Ammo question

[datkinson]

Recently purchased my first M1 Garand. It's a mix of WWII parts, and a few post war parts. I haven't shot it yet, but I did order this (Hornady Vintage Match Ammunition 30-06 Springfield (M1 Garand) 168 Grain ELD Match Box of 20) from Midway USA. Very expensive! I looked at some M2 30 06 ammo on Gun Broker and it is cheaper so I was thinking of bidding on some of it. Do the folks here consider it safe to use?

[SharpShooter82]

I would say that it is safe,,,but I am no expert. I would shoot it in mine. Be sure that your rifle is properly greased, not oiled.

Ammo questions concerning the Garand are numerous and akin to opening a can of worms. Do your research and until you are more comfortable and knowledgeable with this subject err on the safe side.

Eric

[datkinson]

Thanks SharpShooter82. My Garand is currently with a gunsmith to both verify it is safe to shoot and to get greased.

[Smokey]

The most recent discussion on ammo:
ported gas plug - M1 Garand Forum.com

Make sure your gunsmith is not one of the dry is good types. Here is an excellent reference on Garand lubrication (and I get no compensation from the company):
Greasing the M1 Garand (garandgear.com)

[David Milisock]

Thanks SharpShooter82. My Garand is currently with a gunsmith to both verify it is safe to shoot and to get greased.

Make sure you learn to maintain your rifle yourself. Clean and lubricate after each use.

[Smokey]

The Garand is actually relatively easy to maintain. It was designed for use by combat troops. Lots of very good information about all aspects of maintenance here:
M1 Garand Tutorials (garandgear.com)

[m14brian]

Yes, hopefully this ammo discussion will remain civil.
I generally am for free speech but on this forum it is required to interact in a respectful manner. If there is a repeat of the ported gas plug thread with name calling, arguing, agitating comments, and trolling, we will shut it down and anyone in violation will be getting a vacation! Also, no pointing fingers, but I think especially it would be best practice for anyone with 80%+ of their content posted here on a controversial subject in a seemingly agenda driven manner might consider diversifying their topics of discussion, there are many interesting areas of the M1 to talk about. So carry on gentlemen and have a great day.

m14brian
Super Moderator

[David Milisock]

The Garand is actually relatively easy to maintain. It was designed for use by combat troops. Lots of very good information about all aspects of maintenance here:
M1 Garand Tutorials (garandgear.com)

I agree the Garand is easy to maintain the lubrication issue is for me one of practical use. At my age I never carried the M1 but from my experience too much lubrication was an issue for every rifle I did carry. I use WWII grease applied to the areas in a thin film, oil is applied to a cloth and then applied. In the field this is regularly done and I don’t mean once a week.

A recommendation of a thin film is all I can offer as it works and attracts less particulents when in use. With that said if you never take the rifle into the field what does a little extra grease matter.

As far as factory ammo, 150 grain 30 06 that is not a light magnum from any manufacturer following SAAMI guidelines will work. Looking for deals on non US surplus is something I don't recommend.

[RDS]

I highly recommend obtaining a copy of US ARMY FM 23-5 (FIELD Manual) U.S. RIFLE CALIBER .30, M1. Its 382 pages and a wealth of information. It covers cleaning, lubrications, disassemble/assemble, operation, marksmanship and much more. Its been reprinted so no need to spend big bucks on an original. I also recommend getting a copy of TM 9-1275. (Tech Manual 104 pages) Ordnance Maintenance U.S. RIFLES CAL .30 M1, M1C AND M1D. Again this manual has been reprinted. These are the manuals used by the U.S. ARMY when the M1 Garand was standard issue service rifle. National Guard units were issued the M1 Garand well into the 1970s.

[MRusan]

This should tide you over until you can get a printed version:

https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref/FM/PDFs/FM23-5.pdf

The printed versions show better detail in the images.

[Smokey]

The only comment I have to the above is, it lists motor oil as a lubricant for the rifle. Automotive chassis grease is by far the better lubricant. Oil will work for a short time, but it doesn't stay put and runs off over time.

[David Milisock]

I highly recommend obtaining a copy of US ARMY FM 23-5 (FIELD Manual) U.S. RIFLE CALIBER .30, M1. Its 382 pages and a wealth of information. It covers cleaning, lubrications, disassemble/assemble, operation, marksmanship and much more. Its been reprinted so no need to spend big bucks on an original. I also recommend getting a copy of TM 9-1275. (Tech Manual 104 pages) Ordnance Maintenance U.S. RIFLES CAL .30 M1, M1C AND M1D. Again this manual has been reprinted. These are the manuals used by the U.S. ARMY when the M1 Garand was standard issue service rifle. National Guard units were issued the M1 Garand well into the 1970s.

Good advice.

[David Milisock]

The only comment I have to the above is, it lists motor oil as a lubricant for the rifle. Automotive chassis grease is by far the better lubricant. Oil will work for a short time, but it doesn't stay put and runs off over time.

I find that the concept of duty lubricants and storage lubricants to be good ideas. Oils are great for daily or every other day service but it comes up short for storage.

[m14brian]

In the desert southwest a light coat of oil *can be* sufficient for relatively long term storage, but in most of the rest of the US I can see that your assessment would be accurate and grease would be necessary, we are lucky to have usually low humidity out here.
m14brian