I have bought 4 of the PS Garands and each one required some degree of parts replacement and adjustment to achieve correct fit and function.Among the 4 I needed to replace all op rod springs(normal on a used Garand),2 broken safties,a cracked hammer spring housing,a cracked stock,2 rear sight covers,a gas cylinder which was excessively worn and a cracked gas cyl lock screw.All handguards were cracked or split requiring repair or replacement.All of the stocks needed shimming of the rear leg bearing surfaces and/or trigger housing seats to achieve an acceptably tight stock fit.There were also a number of other minor tweaks such as replacing/installing lower band pins to get a tight fit,and re-seating the stock ferrule,peening barrel splines for proper gas cyl fit,and swapping out gas cyl locks for a better fit.Cosmetics are another issue. All wood required steaming,gouge filling and re-finishing. Most exterior finish was well worn to the extent that re-parkerizing was desirable.
On the plus side all barrels were sound and un-pitted with acceptable wear indicated at throats and muzzles,altho all muzzles needed a clean-up to remove puckers and nicks.Headspace was within specs on all rifles and none exhibited any significant pitting.Based on my experiences and expectations, none of these were in a clean and shoot condition as received,although all have proven to be sound and attractive rifles after considerable restoration and adjustment.From a collectors aspect,all rifles retained a considerable percentage of original manufacturer's components.I have the tools, guages,and knowledge necessary to inspect and repair/re-build a Garand from buttplate to muzzle,so these have all been a worthwhile investment and an enjoyable project.I would even contemplate buying another as a project rifle.
On the ammunition side if one handloads and uses compatible MILSPEC propellants (IMR 4895/IMR 4064) and sticks to 150 or 165gr bullets there will be no problems with functionality or safely and no need of aftermarket gas relief devices.Proven loads for me in several dozen Garands incl a 150gr bullet with 47gr IMR 4895 or 48gr IMR 4064 and a 165/168gr bullet with 45gr IMR 4895 or 46gr IMR 4064.The gas relief devices may have a place if one uses commercial ammo which is loaded with a non-MILSPEC propellant.Most commercial .30-06 ammo is loaded with propellants slower than MILSPEC burning rate in order to achieve a higher muzzle velocity and appeal to those who believe that top velocity is essential.The good news is that the handloads that I have described yield excellent accuracy and functionality in a Garand.
A few caveats on safe reloading for a Garand in addition to correct propellants and bullet weights;always FL re-size your brass,make sure that primers are seated below flush with the casehead,keep the brass trimmed to spec,and don't try for more than 4 reloads beyond initial firing.
Final comment.If you are patient you should still be able to locate a Garand in sound shooting condition and acceptable cosmetic appearance for $800.If you wish to pursue matching collectors pieces,then the sky is the limit.
