M1 Garand Scoped Project

[Bart212]

Hi Guys,

I've started an M1 Garand Project (scoped rifle) and don't worry no I'm not going to to be Drilling or harming any physical characteristics (but slightly modifying and refinishing).

Here's what I have:

1 Winchester M1 Garand Rifle (30-06)
1 TM Optics Scope 3-12x42GD
1 B Square Scout Mount
No Sling (yet)
No Leather Cheek Rest (yet)
No Flash Suppressor (have Smith Brake underway).


The rifle needs to be refinished as it has light pitting on the barrel near receiver, receiver and op rod and is basically raw steel (hardly any finish remains).

What can I do to possibly fill in the pitting?
What is recommened to take off the partial old finish and clean up the steel?
What is recommened to for a new finish re-park, enamal paint?


The first loop (that fits around the barrel) of the Gas Cylinder is slightly bent back which makes it hard to get on and off.

How should I go about this, buy a new gas cylinder or add a little heat form a torch and bend it back?


The stock is in rough shape (dents and very slight chips), smells like the previous owner tried cleaning it with terpentine, and is still dark.

Should I do the dishwasher method to try and raise the dents out and fill in the very slight chips, then slightly sand the rest?


Which is better the B-square or S&K scout mount?

How can I make the trigger a lighter?

What sling would be best (M-1907 Leather)?

Since it does have a scout mount that takes the place of the iron sight what can I do about the foward sight since I won't be using it (find another gas cylinder without, buy another take it off and grind off dovetail)?


I know this is quite the sacrilege of a collectors item, but I am trying not to tamper with it's collector value too much as it can be changed back in 10 mins.

So please let me know if the changes are nessecarilly the corrective actions for sprucing up an oldy. I would have used my Springfield but it's in tiptop shape.

Thanks

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

While I commend your enthousiasm, I have found the M1D is probably the worst ergonomic rifle I've fired.

There are solders that can fill in pits, but they won't blue up the same way as the original steel.

Phosphate or Parkerizing is appropriate. Most gunsmiths who have a regular through-put on their bluing tanks will be able to get the right chemicals and do the job.

The B-Square mount is probably as good as any. The one that has my attention is by Amega Ranges. It is a scout mount that replaces the rear handguard, so the shooter doesn't have to crank his neck over to the side. Leave the front sight intact and mounted. It has an impreceptible, but critical function in maintaining the barrel harmonics.

I don't recommend trying to bend anything unless you know what you are doing.

The stock is probably saturated with solvent. I use engine degreasing sprays, hot hot hot tap water and a stiff scrub brush. The cleaner will lift off all old linseed oil, so have a 1 litre bottle of Boiled Linseed Oil on had to refill the pores. Apply by hand once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year. Never sand a Garand stock, no matter how rough you might think it is; there are collectors who want exactly your cartouches and markings.

The M1907 sling is as good a shooting sling as you will ever find. Period.