Legality of 'Tanker' M1 Garand

[Shootski]

I've read that .308 Garands have either a 16" or 18" barrel, wouldn't that make them both restricted? I've wanted to get an M1 Garand for a while, but I don't shoot anything else that's 30.06 so it kinda makes sense for me to go .308.

 

[purple]

Military configuration Garands have 24 inch barrels in .30-06 and 23.5 inch barrels in the Italian Tipo 2 7.62mm conversion. "Tanker" Garands only existed as prototypes/experimental models, but civilians have been humping them up in various ways over the years. An 18 inch barrel would put them into the realm of the standard M1 Carbine - restricted.

The Italian Tipo 2s are a dandy rifle in 7.62/.308.

 

[tiriaq]

Under 18 1/2 " is restricted.

 

[can14]

You can get some one to cut a barrel down to 19" to be safe.
Some people do that

 

[tiriaq]

Cutting down an issue 24" barrel is a lot more complicated that cutting and crowning. Those splines make things considerably more challeinging. I think 19" barrels have been made.

 

[purple]

The regular 24 inch and 23.5 inch Tipo 2 barrels work fine. I don't know why anyone would want to frig with success? It is do-able to run a shorter barrel on a Garand, but why? Besides the muzzle blast would knock your ears off.

 

[playkation]

Below 18.5 = restricted. I don't think anyone wants a gun on the government's list right now. If you cut the factory 24" barrel below 18" it becomes a prohibited firearm. Replace the factory 24" barrel with one 16" it's okay, it just becomes a restricted firearm. That's our stupid laws for you.

 

[Humblepie]

Below 18.5 = restricted. I don't think anyone wants a gun on the government's list right now. If you cut the factory 24" barrel below 18" it becomes a prohibited firearm. Replace the factory 24" barrel with one 16" it's okay, it just becomes a restricted firearm. That's our stupid laws for you.

Check your metric conversion. 470mm. @25.4mm/inch.

Give 0.004" inch over 18.5". Why most barrels are 18.6" min.

 

[sgmacken]

I've read that .308 Garands have either a 16" or 18" barrel, wouldn't that make them both restricted? I've wanted to get an M1 Garand for a while, but I don't shoot anything else that's 30.06 so it kinda makes sense for me to go .308.

You don't have to have a Tanker to shoot .308. You can buy a standard length .308 barrel from TradeEx or another vendor and install to your receiver (you'll likely have to finish ream). Or you can wait for a .308 M1 Garand to pop-up on the EE.

 

[Airborn_69]

Criterion or Krieger made and sold a barrel for them in 18.5".

 

[tharkhold]

Below 18.5 = restricted. I don't think anyone wants a gun on the government's list right now. If you cut the factory 24" barrel below 18" it becomes a prohibited firearm. Replace the factory 24" barrel with one 16" it's okay, it just becomes a restricted firearm. That's our stupid laws for you.

If you cut the barrel under 18" the barrel becomes a prohibited device, the firearm doesn't become a 'prohibited firearm'.

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Op: I've 'built up' a .308 garand from a Breda receiver, it's a fun experience. I did have a new criterion barrel installed on the receiver by a gunsmith though. If you're looking to save major $$ the DIY path won't make that much of a difference.

I prefer old parts that look used/aged, as the stock I got very likely go thru the vietnam war.

Wasnt finished at the time of this below pic, but it fit well in the 'family':

Edit: Oh the irony, a non restricted AK47 variant, and a now-Prohibited M1A... wtf eh?

Double Edit: i almost regret selling all these to my bud Mike though...