All right here we go again, this is an argument that is shameful. These rifles are for the most part being used by guys to give their comrades a final send off in a manner they deem as proper. I seriously doubt that anyone in the big Green Machine is ever going to miss these rifles nor should they have reason to. If theft is a concern wouldn't or couldn't the replacement Garands have the same issues? It isn't like "Army Property" hasn't been lost, cut up, demilled, dumped over board or otherwise misplaced and no one gave a damn, but because some jerk sitting behind a desk decided we have to have these rifles back then by God we are going to get them back. B******t!

These vets are doing a service for the Army as it should really be the Army's responsibility to give each and every vet a burial service, not some old vet standing in the rain or snow. More often than not these ceremonies are held in less than ideal weather conditions and if these honorable vets feel the 03's are best suited for their needs than leave them have the damn rifles. Contrary to what has been said, these guys really did pay to use these rifles, no not out of their checkbooks but out of the service to our country. If it's one thing that irritates me is some "story" like the one about some individual being buried with 2 rifles. Really? Is there proof of this happening? Or is it just someones made up B.S. to impress his buddies at a tavern...it's yarns like this that make people think yep, those rifles should be taken back. If it is true then it should be investigated as a rightful crime and taken care of through legal channels. Someone other than the deceased had to put those two rifles in the casket and that person should be dealt with as a thief........IF the story has merit.

My guess is that somewhere in the background this whole forced return of these rifles deals with money that the Army thinks they can get for these rifles. I can't prove it but that's my educated guess and if it is true than shame on the whole damn bunch!

Rick