M1 Garand reproductions?

S

soheipp

CGN Regular
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Location
Alberta
Hello all! Since I'm sitting here waiting and counting every second before I get my rpal, I'm currently planning on how I will be burning my money in this hobby. I am sold on buying an m1 garand as my first gun but I have some concerns that I'm hoping you guys/gals can clear up for me.

1) does any manufacturer produce brand new versions of these guns and that they can be legally acquired in canada? If so, whom?

2) if I cant get a new one, apart from EE, are there any stores in alberta that sell these things with a warranty or proof that they have been certified by a gunsmith to be safe for use?

3)for those of you that have come across these rifles, what is the current market value for the average rifle? Excluding the price shock from the OIC.

4) are these guns maintainable? Basically if the barrel needs replacing or the receiver, are these parts that can be changed or will it cost my arms and legs?

Thanks and look forward to your answers!
 
soheipp said:
Hello all! Since I'm sitting here waiting and counting every second before I get my rpal, I'm currently planning on how I will be burning my money in this hobby. I am sold on buying an m1 garand as my first gun but I have some concerns that I'm hoping you guys/gals can clear up for me.

1) does any manufacturer produce brand new versions of these guns and that they can be legally acquired in canada? If so, whom? There are no repro Garands now being made, although some have been made with cast receivers in the past. Best to get an original military Garand with a forged receiver; they've stood the test of time for nearly 80 years now.

2) if I cant get a new one, apart from EE, are there any stores in alberta that sell these things with a warranty or proof that they have been certified by a gunsmith to be safe for use? A knowledgeable vendor or gunsmith can check headspace and do a function/safety test.

3)for those of you that have come across these rifles, what is the current market value for the average rifle? Excluding the price shock from the OIC. Garands are now selling in the $1800-$2000 range on the EE with some optimists pricing them higher.

4) are these guns maintainable? Basically if the barrel needs replacing or the receiver, are these parts that can be changed or will it cost my arms and legs? yes, parts are available. A barrel and receiver in sound condition will last an average user a lifetime. Most Garand barrels were ruined by over-zealous/improper cleaning which erodes the muzzle and by firing corrosive primed ammo. People can avoid premature muzzle erosion by correct cleaning technique and the use of a gleaning rod guide. Corrosive ammo isn't widely available and can be avoided.

Thanks and look forward to your answers!
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I trust this is helpful.
 
1: No. Every Garand you find will be rebuilds/refurbs or NOS. They made some 6 million of these during and after WWII and so lots abound.

2: I don't know about AB, but recall seeing some via FOC mailer recently. They're around, best to just call your local gun shop.

3: You can find used Garands for around $2k, of course depending on condition. Repros generally a bit cheaper, full number matching ones go up to $4k (this valuation is debatable). M1Ds, more. I note that prices have indeed been escalating over the years, not just as a consequence of the OIC. Garands used to be less than a grand maybe 5 or 10 yrs ago.

4: Highly maintainable, although I notice spare parts becoming more scarce around our neck of the woods. Lots to be found from the US though, Fulton Armoury or CMP are good bets. Pretty easy to do.

I personally tend to favour CMP or JRA builds - they would have been professionally assembled and tested, but of course cost a bit more. Your biggest issue will likely be proper cycling of the rifle, and as such an adjustable gas plug is highly recommended. Can be bought from Brownells though it may take a month or two to get to you ha.

Hope this helps. Garands rock!
 
FOC had 10 rebuilt ones from Vulcan Refinishing. They sold in the space of time for ten people to log in and peck in their credit card numbers.

Beware the temptation to buy a stripped receiver and source the parts yourself. It will be an exercise in frustration, extra costs, mismatched everything, and ultimately you have mixed Garand. What some collectors call a Frankenrifle.
 
I’m probably one of the few who in recent times who has had an M1 Garand as a first gun, and honestly I wouldn’t recommend it for a new shooter, as much as I love that rifle. They are cool, but if you have no experience at all with shooting and maintaining firearms then it can be a bit costly and overwhelming experience. Ammo is not cheap and if you want to reload to reduce costs .30-06 is not the most entry level of calibres to get started on though not bad. If you get factory ammo make sure it’s Garand spec or else you could damage the rifle with hunting loads (or get an adjustable gas plug). I would recommend getting something like a 10/22 first and learning how to shoot it properly, how to clean it, proper range etiquette, etc. That being said prices are only going to go up, so you should probably get both the Garand and something entry level. :)
 
Too expensive in my opinion. Maybe look into an M1917 Enfield for historic 30-06. Or if its semi-auto centre fire you are after, perhaps an SKS.
 
