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Author Topic: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers  (Read 1006 times)

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Offline Dixie Dude

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M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« on: July 02, 2012, 09:43:06 AM »
Would it be possible to replace an M1 Garand barrel with a 9.3x62 or a 35 Whelen?
 
Would it hurt the action?
 
Would the gas system have to be modified (gas hole size) to operate the action safely?
 
I was thinking of getting a wore out Garand and having a new barrel installed with one of the above calibers. 
 
Is is worth it?  Would it be better to just buy a Browning auto in a 338 WM action?
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Offline mauserand9mm

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2012, 11:58:47 PM »
Interesting question. I'd dare say you could since the case size is the same.
 
The was a company that was converting the Garand to 458WM. This would've required opening the bolt face and who knows what to the guide rails. I don't think they do this anymore.
 
The problem may be the extra recoil - even with the parent case "big bores". May result in things loosening up or stock damage etc. This is just speculation of course.
 
I thought Garands were treated more like collectables these days, so you'd probably be best off getting the Browning.
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2012, 12:33:32 AM »
I've seen some Garands for around $500 at gun shows that seem to be worn out.  If the barrel is worn out, it could be replaced, and if replaced, upgrade to a better big game caliber.  I like bolts if still hunting from stands, but like semi autos or levers if stalking. 
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Offline Curtis

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #3 on: July 03, 2012, 01:38:00 AM »
A Garand is awfully heavy for stalking.
 
Curtis
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2012, 02:00:21 AM »
It is, but they seem to be so well balanced and dependable. 
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Offline mauserand9mm

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2012, 04:04:11 PM »
Dependable in their standard form. Changing cartridge may affect dependability though, but I guess that's your question.
Actually I think there are specific powders to use for the Garand as a result of the differenet burn rates and pressure profiles. I think it's to do with the pressure at the gas port and the speed that is operates the action at being excessive.
Talking about weight, I recall the days me and my friend used to clamber around the hills of Texas (in Queensland, Australia that is) with fully loaded (20rnds - we were somewhat optimstic) M14s chasing pigs. Of course we didn't mind the weight as much then in out early 20s.
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Offline rzwieg

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2012, 07:04:49 PM »
That would take a lot of fiddling...and $s.
 
I've got an M1A in .308 and have seen one in .243 and heard of some in 7mm08. There's also the BM59 in .308.
 
Bullet weight/recoil spring tension would be a problem.
 
BAR in .338... final ..and practical answer.
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Offline jlwilliams

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2012, 12:58:47 AM »
  They have been converted to a few other calibers over the years.  25-06 being not too uncommon a conversion.  Bigger cartridges do run the risk of beating the op rod to hell.  Even loading heavy projectiles in 30-06 can bend an operating rod.
 
  There are a couple of good reasons why you don't see more of this.  First, they aren't as cheap and plentiful as they once were.  Back in the '60s and '70s it made economic sense to sporterise WWII guns.  Now, not so much.  Second and every bit as important, back when they did more of this stuff with Garands they learned that the M1Garand's legendary reliability goes to hell when you start changing caliber.  You can mess with it and fiddle with it to get it to work, but they work well as built with military ammo (or rounds close in weight and speed). Add to that the fact that you will be starting with a shot out mess of a gun in the donor gun price range and you are asking for trouble.
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Offline lgm270

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2012, 10:34:31 AM »
I have read about .35 Whelen Garand rifles.  Lothar Walther  manufactures M-1 Garand barrels  in such other calibers as  .270Win., .30-06, .308Win., 7x64, 8x57IS and 9,3x62, as at this link.

http://www.lothar-walther.de/441.php.

There used to be a guy who made M-1's into the .338 Win Mag and the .458 Win Mag, but  I think he's out of business. Here's a Youtube link that shows it being fired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKXCu5oXgFY
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2012, 12:34:12 PM »
I was thinking a 35 Whelen or a 9.3x62 wouldn't require any bolt work only a barrel change with appropriate gas hole size in the barrel. 
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Offline shot1

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Re: M1 Garand action in other cartridges/calibers
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2012, 10:54:58 AM »
They have adjustable gas pistons now so that would take care of your too much or too little gas situation for operation of the M1 Garand. Getting one to feed from the enblock clip and getting the feed ramp area correct for the larger caliber size bullet would be my concern.
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