M1-Garand: any good for hunting?

It doesn't take much money to hunt larger game. A $150 Lee Enfield sporter, couple boxes of shells
Click to expand...

I agree. My first ever deer hunt 20 + yrs ago was with an Enfield 303. Powerful enough and was quite accurate. If you lived over my way I'd sell it to ya cheap with ammo just to get you started. Tons of deer have been taken down with them, their just not as pretty as the newer hunting rifles.
 
TimberPig said:
It doesn't take much money to hunt larger game. A $150 Lee Enfield sporter, couple boxes of shells, a good knife, a game saw, a pack and some game bags and adequate field clothing is all that is really required to hunt deer, moose or elk. Most people make hunting far more expensive these days than it needs to be. More money spent can provide an easier hunt, or especially easier game retrieval, but it doesn't have to be expensive.

Sorry to burst the bubble, but a Stevens 200 only comes with a plastic stock from the factory. Wood alternatives are available to be fitted if you prefer, at additional cost.

A Leupold equivalent to a Elite 3200 would be a Rifleman or a VX-1. The Leupolds are slightly more expensive than the Bushnells though.
Click to expand...
that's some good information. I'm going to be a somewhat dependent hunter, being I don't drive...so I can easily foresee myself tagging along or building plans with friends.

that said, you're right about the LE Sporter...just dawned on me why the Sporter would be a good hunting rifle, lighter stock = lighter rifle = nicer to carry. I sorta like the look of full stock rifles, but that tidbit could make a lot of difference.

one quick question about the the Bushnell vs. Leupold answer. which one is nicer to use mechanically? this day and age it's not impossible to get 95% the optical quality in something half the price, but the mechanical quality can be far enough apart that you would want to spend twice the money. I know that as fact being my amateur astronomer hobby! ;)
 
Mr. Friendly said:
one quick question about the the Bushnell vs. Leupold answer. which one is nicer to use mechanically? this day and age it's not impossible to get 95% the optical quality in something half the price, but the mechanical quality can be far enough apart that you would want to spend twice the money. I know that as fact being my amateur astronomer hobby! ;)
Click to expand...

The biggest mechanical difference that you will notice is the click adjustments on the Bushnell versus the friction adjustments on the Leupolds. They are both 1/4 moa adjustments, it's just that the Leupold requires you to look at it to determine how far it has moved, rather than moving it X number of clicks.

The Leupolds also have slightly longer eye relief than the Bushnell.

They are both well made optics that will serve a person well.
 
Riflechair said:
Heavy - Yes
Too Heavy - No
Click to expand...
Agreed

Works just fine :D

calfngarand2006.JPG
 
M1 too heavy,etc.

Largest and best mule deer buck I've taken was with a Garand and 165 gr bullets, an over kill for deer, but similar to the target bullets it likes.

Anyone who thinks a Garand unsuitable for hunting hasn't used one in that application. As to weight, gimme a break .... there are many rifles out there that make the M1 seem a lightweight.

I carry mine slung up in military fashion which allows me to free one arm at any time and gives instant use of the rifle. The sling carries the weight. Over the shoulder or 'African Safari' carry are other options.

The issue sights are fast in acquisition and adequate for hunting if you can hold a decent 200m group. My shot was a 75m snap shot and he was down.

I have a couple of clips modified to hold 5 rds in case I run into an over zealous CO who doesn't know the law. The M1 is legal with it's 8 shot enbloc.

I'd choose it over several bolt action rifles in the rack simply because it works without a bobble, hits hard and as accurately as I can hold. Pussy cat for recoil. What's not to like for hunting?
 
If I already owned one, didn't want to spend the $$ on a new one for hunting the Garand is fine. Practice with ball or 150s, sight in with your hunting load (from what I've read, a few 180s won't hurt it, or use 165s) and Bob's your uncle. I wouldn't put a scope on it because with a moose size vital area you should be good to 250-300 yards and that's fine for the peep sight -plus it's less weight to carry. And if you run into a pissed off grizzly,as someone pointed out, 8 rounds on tap is a great deterrent.
 
I plan on hopefully getting a Ivik(walrus) with my M1 Garand ... and I plan on shooting my next Umingmak(muskox) next year with my M1 Garand as I shot my 1st one this March with my M14 ... :D

Otokiak
Rankin Inlet, NU
CANADA
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom