smores
Creepy-Ass Cracker
Ok, so now that I'm a member of two CMP-affiliated organizations, I figure it's time to look into buying a Garand. As a gunsmith, I have not worked on them very much, but I have read Kuhnhausen's book on the .30 Cal service rifles. It's a lot to digest, and I'm more of a hands-on learner. I want one of these rifles before I can't get one anymore or have to pay even more than they cost today.
I have been considering a service-grade rifle, as they're about $700, and H&R built rifles are available as of today.
However, I think I'd rather pay more for a Special grade. I am not buying this rifle as a collector's item, and I'm not terribly concerned about it being 100% correct. I want a solid shooter so I can enjoy shooting this rifle and have something that's in the best condition possible so I can hand it down to the next generation when the time comes.
What are the general feelings on these Special grade rifles? From what I understand all of these rifles have new Criterion barrels and have been refinished or had worn parts replaced with new ones.
My last question is whether to go with .30-06 or .308? The Special Grade rifles in stock today are on Springfield Armory USGI receivers (I think). Now, I guess I could really flip a coin on this, as I know the .30-06 is the original cartridge our boys carried around kicking Axis ass with. However, .308 is also a good cartridge, and I have other .308 rifles which would make my ammo purchasing and reloading activities a bit simpler. I'm also assuming this is true .308 Winchester and not 7.62x51mm NATO?
However, I would assume that this being a NEW barrel, it would have been chambered in .308 specifically, but it says that "a .308 spacer block is installed to prevent the loading of a .30-06 round into the chamber". This gives me concern, as I do not know what method is used to install this spacer block. I assume it's the same thing as the "bushing" referred to in the Kuhnhausen manual. He warns that all spacers will eventually come out if they were not either installed into a grooved chamber or interference fit. Or is this "spacer block" something different? I searched around the intarwebz and didn't find much help, figured with all the C&R guys here you could steer me straight.
Also, do the .308 rifles use different clips or the standard .30-06 ones?
Thanks!
I have been considering a service-grade rifle, as they're about $700, and H&R built rifles are available as of today.
However, I think I'd rather pay more for a Special grade. I am not buying this rifle as a collector's item, and I'm not terribly concerned about it being 100% correct. I want a solid shooter so I can enjoy shooting this rifle and have something that's in the best condition possible so I can hand it down to the next generation when the time comes.
What are the general feelings on these Special grade rifles? From what I understand all of these rifles have new Criterion barrels and have been refinished or had worn parts replaced with new ones.
My last question is whether to go with .30-06 or .308? The Special Grade rifles in stock today are on Springfield Armory USGI receivers (I think). Now, I guess I could really flip a coin on this, as I know the .30-06 is the original cartridge our boys carried around kicking Axis ass with. However, .308 is also a good cartridge, and I have other .308 rifles which would make my ammo purchasing and reloading activities a bit simpler. I'm also assuming this is true .308 Winchester and not 7.62x51mm NATO?
However, I would assume that this being a NEW barrel, it would have been chambered in .308 specifically, but it says that "a .308 spacer block is installed to prevent the loading of a .30-06 round into the chamber". This gives me concern, as I do not know what method is used to install this spacer block. I assume it's the same thing as the "bushing" referred to in the Kuhnhausen manual. He warns that all spacers will eventually come out if they were not either installed into a grooved chamber or interference fit. Or is this "spacer block" something different? I searched around the intarwebz and didn't find much help, figured with all the C&R guys here you could steer me straight.
Also, do the .308 rifles use different clips or the standard .30-06 ones?
Thanks!