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Author Topic: Some M-1 Garand Questions  (Read 638 times)

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Offline missouri dave

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Some M-1 Garand Questions
« on: May 05, 2007, 02:27:29 PM »
I have the opportunity to purchase a Garand but have a few questions about them. What is Garand thumb? Sounds painful. Since Garands hold 8 rounds are they NOT legal to hunt with since most semi-auto's are only allowed 5 rounds for hunting? Further, in the lastest version of the proposed assault weapons bill, is it an assault weapon due to the removable clip? Any help would be appreciated.
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Offline Stan in SC

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Re: Some M-1 Garand Questions
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2007, 02:50:35 PM »
M-1 thumb is caused when someone does not remove their thumb from the action quick enough and the bolt catches it in the action upon closing.This is not going to happen if you use both hands to close it.One hand on the op rod handle and one to push down the follower.
 For hunting you can purchase 5 round enblocs(proper nomenclature,not clips,not magazines)for hunting or you can load a full eight rounds and eject 3.

Stan
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Offline Aardvark

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Re: Some M-1 Garand Questions
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2007, 03:58:37 PM »
  Though it is a romantic thought to hunt with a Garand, it is really not a good idea...The M-1 was designed specifically to operate with a given amount of chamber pressure to operate the op rod and that is the M-2 ball ammo...I think if you were to use a commercial soft pointed load in a Garand you may be asking for trouble...I'm not saying it would not shoot commercial hunting ammo, but at any given time, it may spell disaster or at the very least a jammed action...If you have never had a stuck cartridge in a m-1 chamber, or an off track op rod, then you have not lived.
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Offline mousegun

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Re: Some M-1 Garand Questions
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2007, 09:56:13 PM »
Quote from: missouri dave on May 05, 2007, 02:27:29 PM
I have the opportunity to purchase a Garand but have a few questions about them. What is Garand thumb? Sounds painful. Since Garands hold 8 rounds are they NOT legal to hunt with since most semi-auto's are only allowed 5 rounds for hunting? Further, in the lastest version of the proposed assault weapons bill, is it an assault weapon due to the removable clip? Any help would be appreciated.
Most everyone who owns an M1 gets an M1 thumb.  It's a rite of passage.  However, if you're determined to avoid it, never put your thumb into the open magazine well unless loading a new clip.

No one knows what new legislation will ban.  Can't hurt to get an M1 and grandfather in.  Be a lot harder after the bans are in effect.

The only disadvantage to using the M1 as a hunting rifle is the weight.  Ya still gotta carry it around.  Keep in mind the boys in WWII carried one from France to Berlin, and Guadalcanal to Iwo.  Couldn't have been that heavy.

Any ammo that'll fit in a .30-06 chamber will probably work OK in a properly set up M1.  Just make sure it's well greased, clean, and has an adjustable gas lock screw (McCann, Schuster, etc.).  Tune the rifle to the load you want and go make meat.
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Offline Stan in SC

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Re: Some M-1 Garand Questions
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2007, 01:08:49 AM »
Any ammo is NOT good in an M1 Garand.You should not shoot anything heavier than 150 Gr for fear of overtaxing the op rod.If you want to hunt with it develop a handload that approximates the power of the military load in a 150 gr. bullet.
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Offline Mikey

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Re: Some M-1 Garand Questions
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2007, 02:01:32 AM »
dave:  the M1 Thumb is a major 'ouch'.  It is usually a smashed or split thumb that hurts quite a bit. You are lucky to get away with just pain. 

The M1 is a great piece of memorabilia for some, competition rifles for others and great shooters for yet more folk.  New ones are made by Fulton and Springfield Armories and they will cost near a grand or better. 

They are not a great hunting rifle - they are heavy to lug into the field and somewhat clumsy compared to a sporter.  They are a full length battle rifle and yes, they will be declared an 'Assault Rifle', which is exactly what they are and were designed to be (at the time they were developed).

Aardvark is right about soft nosed ammo, so be careful if you decide to go that route.  In addition, some ammo should not be used in the older rifles and hot loads are really not a good idea.  JMTCW.  Mikey.
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Offline AkRvrrat

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Re: Some M-1 Garand Questions
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2007, 01:31:49 PM »
garand thumb-never happened to me. happens when you are not careful-thumb gets hammered pretty good when the bolt nails it. It is not a velocity thing with the Garand but a muzzle pressure thing-hows that sound? The gases that operate the op-rod should not be over what Lake City 172 grains were and that is from what I have gathered to be around 8700psi at the muzzle! There velocities ranged around 2700fps.

I have been shooting Partitions out of mine and have never had a feeding problem. I also use Quickload to help determine what the muzzle pressure is for the bullet I choose and the powder in question. It does help with the oooohs and aaaahs and should haves in shooting and maintaining my Garand.

The original op-rods developed by Springfield were not as likely to endure as the National Match op-rods that are pretty much in use this day as a replacement-they are pretty "springy" and do have longevity.

just my opinion.
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