Hey folks, I am currently in the market for a Garand (like many are) but im not entirely sure what im looking for or what I want. I have a few questions that I haven't been able to find the answer to. Im aware im going to pay an arm and a leg for a Garand but I want to make sure the one I do buy is the right fit for me. The gun show in Calgary is fast approaching but last year I only found 2, one I almost pulled the trigger on was a beaten down haggard rifle someone wanted $1100 for (Gunshow prices). I didnt buy it because the guy told me it would cost about $500 to replace the stock (which is insane considering ive held a $170 brand new Boyds stock in my hand since then).
Anywho heres my situation. I have money to spend and I want to get the best bang for the buck and im looking for someone to suggest which qualities are important and which to avoid.
Maker: I want a Springfield simply for the fact its a Springfield. But I do not know much about H and R and International Harvester other than they were awarded contracts to produce the rifle. Ive seen a few nice examples for sale here on Gun Nutz but I think I want the Springfield simply for the name. Comments? Quality different?
Nostalgia: I want a Garand with some history but I want to shoot this thing regularly to semi-regularly. Am I better off getting a refinished, reparked new wood stock rifle or should I look at something thats been threw the ringer. I want to keep this rifle in my family for awhile but I also want to shoot it and have it function perfectly. Are WW2 Garands in need of repair? Is a 1955 or newer a better option? Does a refinished Garand affect its worth?
Ammunition: 30-06 ammo is expensive, hard to find for the most part (Garand ammo) and did I mention expensive? I know you can get a new gas plug to shoot conventional ammo but I dont mind paying for the right stuff. Does anyone reload? Can anyone make a suggestion on what to buy or should I just reload myself (im in need of a new hobby)?
Anyways, there are only two I have seen forsale on here that I like, one of which is the Springfield (new stock, older metal finish with some dark spots) and a completely redone H & R. Any guidance would be great and if there is a thread ive missed I can read that instead and my apologies. Thanks dudes.
Anywho heres my situation. I have money to spend and I want to get the best bang for the buck and im looking for someone to suggest which qualities are important and which to avoid.
Maker: I want a Springfield simply for the fact its a Springfield. But I do not know much about H and R and International Harvester other than they were awarded contracts to produce the rifle. Ive seen a few nice examples for sale here on Gun Nutz but I think I want the Springfield simply for the name. Comments? Quality different?
Nostalgia: I want a Garand with some history but I want to shoot this thing regularly to semi-regularly. Am I better off getting a refinished, reparked new wood stock rifle or should I look at something thats been threw the ringer. I want to keep this rifle in my family for awhile but I also want to shoot it and have it function perfectly. Are WW2 Garands in need of repair? Is a 1955 or newer a better option? Does a refinished Garand affect its worth?
Ammunition: 30-06 ammo is expensive, hard to find for the most part (Garand ammo) and did I mention expensive? I know you can get a new gas plug to shoot conventional ammo but I dont mind paying for the right stuff. Does anyone reload? Can anyone make a suggestion on what to buy or should I just reload myself (im in need of a new hobby)?
Anyways, there are only two I have seen forsale on here that I like, one of which is the Springfield (new stock, older metal finish with some dark spots) and a completely redone H & R. Any guidance would be great and if there is a thread ive missed I can read that instead and my apologies. Thanks dudes.