M1 Garand in 7.62/.308

[ap3572001]

If I want to own and shoot a Garand in 7.62/.308 what are my options? What are the best oprions? I would like to hear some opinions. Thank You !

Information

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[Rick Cummelin]

Navy barrels in 7.62 made by Springfield Armory or a commercial barrel.

For a complete rifle, a surplus Navy rifle (likely a "trophy rifle") with a 7.62 barrel (some Navy trophy rifles are .30-06) or again, a rifle with a commercial 7.62mm/.308 barrel installed.

Be sure to use a 7.62mm spacer (plastic or steel) so you won't be able to insert a clip of .30-06 by mistake.

Be advised that at this time, .308/7.62mm surplus ammo is MUCH more expensive than .30-06. So much so that many M1A owners aren't shooting their M1As due to the cost.

[ap3572001]

Navy barrels in 7.62 made by Springfield Armory or a commercial barrel.

For a complete rifle, a surplus Navy rifle (likely a "trophy rifle") with a 7.62 barrel (some Navy trophy rifles are .30-06) or again, a rifle with a commercial 7.62mm/.308 barrel installed.

Be sure to use a 7.62mm spacer (plastic or steel) so you won't be able to insert a clip of .30-06 by mistake.

Be advised that at this time, .308/7.62mm surplus ammo is MUCH more expensive than .30-06. So much so that many M1A owners aren't shooting their M1As due to the cost.

Thank You! I want a Garand that was MADE a 7.62. What I mean is , I want one that has a 7.62/.308 barrel. Not an insert. A good functioning rifle that will keep its value too.

[Mike]

Hi, I purchased a rack grade M1 from the CMP and sent it out to be re-parked and re-barreled to .308 also a new stock.I didn't want a commercial rifle but a real GI reciever. "Trophy" rifles were too hard to find and very collectable and expensive. My idea was to shoot cheap surplus ammo.It was a good idea but I later sold it and went back to shooting 30-06 as the CMP had/has plenty of ammo. I had it done in 2002 and it cost me $726 plus the rifle.You can get a lot of 30-06 for $700.I wouldn't do it again. Good luck, Regards, Mike

[ap3572001]

Hi, I purchased a rack grade M1 from the CMP and sent it out to be re-parked and re-barreled to .308 also a new stock.I didn't want a commercial rifle but a real GI reciever. "Trophy" rifles were too hard to find and very collectable and expensive. My idea was to shoot cheap surplus ammo.It was a good idea but I later sold it and went back to shooting 30-06 as the CMP had/has plenty of ammo. I had it done in 2002 and it cost me $726 plus the rifle.You can get a lot of 30-06 for $700.I wouldn't do it again. Good luck, Regards, Mike

By "Trophy", You mean Navy Garands? Are they worth buying and shooting? Are they really good as a SHOOTER?

[Mike]

By "Trophy", You mean Navy Garands? Are they worth buying and shooting? Are they really good as a SHOOTER?

Hi,the CMP had some Navy Garands with inserts and the recomendations of do not shoot.I don't remember price condition ,etc. The "trophy" rifles were actually give out as trophies.Here's an article on Navy Garands. Garand .308 conversions (Bart Bobbitt) I've never seen a Navy Garand nor shot one. Sorry I can't be of more help. Regards, mike

[mdoerner]

I bought a .308 barrel from Numrich. Pulled the old barrel off myself, and intended to index it myself, but there was too much shoulder on the new barrel, so I had a trusted local smith index the barrel for me. I then reamed the chamber myself, opened up the gas port also. I just shot it last weekend, and so far, so good, no malfunctions with Czech surplus or Fedeal match ammo. I'll shoot it in next weekend's CMP meet in Youngstown with the Federal ammo.

You can do it yourself, just buy some tools, and have a backup plan if you don't have a lathe to turn the shoulder. Or you can have it rebarreled at the Springfield Armory, Inc for a reasonable price, but it's a 4-6 week wait.

Mike D

[tiriaq]

I have one M-1 that I had rebarrelled to .308 years ago. Fine shooting rifle.
Not too long ago I purchased a commerical .308 barrel for $226, taxes in. I may use it to rebarrel an ex-Dane M-1 that I have. If adjustments are necessary, I have the tools, including a lathe and a pull reamer set.
If an M-1 is to be rebarrelled, it is nice to have the option of .30-06 or .308.

[Calif-Steve]

Wilson .308 barrels are very good for the money. A nice .308 Garand will easily hold its own with a nice M1A. I have a new Wilson barrel upstairs, ready for the NEXT project.

[AKA Hugh Uno]

you don't need a spacer at all. not sure why people seem to think this is a safety of functionality issue. a "7.62" marked rear sight cover is a nice thing to have however.

I would recommend you simply send the receiver (with or without the old barrel) and your bolt to Deans Gun Restoration for one of their basic options.

I really like my Wilson barrel in .308 also. Very accurate barrel and a bargain for the money.

Wilson Arms Company