Praised by Patton, the world’s first self-loading battle rifle remains popular. Here’s how to keep US Rifle, Cal. .30, M1 going.

by RK Campbell

General George S. Patton called United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 (most commonly known as the M1 Garand), “The greatest single battle implement ever devised by man.” I agree, as there was nothing to compare with the Garand manufactured during the course of World War Two. Today, these rifles are often worn and in need of parts replacement. The rifle is often accurate and accurizing is a concern but there are basic considerations that need to be covered with the Garand before we begin firing the rifle for accuracy. If the rifle isn’t functioning correctly then a loading program isn’t going to help. We will get the piece up and properly functioning before we do anything else.
Most Garand rifles are over sixty years old, notwithstanding the new production Springfield M1 rifles that are basically identical to the originals. A hard used Springfield would certainly show some of the same problems the original did. Some Garand rifles in circulation are made up from new parts with older parts in kits used to put the rifle together. As such, performance may vary. It is generally agreed that the later model production, from the Korean War forward, is the most desirable and consistent as a shooter versus a collectible. Even the end run production rifles and the Beretta versions, both nice peacetime rifles, are getting pretty old. Some are tired and in need of replacement parts.

Read more in our August 2012 issue. Back issues are available.

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