Where do I begin?

[fn111557]

Just cut and pasted the below from the hello page. Looking for any insight for what I am getting myself into. I have been; reading different sites for a few weeks, signed up as member to quite a few, signed up as member to gunbroker.com, and sent a request to ATF for my C&R FFL application. Any other help, info, or instructions please let me know.
Thanks! Fred

Hello! An old man NEWBIE checking in. I am looking forward to learning a lot from the other collectors here. With the passing of this last Memorial Day, and my discovery of information about my "NAMESAKE" uncle(check out link below), I am ready to add a historical gun to my collection. I decided on going the "M1" route. I used the Garand when I was in the NAVY to shoot garbage bags from the fantail of the ship, I have never shot the Carbine before. My reason for wanting a Carbine is the historical tie to my uncle(see second link).
My purpose for getting this rifle is strictly punching holes in paper up to 100yds away. Maybe an occasional "ZOMBIE" hunt.
Please let me know what your opinions are and any thing I should be on the look-out for (good/bad) while shopping for my new addition.
Thanks in advance for your information. My posting id in the provided links is; fn111557.

Info link - "NEAR the BOTTOM"
http://texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.yuku.com/topic/1351

Story link - "Close Call with Incoming Mortars"
http://texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.yuku.com/topic/1402

Information

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[Bill Hollinger]

Welcome aboard FN. This is a great site to learn about military weapons.

My suggestion, buy a couple of the carbine books that are available. War Baby by Larry Ruth and Reisch's book on carbines. Those two will give you a good start. As for the purchase of a carbine, look to the CMP. They have the best deal on WWII (non-import) carbines and Garands out there.