"All's" I can say is WOW!

[Garanditis]

Took my first M1 to a range (granted, limited only to bench shooting) ... but WOW - awesome fun! I have lots of work to do controlling the trigger and breathing to even form
a "group". LOL Good thing *I* wasn't fighting Jerry, otherwise "ya volt commandant" wouldn't be limited to something I've heard in a sitcom. I was shooting new Sellier and Bellot M2 ball and completely forgot that they go about $1/round. I kept my brass because I could see myself enjoying the science of re-loading, plus hopefully saving some money. Anyway, most of my shots "grouped" - and I used that term loosely, in what I could best describe as the mark a 10" slice of 2x4 would make, offset about 4" from target center. And this was from 100 yards off a bench with sandbags! I suspect I flinched a lot, and probably had some cant to the left. Nevertheless, I had great fun and am looking forward to my next shoot ... with improvement.

[bruce]

First, congratulations! Your first Garand is a cause to pause and celebrate! Now, as to shooting. S&B is good ammo, expensive but good. Contact the CMP and get yourself some of the Greek HXP ammo. It is more affordable and is ideal for use in the M-1 Garand. The brass is supremely reloadable! Run your rear sight to the center and run the apaeture all the way down. Then raise it 8-10 clicks. This should put you on at 100 yds. Fire three shots at 25 yds. Aim carefully. Adjust the rear sight till the group is centered. Now move on out to 100 yds. You will likely find your rifle grouping in the center. Focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship. That will help you produce nice round groups. The vertical stringing will be eliminated as you consistently place the buttstock on your shoulder and the rear bag. Try to place the forearm of the rifle in the same place from shot to shot. In my experience, I have gotten very good results resting my hand on the sandbag and holding the forearm of the rifle in my hand. I also use a model 1907 sling which I find to be a useful aid to obtaining good results on target. Flinching is often the result of recoil and the noise of the rifle firing. Wear ear plugs and a pair of ear muffs. This will greatly reduce the report as well as protect your hearing. If you still find the recoil challenging, open the trap door on the buttplate and put some wheel weights inside, then close it up. The extra weight will most assuredly moderate recoil. The S&B brass is good stuff. Look around and you will find HXP for sale at good prices, less than commercial brass. Also the HXP brass will give better results in the M-1 Garand for reloading. If you find it, USGI brass... usually Lake City, is excellent stuff! HTH. Sincerely. bruce.

[TJT]

Congrats on your new toy. No matter how many you own, you'll always remember the first one. Make sure that the front rifle support is under the rifle stock and not the front hand guard. I know it's difficult to not want to just squeeze the trigger and run through the clips as fast as possible (yes, it's fun) but try to contain yourself, take your time between shots, concentrate on the front sight (the rear aperture and target dot will be out of focus) and s-q-u-e-e-z-e the trigger, don't be a rush to jerk the shot.
Anyway, you'll get better over time as you get to know your rifle. Most importantly, HAVE FUN.
Jon

[Garanditis]

Thanks for the tips. I'll take all into consideration. In fact, the next time I go out, I'm going to hit a range that supports/allows all the classic shooting positions. I do have a leather (repro) M1907 sling. Will be using it next time I go out. I've heard a lot of positve things about the HXP Greek ammo. I understand the Greeks produce this ammo using equipment originally built for and used by Winchester. Honorable pedigree.

[TJT]

Get a copy of Jim Owens' book "Leather Sling and Shooting Positions" and read it. Then re-read it. Then read it again. It is a wealth of information and will tell you how to properly install and use the M1907 sling and how to shoot in the different positions. It's one of the best $16 I ever spent on a shooting related item. After reading it, my score improved almost 50 points in my next match--honestly.
Jon

[Jersey Devil]

Get a copy of Jim Owens' book "Leather Sling and Shooting Positions" and read it. Then re-read it. Then read it again. It is a wealth of information and will tell you how to properly install and use the M1907 sling and how to shoot in the different positions. It's one of the best $16 I ever spent on a shooting related item. After reading it, my score improved almost 50 points in my next match--honestly.
Jon

I need to take this advice!!
Thanks for posting this info, Jon......very valuable for any serious shooter!

[Garanditis]

I took your advice Jon, picked up Owens' e-book on Amazon. I also have watched a couple of the the (circa 1943) official US Govt M1 training videos. Now I need to land a good deal on a boat load of ammo and practice, which as we all know, will eventually make me perfect . If not, I'll try again.

[TJT]

I took your advice Jon, picked up Owens' e-book on Amazon. I also have watched a couple of the the (circa 1943) official US Govt M1 training videos. Now I need to land a good deal on a boat load of ammo and practice, which as we all know, will eventually make me perfect . If not, I'll try again.

Actually, practice makes PERMANENT, not necessarily perfect, so be sure to practice correctly.
Jon