.30/06 FTW said:
I’m probably one of the few who in recent times who has had an M1 Garand as a first gun, and honestly I wouldn’t recommend it for a new shooter, as much as I love that rifle. They are cool, but if you have no experience at all with shooting and maintaining firearms then it can be a bit costly and overwhelming experience. Ammo is not cheap and if you want to reload to reduce costs .30-06 is not the most entry level of calibres to get started on though not bad. If you get factory ammo make sure it’s Garand spec or else you could damage the rifle with hunting loads (or get an adjustable gas plug). I would recommend getting something like a 10/22 first and learning how to shoot it properly, how to clean it, proper range etiquette, etc. That being said prices are only going to go up, so you should probably get both the Garand and something entry level. :)
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This is wise advice. I would not say start with a .22, though, as the beloved rimfire cartridge is too limited. I'd start with a bolt PCC in 9mm or a bolt .223 or 7.62x39mm, but YMMV.
 
I think one of the best ways to support your LGS is to buy ammo lol.

But yes, unless you are naturally gifted, I'd say 10,000 rnds minimum before you get really good/intuitive with any rifle.
 
SteelFlint said:
I think one of the best ways to support your LGS is to buy ammo lol.

But yes, unless you are naturally gifted, I'd say 10,000 rnds minimum before you get really good/intuitive with any rifle.
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Which is a good reason to start with a .22. You can get 10000 rounds for $500-$700. For 30-06 you’re looking at about $15000 worth of ammo, unless you reload. Even then it’ll still cost you a bundle.
 
I only have experience with handguns. Having shot a rifle and a shotgun once isn't enough to say I have experience. I am a bigger guy so as far as recoil is concerned; it is not an issue. I do appreciate the wealth of knowledge that you guys are sharing with me so thank you! I think I will get a 22 along with the m1 garand. Ive been eyeballing the gsg15. Seems like a small fun rifle that anyone can handle. As far as reloading is concerned, I think that should wait until I get comfortable first. I will stick to purchasing factory ammo for the first year at least. expensive yes but necessary for me.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
FOC had 10 rebuilt ones from Vulcan Refinishing. They sold in the space of time for ten people to log in and peck in their credit card numbers.

Beware the temptation to buy a stripped receiver and source the parts yourself. It will be an exercise in frustration, extra costs, mismatched everything, and ultimately you have mixed Garand. What some collectors call a Frankenrifle.
Click to expand...

ehy hey now, I like my mix and match used parts, they have a story to tell, especially my vietnam war stock :)

But yeah, OP, going the DIY way for an M1 isn't cheaper than getting a full rifle.
 
SteelFlint said:
1: No. Every Garand you find will be rebuilds/refurbs or NOS. They made some 6 million of these during and after WWII and so lots abound.

2: I don't know about AB, but recall seeing some via FOC mailer recently. They're around, best to just call your local gun shop.

3: You can find used Garands for around $2k, of course depending on condition. Repros generally a bit cheaper, full number matching ones go up to $4k (this valuation is debatable). M1Ds, more. I note that prices have indeed been escalating over the years, not just as a consequence of the OIC. Garands used to be less than a grand maybe 5 or 10 yrs ago.

4: Highly maintainable, although I notice spare parts becoming more scarce around our neck of the woods. Lots to be found from the US though, Fulton Armoury or CMP are good bets. Pretty easy to do.

I personally tend to favour CMP or JRA builds - they would have been professionally assembled and tested, but of course cost a bit more. Your biggest issue will likely be proper cycling of the rifle, and as such an adjustable gas plug is highly recommended. Can be bought from Brownells though it may take a month or two to get to you ha.

Hope this helps. Garands rock!
Click to expand...

Springfield Armory inc made a M1 Garand with a newly manufactured cast receiver. They have since been discontinued.
 
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