Pup learnin' a hard lesson?

[Garanditis]

Bodyman et al. ... thanks for the words of wisdom and encouragement. I plan to hang in there. BTW, my first Garand comes with an LMR barrel. Can't wait to get it on the range. Heard nothing but good things about the LMR barrel.

[Bodyman]

Here is the muzzle on my first Garand;



When we fired it none of us could get it to group for anything and then we noticed longitudinal splits in the brass from the base up (yes, as in 'holy crap'!). None of us had any gages when I bought it and when I finally did get some, here is the TE reading (I think even a tomato plant would be insulted if I used it as a stake);



I knew nothing about them when I bought this first one but it lead me to discover places like the old CSP, Scott Duff and all the guys at the GCA - just loads of great folks all over this area.

That first one was an IHC and I eventually restored it back with all IHC parts and a like new properly dated LMR barrel (back when you could find such things for semi-reasonable money). It was my first attempt at anything so extensive, but the design is so forgiving that I was successful. In fact, by some miracle it turned out to be one of my very best shooters. If I broke it apart and sold it off, the parts are probably worth twice what I have in them but I just don't have the heart to do it - that LMR really does shoot like a dream and it dumps the brass in a nice little pile right at about 1:00 to 1:30. Knowing what I know now, I wonder if I could have bought a worse example for my first one. Frankly, it is amazing that I ever bothered to get another, but the bug bit hard and 20 some years later here I am still playing with them and having a ball. These lessons can be expensive but hang in there - we all get them from time to time and in the end it is just too much fun with too many great people in every direction.

And there is always a little room for some Jameson.

Best as always.

[Garanditis]

Signing up at a CMP approved organization tonight.

[bruce]

I should've gone to CMP?

I took my M1 to Orion-7 in NY and was told the op-rod tab/lug was just out of spec ... far enough that it would be considered a wall hanger if not rebuilt or replaced. OK. Further, the gas cylinder is just under the Max diameter spec. Recommendation was to replace this as well, although "it could be usable" for a while. Frankly, I intend to shoot this gun. Maybe a lot. So I'm thinking the rebuild (of course keeping the "old" parts) is the wise thing to do. Oh well, it's just money .

Based on what I've seen around here and other forums, I think I really had no business trying to by an M1 from a gun store. Maybe on M1 #2 I'll go to CMP and then after that, I'll build up enough knowledge to properly assess an M1 at the point of sale.

I think I've got enough $ into this first M1 to buy 2. Ughhh!

I feel your pain. Went through a similar experience back in 1990 w/ a M-1 rebuilt by some folks over in Goose Creek, SC. Lots of fun and games. From there on out... have not bought anything except from CMP... or rifles others have bought from the CMP. Without exception, all have been excellent. Have no use for the sharp dealers whose stock in trade are weasel words and fine print. The folks at Orion 7 are first rate. Pay attention to them. Qualify and order from the CMP. They are excellent people. JMHO.

[Phil McGrath]

Any man that likes Jameson is alright in my book, have three fingers for me while your nipping away.

[m14brian]

Just think of it as giving new life to a lifelong friend to be. I'm sure it will be awesome.
m14brian

[Jersey Devil]

I'm hunkered down, too. Those guys are good folks, and I'm sure you'll be happy with the rifle.

[Garanditis]

... Also, I was told there was not enough headspace and reaming was required. I'm into my Jameson at this point. Waiting for the predicted 15" snow to arrive. At least my snow blower, salt and shovel are ready. I gotta believe the guys at Orion 7 are going to do an awesome job and I'll be a satisfied customer.

[Garanditis]

I should've gone to CMP?

I took my M1 to Orion-7 in NY and was told the op-rod tab/lug was just out of spec ... far enough that it would be considered a wall hanger if not rebuilt or replaced. OK. Further, the gas cylinder is just under the Max diameter spec. Recommendation was to replace this as well, although "it could be usable" for a while. Frankly, I intend to shoot this gun. Maybe a lot. So I'm thinking the rebuild (of course keeping the "old" parts) is the wise thing to do. Oh well, it's just money .

Based on what I've seen around here and other forums, I think I really had no business trying to by an M1 from a gun store. Maybe on M1 #2 I'll go to CMP and then after that, I'll build up enough knowledge to properly assess an M1 at the point of sale.

I think I've got enough $ into this first M1 to buy 2. Ughhh!