M1 Garand Special .308

[ozarkmac]

Considering an M1 Garand CMP Special in .308.
Other than the history, does this rifle have any advantages over other modern rifles of similar caliber?
Why would a person want one of these over an equivalent modern rifle? I would be using this rifle for recreational shooting, not hunting or competition.
My reason for .308 is less recoil and thus more enjoyable to shoot.
My reason for a Special over a Service grade is new barrel, stock, etc. and the .308 option.
Are there any comparable rifles in this same or less price range?
Any suggestions on alternative rifles or would you still recommend this model of the Garand?

[Phil McGrath]

Why would someone want one of these over a modern or equivalent rifle? there is none.. And as much as I love the M1a, enough of it was changed too make it a little different animal. They are wonderfull shooters, so there is no comparable rifle for the money and in my view that's money well spent. The question you didn't ask is where else can you get a semi auto with a 24in barrel that has a long sight radius? The answer is you can't other than a M1 in .308 and weather you just plan too go plinking or use it competitively its a step in the right decision.

Be forewarned M1's in .308 shoot so nice they are addicting.

[bruce]

Considering an M1 Garand CMP Special in .308.
Other than the history, does this rifle have any advantages over other modern rifles of similar caliber?
Why would a person want one of these over an equivalent modern rifle? I would be using this rifle for recreational shooting, not hunting or competition.
My reason for .308 is less recoil and thus more enjoyable to shoot.
My reason for a Special over a Service grade is new barrel, stock, etc. and the .308 option.
Are there any comparable rifles in this same or less price range?
Any suggestions on alternative rifles or would you still recommend this model of the Garand?

The CMP Special in .308 is an excellent rifle in a proven caliber that when fired w/ good ammunition by a skilled marksman will produce excellent on target results. It's advantages over current modern rifles in similar calibers is in the it is affordable, available, easily used, parts if needed are available, gunsmiths skilled in working on the M-1 Garand are not hard to find. The sights are outstanding, easily adjusted and offer repeatable settings. In either .30-06 or .308 ammunition is available and at good prices, especially if one is buying CMP Greek HXP M-2 ball. The brass typically is easy to recover. The op rod may dent the mouth of some cases, but that is not difficult to fix during resizing if one is handloading. With a simple adjustable gas plug the rifle can be used with any SAAMI load on the market allowing extreme flexibility for firing at the range or use in the woods/fields. A well-bedded scoped M-1 Garand is effective at just about any reasonable range where one would typically expect to shoot medium to large game. It offers very fast follow up shots if the need arises. There is no comparable surplus battle rifle in a serious caliber that comes anywhere close to the M-1 Special. Perhaps one might find a G-3 or FNFAL somewhere... but the price for anything other than a Century produced rifle is going to be prohibitive. The sights will not be as easily used. Scoping will be a problem. Either rifle will likely ding brass to the point that reloading is hindered. HTH. Sincerely. bruce.