fly down range. And after that I was addicted! We started at 50 yards and then moved it out to 100 and it was such a blast. I can't wait to get myself something like this for fun!!! Here are some pics and a video from the day.

I've never really shot a rifle before but I'm sure you guys who are experienced can critique my form (Ken!!!) etc.....I tried to use the sling to my advantage and it really felt like it helped with recoil and keeping the rifle steady (Although i don't think I wrapped it correctly around my arm)


Here is a little history on the M1 The M1 Garand (more formally the United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1) was the first semi-automatic rifle in the world to be generally issued to infantry. It officially replaced the Springfield M1903 rifle as the standard service rifle of the United States military in 1936, and was in turn officially replaced by the M14 in 1957. However, the M1 continued to be issued in large numbers until 1963, and to a lesser degree until 1966.

The M1 was used heavily in World War II, the Korean War, and, to a limited extent, in the Vietnam War. Most M1 rifles were issued to American troops, though many were lent to other nations. It is still used by various drill teams and is a popular civilian firearm.

The M1 Garand was notorious for its bloc clip that ejected from the rifle after the last round was fired and you can see that in the pictures as well as the video!


http://youtube.com/watch?v=EAasLsrKB-8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RSmD28RgFiM

[Kennedy]

Some more pictures....oh and I also forgot to mention that the Marine Corp Silent Drill Team still uses this rifle for their drills.

[CBRBob]

[causef0rconcern]

Hey Chris do you know of any public ranges up in this area aside from Ray's? I haven't shot in years, so I went out and bought some .22 rounds to have some fun with a few weeks ago with but haven't gotten out yet.

That M1 looks like a hoot to shoot man. Good shit.

[Kennedy]

Edit

[High_Revs_17]

An amazing firearm indeed, such rish history involved with it, I'd love to get the chance to squeeze the trigger, where did your Uncle serve with it?

[JimRBlue]

Chris.
The old mule certainly is a blast to shoot. I had a chance to fire a 1942 edition as well. It was really amazing to shoot with a piece of history.

[Kennedy]

Originally Posted by High_Revs_17

An amazing firearm indeed, such rish history involved with it, I'd love to get the chance to squeeze the trigger, where did your Uncle serve with it?

He did not serve with it. He bought it from a catalog that sold surplus M1's. He had it restored and the serial number looked up to verify its age....1942.

[Kennedy]

Links updated with working video!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EAasLsrKB-8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RSmD28RgFiM

[SAXON117]

When my old man was in the Army he had one for his weapon. I would love to get my hands on one of them. Would make a good mate to my Mauser.

[jcblitz]

I did this with an M1 @ 100 yard, iron sight and take any chance I can to post it . It was the last two shots of my second clip.

[Kennedy]

Awesome shit dude, I'm sure if I had some more seat time with the rifle I could pull off such a shot. 100 yards really is a long distance when you are shooting at small targets such as the quarter.....I'd love to do some silhoute shooting.

Im really saving up for a Remington 700

[Cakes206]

[Kennedy]

Cakes thats why you use the bb-gun cause with this rifle you'll do more than shoot your eye out

[NYCSTRIPES]

Love the M1 Garand. I purchased this one as surplus from the Civilian Marksmanship Program and I had it fully restored. Looks like brand new now.
You can purchase your own M1 Garand as well but I suggest having the rifle inspected and serviced before running to the rifle range with it. They are 60 years old and some need some work to make them safe to shoot again. They are getting hard to come by and the priced keep climbing. I paid $350 for mine over 10 years ago and it cost me another 600 to have it restored. They are also available NEW from local gun stores for about $1000.
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm

This was my favorite rifle to compete with, the Springfield M1a Supermatch
308 Winchester (7.62mmNATO)


I was very involved with NRA Highpower Shooting and this was always the old standby for beginner shooters. Now its an AR15 based sport. I started Highpower shooting when I was 18 and I moved up to an M1a Supermatch before finally switching to an AR15 for Service Rifle competition.
If you like shooting the US Service Rifles, I suggest getting in touch with the following website:
http://njhighpower.com/intro.htm Its the sister organization to the one I belong to in NY. They sponsor the matches and organize new shooter clinics and would provide loaner rifles to those attending schools for Highpower Rifle shooting in the springtime. Email: radomsky@optonline.net

I am sure they will put you on the right track in NJ for getting involved with the sport. I love to shoot, shooting competitively is a terrific way to do these rifles justice. If I were to get a rifle for the sake of owning and shooting one, I would recommend getting a target quality AR15 which is easier to shoot and cheaper to operate overall. M1 Garands used to be cheap but not anymore. For the same money, the AR15 is a better bang for the buck. Look into a CMP competition model and it will run circles around most M1 Garand based rifles.

Any questions, drop me a PM. As a rifle instructor, I used to help teach beginner service rifle shooters how to shoot them properly.
Ken