Garand Sling and Ammo?

mmattockx

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I finally bought my very own M1 Garand, just waiting for shipping now.

1) I would like to put the proper type of sling on it, what would that be (the correct technical description) and where would I find one?

2) I know the correct ammo is the M2 ball (I think it is called), using a 150gr bullet at around 2700fps. Is there a commercial ammo that is close to this, with the correct powder burn rate for the gas system?

3) Any recommendations for a reloading recipe that is close to the M2 stuff?

Thanks,
Mark
 
The Sling M1907, in leather with either brass (early) or metal (late) hooks, would be suitable for any wartime production model. The originals are usually available at militaria shows and can be pricey. Many are dried out and not suitable for regular use. Modern made quality production slings are available from Marstar for $29.95. Surprisingly, they are listed as "sold out"!

The next correct one is Sling M1, in canvas web material, with metal hardware. Marstar lists them as sling M14 M1A for $19.95 (in stock??!!).

I don't use commercial ammo or reload, so your best bet is to find a round that is of similar weight with a pointed soft point/FMJ.

Check out Fulton Armory ( http://fulton-armory.com/ ) from the States. They no longer ship to Canada (but will to a US Postal Box), but have great kit, articles and info on the M1 Rifle.
 
Congratulations on getting a great rifle! There is no commercial ammo with the correct burn rate that you can easily find for the Garand. What is produced is the Federal American Eagle 3006N (unavailable here in Edmonton), Federal 3006M1 ( made for the Garand but also unavailable here in Edmonton), Hornady match Garand ammo (unavailable), and Federal match Garand ammo (a few boxes at P&D and generically very expensive due to the expensive bullets).

What will work fine is a McCann Industries adjustable gas plug from Ellwood Epps in Orillia, Ontario. It allows you to shoot regular commercial 150-grain .30-'06 ammo, and it works great. I just got mine and I like it; no more worries about damaging hard-to-get Garand parts.

I'm in Edmonton; send me a private message if you want to talk some more.

Albertacowboy and damn proud of it-if I could ride a horse to work, I would!
 
Hi Mark

Regarding the M2 ball loads for an M1 Rifle. I have used both IMR or Hodgon 4895 powder in the past to duplicate ball loadings. Consult a good loading manual such as Hornady for charge weights and other pertinent info.
 
Another source of M1 Garand ( & M1 Carbine ) goodness:
www.billricca.com

I do not know if he ships parts to Canada or not. If not , his site is worth a vist for historical info. He also carries high quality reprints of the historic military repair manuals. The manuals are great for working on the old guns and keeping them authentic.
 
I finally bought my very own M1 Garand, just waiting for shipping now.

1) I would like to put the proper type of sling on it, what would that be (the correct technical description) and where would I find one?

2) I know the correct ammo is the M2 ball (I think it is called), using a 150gr bullet at around 2700fps. Is there a commercial ammo that is close to this, with the correct powder burn rate for the gas system?

3) Any recommendations for a reloading recipe that is close to the M2 stuff?

Thanks,
Mark

2) Winchester White box 30-06 ammo (150gr) can be safely used in the Garand, as well as Remington`s UMC green and white box 30-06 (150gr)...I`ve called Winchester and Remington tech support and they both said that their ammo is close to M2 ball...Shooters have been using it (myself included) for quite awhile without any problems....Any other type of commercial ammo would require an adjustable gas plug....
 
2) Winchester White box 30-06 ammo (150gr) can be safely used in the Garand, as well as Remington`s UMC green and white box 30-06 (150gr)...I`ve called Winchester and Remington tech support and they both said that their ammo is close to M2 ball...Shooters have been using it (myself included) for quite awhile without any problems....Any other type of commercial ammo would require an adjustable gas plug....


Where can us M1 fans buy this Winchester and Remington, M1 user friendly ammo,..
 
Mark:
I use 47.0 grains of H4895 with a 150-168 grain bullet in my M1's, and they shoot pretty darn good. The Mccann or Shuster adjustable gas plugs are a good investment, as you can shoot, 'heavier than recommended' bullet weights and /or powders with a faster/slower than 'recommended' burn rate. I suspect that the 'recommended' bullet weights and burn rates may be something of an old wives tale, but I'm not going to tempt fate. As an added bonus, they can help in the recovery of your brass, especially in Service Rifle matches where the brass can be ejected into grass or other places where they are difficult to locate. One of my best shooting M1's ejects at 1 oclock and the brass rolls down the elevated firing berm into no man's land. With an adjustable plug they all end up in a neat pile at 2-3 oclock.
You have made a superb purchase in one of the finest battle rifles ever fielded on this planet. If you have accuracy problems with your new purchase, don't despair. Unless your barrel is a sewer pipe, there are many easy fixes to make your M1 shoot more accurately. Send me a PM if you have accuracy problems and I will help you out.
 
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