The M1 Garand.

[Adam Helmer]

I went yard saleing last Saturday and was not having much luck until I stopped by a place on Mulberry Hill. I was too late for the earlier sale Treasures that include two Krags and an M1 Carbine from "grandad's stuff." Remaining was an M1 Garand for $650. I checked it out and the bore was mint the exterior Very Good and it came with the short bayonet sans scabbard. It had an MRT M1907 leather sling dated 1943 that was dry and needed neatsfoot oil, Big Time.

I offered $500 and the girl grabbed the C-notes and handed over the Garand and bayonet. The serial # is 1943 era, Springfield Armory. At home, I water cleaned the rifle in and out, put boiled linseed oil in and out on the stock and saddle soaped the sling and then applied neatsfoot oil.

At the bench, Ball is up 7 clicks for POA/POI at 100 yards. I have a rifle match next week at my club and will shoot more CMP Ball through this rifle.

Adam

[Larryjk]

Adam, You did very well at the garage/yard sale. Not many firearms at those functions in Wyoming. Aren't the M1 Garands a great rifle. I got a 1954 H&R Garand from a fellow a few years ago. Don't think it ever saw any combat firing. It shoots fine and I have to get it out for some exercise this summer. My grandsons love to shoot it just to hear the clips go "ping" when they empty them. They were a serious battle rifle.

[Adam Helmer]

Larryjk,

Yessir, the Garand is a great rifle. I see a few CMP rifles at my club now and then and all are "Bone DRY." Not many folks properly lube the old Garand. I offer assistance when it is requested.

As for the clip "Ping", many articles appear in gun magazines where some person states the Germans (or Japanese, depending on Theater in WWII) where that ping was the que for the enemy soldier to rush the soldier with the empty Garand. Bruce Canfield, in his book, "U.S. Infantry Weapons of World War II," puts that old myth to rest.

Adam

[Larryjk]

There are many instances of the GI's knowing the Japanese and German soldiers listening for the ping and charging after they heard it, thinking the GI's rifles were empty. The GI's would have one guy fake the sound and then they shot the charging enemy. Pretty sneaky - but effective.
I also have a couple Springfields (03 and 03-A3) and the little M1 Carbine. I would like to have an M1A, but don't want to sell the farm to buy one.

[Gil Martin]

Good catch at a decent price. You did very well. All the best...
Gil