New guy, 1945 M1 Garand

Just pulled my Springfield Armory M1 Garand (SN in the 3.55 million range, I believe that's 1945) out of the closet, took the lock off the trigger guard. First time I had it out since I bought it (Div. of Civ. Mkmnkshp) in about 1988.

Couldn't find a SN database, so I joined here (after which, I immediately found a DB on the web, and determined I had a 1945 model). Some questions.

1) Anyone know anywhere in Chester County, PA (near West Chester) that there is a range I can shoot this thing?
2) I have about 15 clips, some old stuff (ball ammo), some modern hunting rounds. Any warnings about using this ammo in my M1?
3) Given that the thing is 64 years old, I am not surprised that the muzzle crown looks a little tawdry. Does anyone in my area (as above) do respectful, competent work in recrowning?
4) I suppose if I have the thing recrowned I can have the gunsmith do a rough siting in. Is there a method to do a final siting in that works particularly well with the M1?

I'm an engineer, never in the military, just have a lot of respect for folks who were, and for the tools they used so effectively.

Best,

The Wizard of Boz

Wiz,

Can't help you with the range, unless you want to drive to Bridgeville DE. Don't know about the gunsmith either. Some have used valve grinding compound and a large brass round head bolt to lap the crown smooth. Others think that isn't a good idea.

The problem with the "modern" hunting ammo is that you don't know what kind of powder is in it. The M1 was designed around a particular burn rate and a powder that is too fast could damage the op rod.

There are people, however, that have used commercial ammo. I've shot a few rounds through one of my M1's before I knew any better. Better to use the ball ammo.

Jeff

Hello Wiz - sounds like a nice gun.
Do not shoot commercial ammo in a Garand. Too slow burning powders have pressures that can harm the op rod. When reloading for the Garand faster burning powders need to be used where pressures have subsided by the time the bullet arrives at the gas port. There are special gas plugs that incorporate adjustable gas vents that allow modern ammo to be used and seem to be most popular with people hunting with their Garands.
As far as crowning the barrel - this is best left to someone who has the equipment and experience. The crown is a critical component in the accuracy of any firearm.

Do you want to join a range, or are you just looking for a place to shoot?

Shoot your rifle first. You may be surprised. It may not need to be re-crowned.

Use only military ball or AP ammo unless you get an adjustable gas cylinder lock screw for it. This will allow you to shoot commercial ammo.

Be sure to GREASE (not oil) the rifle properly before shooting. Any high quality grease will work fine. Be sure to keep the grease and oil off the hammer hooks. Here is a diagram of the grease points:
[IMGW]http://i41.tinypic.com/2rma7o2.jpg[/IMGW]

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Wiz,

Ilive in West Chester and was a member of the upper providence rod and gun.Off of 422 in Oaks. You need to join to shoot.

My son took the hunter safety coures at southern chester county farmers and sportsmen assoc.Its on rt 926 west of unionville. I don't know much about this one but it is close.

Good luck, Ralph.

My cousin lives in West Chester and I think he was a member of a range around Honeybrook.