New M1 Garand Owner - Hello and Questions
Hello to all. I’m here to find out as much as I can about the M1 Garand. I have done research, read articles, done hands on work, and have endeavored to do so in a straight forward manner. I’m here to ask questions, take advice into consideration, and try to get some more knowledge about the weapon system from people who share my respect and appreciation and who have had first-hand real world experience.
Now I’m not sure what the people on this site are like … so if you’re waiting to pounce on the first person who has asked a question someone else has asked previously, waiting to flame the first time someone admits to not knowing everything about the M1 Garand like you think you do … or if you just want to remind me how you tea-bagged my mom … well this site isn’t for me.
That being said … I’d like to share a few things about myself that might help you help me, and I would then ask a few questions to start me on my journey … either to another site or hopefully to a better understanding through advice I receive here.
I’ve loved the M1 Garand for as long as I can remember loving my own wee wee lol … I don’t know if it was from the old John Wayne movies, reading stories, the history channel … but it was just something I had to have in my collection. I’ve restored many weapon systems that needed help and that I’ve had an attraction to. I don’t like buying the brand new shinny AR guns or that new polymer 9MM pew pew’s, I like owning something of substance, that matters … something with history or something unique in some way.
I have more than a hobbyist knowledge of most firearms, but I have exceptional proficiency with and/in M1911’s, Ruger 10/22’s, R700’s, Mossberg 500 & 835, unique 10MM pistols, Colt 45L revolvers, and Ruger M3 and M4 pistols.
Recently I purchased a M1 Garand … right now I don’t know if it was for more or less than it is worth, but I was ok with the price so I bought it … $900. Now previous to buying her I had never owned or operated one. To date I have done nothing more than slip a 8 round stripper clip into her with snap caps and run the action. That seemed to go fine. I was told when I bought her she was operational and to be honest … things do look ok. All I know is that the receiver is from 1943.
So here are my questions:
1. I know that there are many numbers on the M1. What numbers should I be concerned with and what is the best place to verify those numbers against? Is there a site for this you recommend?
2. I’m concerned with perhaps the barrel might be overshot. If that is the case, is it better to keep an in-operational barrel with the gun or find one that is operation like the receiver?
3. Is there a sight or tutorial that you recommend for a full soup to nuts strip, fix, clean, history, parts, fun, etc. video about the M1 that I can use as a reference?
4. What is the best site to buy M1 parts and pieces?
5. Anything else? Anything you want to say or warn me about? Any names you want to call me? Anything I should know I’m not on the trail of?
Thanks for whatever help you can offer.
