Converting M1 Garand to .308?

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Steiner

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30-06 ammo being so rare, what would it cost to convert a M1 Garand from 30-06 to .308? A barrel re-conversion would probably be quite expensive, yes? Anyone check into the costs? I have seen the chamber conversion .308 inserts for sale in the U.S., but don't know if this is a proven as reliable/safe method.

I already have a M305, just curious about how to keep the M1 as a shooter since I like to shoulder it.
 
The inserts don't work. They have a nasty habit of coming out without any indication of it having happened, upon extraction. This is why the U.S. Navy quit using them back in the 50's.
Fortunately, if it does come out, the next cartridge will only be blown out to .30-06 size. The M-1 is an extremely strong action. J.C. Garand tested one with 120,000 psi loads. It cracked the left lug on the bolt, but went on to fire 5,000 rounds of regular ball ammo with no further damage.
"...30-06 ammo being so rare..." Since when? Surplus ball is certainly rare. I've never seen it in case lots in 30 plus years, but .30-06 ammo is everywhere. Reloading makes this problem go away though. 150 to 180 grain bullets(165's seem to give the best general/hunting accuracy with 168 grain match bullets being the best period) and IMR4064 or IMR4895.
Buy a .308/7.62 barrel, about $300ish U.S. and have it installed. Douglas Barrels makes them. Who you have do it depends on where you are. This conversion is the only one that won't cause a drop in your rifle's value, but it won't increase it either. You may want to contact these guys and ask 'em what it'll cost. They can get Douglas barrels. http://www.rockymountainrifles.com/contact.html
 
There are only two parts necessary to convert a Garand from caliber .30 (.30-06) to 7.62 NATO (.308 Win): (1) a 7.62/.308 barrel and (2) a spacer block that fits into the bullet guide. The spacer block provides a feed ramp for the shorter 7.62/.308 round and prevents caliber .30 cartridges or loaded clips from from being inserted into the rifle by accident.

There are various barrel makers that make M1 7.62/.308 barrels; however, all commercial barrels must be finish reamed by a gunsmith at installation of the barrel because the manufacturers leave the chambers short to allow for correct headspacing.

The U.S. G.I. barrels are sometimes available, but they are expensive (about US$250). These were made during the mid and later-1960's for the U.S. Navy's Mk 2 Mod 1 conversions of the M1 to 7.62 NATO. The barrels have chromed chambers, bores, and the area around the gas port. The 7.62 NATO (.308 Win) barrel gas port is larger than the standard Garand caliber .30 barrel. These barrels were made by Springfield Armory, Springfield, MA, under contract to the U.S.N. The G.I. barrels DO NOT have to be finish reamed at installation and are the easiest of all the 7.62/.308 barrels to install. Make certain that you check the headspace after installation of this barrel, though. Springfield held the tolerances so tight on the U.S.N. contract barrels that nearly every instance, the headspace was OK. However, the best thing is to err on the side of safety.

Master Gunner
 
Steiner said:
30-06 ammo being so rare, what would it cost to convert a M1 Garand from 30-06 to .308? A barrel re-conversion would probably be quite expensive, yes? Anyone check into the costs? I have seen the chamber conversion .308 inserts for sale in the U.S., but don't know if this is a proven as reliable/safe method.

I already have a M305, just curious about how to keep the M1 as a shooter since I like to shoulder it.
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30-06 ammo is rare? Guess I better hang on to mine then.
 
Howard said:
30-06 ammo is rare? Guess I better hang on to mine then.
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I have a Springfield M1 Garand and I wouldn't exactly call 30-06 ammo rare. A buddy of mine reloads my rounds with FMJ and we get the bullet heads $15.00 for a bag of 100. But last month a purchased 5 boxes of 150gr, 30-06 power point bullets on sale for $9.99 for a box of 20. No problems finding ammuntion here in Nova Scotia. But .30 M1 Carbine is a different story.
 
150 grain bullets are teh recommended weight I believe.I use 165 gr in mine with no trouble with imr 4064.Heavier bullet weights with the wrong powder can apparently bend the op-rod.
 
Once you start thinking about new 308 barrels etc. you are looking a more $ than the old rifle is worth. You'll have to make sure a quality gunsmith does the work and you'll probably have to replace all those other parts such as springs etc. The cost will just increase and increase. In other words, that is a lot of extra $ to spend on an old receiver which have an unknown number of rds through it.

Springfield Armoury makes an brand new M1 Garand in 30/06 and 308. They are assembled with mil spec parts and new receivers. Even if you have to spend more, you'll get a better rifle.
 
APR said:
Springfield Armoury makes an brand new M1 Garand in 30/06 and 308. They are assembled with mil spec parts and new receivers. Even if you have to spend more, you'll get a better rifle.
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:eek: Well if a cast receiver is what you want then by all means pay the $1500. As far as the new Garands assembled with some old USGI parts being better rifles, that is questionable.
There are plenty of forged Italian receivers out there that are in excellent shape(no wear) and are better built than the SA inc cast receivers. A few milsurp dealers on here can get unissued USGI parts to assemble a complete rifle. It's expensive to build one from scratch but well under the $1500 price tag of a new SA inc. To each his own
 
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