M305 or M1 Garand? Can't decide.

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FastFord58

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I am looking at adding a battle rifle (that is not of Russian origin) to my collection.

I'm torn on the two rifles in the title.

On one hand, I like the Garand because of the history behind the rifle. The REAL big downside for me is that I know very little about them and don't have the time to learn the ins and outs. There are a billion different manufacturers and I'm not sure on pricing because I have seen them on the EE range from 8 or 9 hundred to 2500 dollars.

Then there is the M305. It is cheap and available...around $450 locally. It also uses the venerable 7.62 Nato round. The downside of this is that I have read that there have been some problems with parts and quality. I don't want to spend $450 on a gun and then just replace everything on it.

Gah! Decide for me!
 
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The sound of 8 rounds of '06 followed by that "PING" of the clip ejecting is beyond satisfying every time. It makes you want to yell "America!" and invade somebody. Just saying...
 
The M305 is more practical, easier to find parts, easier to mount a scope and cheaper to buy/shoot.

The Garand is just so freaking cool.

It's the proverbial devil/angel on your shoulder arguing. The Garand is the devil and the angel is the M305.

Homers-Conscious.gif



You'll eventually own both so don't sweat it too much.
 
Buy a new Norc M 305 from a reputable (supporting) dealer, then if there are any(rare) QC problems, you will get some support. The M 305 is an improved Garand, just without the "mystique"; but you can't fault the rifle for that, just the idiots who non-plan wars. Both are great rifles.
But really, only you can make the decision for yourself based on your wants/needs, or perception thereof. Research and test firing is your friend. Good luck. ;)
 
You missed out on the good old days of affordable Garands. I wish that I'd bought a case of them rather than just one.

I also bought an M14 but later sold it. I regret that now but I don't regret that I still have the Garand. It's the original and has quite the pedigree. I just love that rifle, probably partially because it was the first rifle I bought with my own money.

You don't see a lot of Garands for sale these days. If I was you I would try to find a nice one and after that pick up an M14.
 
I have both and prefer my M1.
But the 305 is cheaper, both rifle and bullets.
So it's a budget thing.
Every time I introduce someone to shooting rifles, they shoot both and the M1 is always the preferred one. Even over my more modern rifles.
 
have to agree, m1 garand. both are nice but the m1 is historically iconic. plus 8 shots and a ping as the indablock flys out. if you can afford both would be great. you would have the original and then what it became, sort of thing. "oh Canada" garand offered us the rifle first. we apparently scoffed and stayed with the bolt action enfield. not to say the 303 is any less of a rifle or iconic.
 
Sakonut said:
The sound of 8 rounds of '06 followed by that "PING" of the clip ejecting is beyond satisfying every time. It makes you want to yell "America!" and invade somebody. Just saying...
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I have to interject here...John C. Garand was a Canadian:):)

But yes; Bang X 8 + "ping" is better than a hot meal, sometimes.

I also find the recoil in a Garand is very pleasant and rolls off the shoulder like a good massage. M14 is not unpleasant but different. Neither of them has any real recoil and you can shoot them both all day.

If you go for the Garand you are going to want to reload...$$$. You can buy economical .308 but cheap 30.06 has left the building.
 
OP, how much money do you want to spend??

If you're on a tight budget, go with the M305. It's based on the Garand (really, it's an updated version of the Garand) and operates in a VERY similar fashion.

If money is no object, go for the Garand. It's proven battle history (WWII, Korea, Vietnam) and unquestioned reliability make it one of the world's great battle rifles.
 
Nic3500 said:
I have both and prefer my M1.
But the 305 is cheaper, both rifle and bullets.
So it's a budget thing.
Every time I introduce someone to shooting rifles, they shoot both and the M1 is always the preferred one. Even over my more modern rifles.
Click to expand...

They use the same "bullets". :p
 
smak_daddy said:
They use the same "bullets". :p
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Smartass... :)

I've owned a ton of 305's, and only one Garand - if you can score an Garand, you'll likely not regret it.

305's are cheap, and will be for a long time. Garands, used to be cheap, and look where they are now? Garand.

Sidebar - has anyone found a source of 30-06 FMJ ammo? I think the last I found was some S&B at TSE... like $18/box or something... any other options than 'Winchester Power Points' from Crappy Tire? Blasting ammo - not hunting ammo!
 
Thanks everyone. I am heavily leaning towards Garand. Posted a WTB in the EE.

Realistically, I'll probably end up with both at some point.
 
canucklehead said:
Smartass... :)

I've owned a ton of 305's, and only one Garand - if you can score an Garand, you'll likely not regret it.

305's are cheap, and will be for a long time. Garands, used to be cheap, and look where they are now? Garand.

Sidebar - has anyone found a source of 30-06 FMJ ammo? I think the last I found was some S&B at TSE... like $18/box or something... any other options than 'Winchester Power Points' from Crappy Tire? Blasting ammo - not hunting ammo!
Click to expand...

So sorry. Had to do it. :redface::p:cool:
 
Have an M1 and a semi'd M14. Like the M1 better. There's something about 'em that no other rifle has. Bayonets and grenade attachment, etc. aside.
There ain't no M2 surplus ammo though. So it's factory or reloading.
"...Garand offered us the rifle first..." Nope. Developed by the U.S. Ordnance Dept for the U.S. Army.
 
not sure about that sunray, he had a prototype in the early 1930's he showed dnd (or what ever the monicar was back then). we declined.

(can't remember his name). same as that fella who made large arty. we declined, he went to the states mid 1950's? when the project ran its course (late 1960's/ early 70's)he went to a middle eastern country. apparently mosad killed him not soon after.
 
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