New Rifle Build

I shoot matches occasionally but I am a connoisseur of the Black Rifle!. I would like to build my first garand for matches. I have owned garands in the past but now Im starting from scratch.

Here is what I would like to do...

I would like to build a file for shooting matches but I want it to look unique and of course be a tack driver. I do not care if it is collectible or not as its value to me will be as a shooter. What areas do I need to concentrate on? I was thinking of starting with just a receiver or maybe a barreled action. I know I could go with a CMP garand ( I have in the past) but I would like to see what I get since I would like the receiver to be in good shape with clear stampings. What components would you recommend? What should I watch out for? Anyone know of a good place to get a receiver?

Thanks in advance

I would say get a rack grade from the CMP then you have your receiver and wood replace the barrel with a new one, new op rod and gas cylinder and maybe rebuild the trigger group. Some shoots you can enter but if you change it too much you can't shoot a Garand match. It has to be a stock Garand

Thanks for the advice. Im not really into shooting Garand matches so it doesnt matter to me if it is a stock Garand. My problem with ordering from the CMP for this gun is that I would like the lettering on the receiver to be clear and I would like it to be in good cosmetic condition. If I order from the CMP I dont get to see it before I buy it.

Is there a way to restamp the lettering on the receiver or something so I could make it more uniform and pronounced. I know some of you cringe at the thought of this but one of the goals is to build a garand that is unique that is easily identified from all others. I am thinking of inlaying or color filling the lettering on the receiver.

Any ideas where to get a receiver? Anybody here have one in good condition that may not be collectable?

You can always go to the CMP north or south store and pick out the one you like.....chris3

Beergod88,

I have not seen a Service Grade HRA with a bad receiver stamping. All HRA's are post WWII and are in better shape than one that saw action in ETO or PTO. You should consider one for $595.00.

M1 Garand Sales

If you're lucky, you'll get one with a good barrel or even a LMR barrel. The key to a good shooter is the barrel and a tight fitting stock. You can always pick up a NOS barrel or purchase a newly manufactured one to install.

Send me an email if you are interested in my recent rebuild experience.
Roy

Just completed a Rifle essentially as you have described for the same reasons. Not a Collector but a Shooter. Google "Out Post Armory" and get Phone number for Denny. I know that not to long ago he had a HR receiver in excellent condition I believe for $300. Krieger Centurion or Krieger cut barrel, the best but expensive. All other parts are generally available and I was even able to find most of them in the wrap as NOS. Or... Google "Deans Gun Restorations" and call Dean Willabrough, (sp?), he will build you exactly what you want and it WILL shoot. He will also make it as pretty as you want.

Consider a CMP "Service Grade Special". These are, essentially, unissued metal with little to no wear on the original finish with mint, original barrels & op rods. On a Garand, half the accuracy question concerns the barrel, receiver & op rod and these are all as-new. The other half of the accuracy question is stock fit. The SGSs come in a new production stock that fit tight. Mine delivers excellent accuracy.

I think I saw on Dean's site some pretty fancy stocks done in laminates. Very distinctive.

To make the most accurate Garand as possible start with a Krieger heavy barrel, and a postwar SA USGI reciever. The postwar receivers are less collectible and will have been used little or none at all. The CMP is still the best place to get a Garand receiver.
If you want it to hang with the black guns, better get someone to build it with all the tricks.

I totally concur with prior posters on Krieger barrel's as the way to go. I have them on all my match rifles ar15, M1A super match's and Garand's. They are worth the price in both accuracy and servicable life. One of the team members recently replaced his M1A barrel after 11400 rounds and the reason for replacement was rod wash two inches from muzzle. Have changed clean methods since then to a pull thru patch versus rods.