I realize that the special will not gain value because of the criterion barrel and aftermarket wood but I don't really mind as I am a shooter and not a collector. I am leaning towards the special even though it is an additional $300. From what I understand the barrel will be a new 4 groove lapped and might shoot a cast boolit better.
The usgi barrel is a **** shoot and May be worn from use or field cleaning. I am new to garand's and if I understand correctly accuracy is not just a match barrel but also a tight fitting stock and other parts.
So I am assuming a good usgi barrel may shoot Jacketed bullets as good as a new barrel the criterion may be better for getting small cast boolit groups. The new wood stock may also help with accuracy and may need a small amount of bedding in the future. I also would not mind all the metal getting a new parkerizing finish.
My concern with the special is a tight chamber that might not play well with oversize cast boolits???
I have not purchased a mold for this rifle yet, but have heard a 311299 is the go to mold. I own a 311291 for 30/30 and a 311284 also but read the 311299 usually gets the nod in the accuracy department.
I have a Lyman 450 lube sizer, powder coat, and tumble lube so I have several possibilities.
i think my main concern is a tight throat with the criterion barrel not chamfering oversize cast boolits, but I think it would be better than rolling the dice with a usgi barrel. Some may say buy both while you can get them but that is not possible and this will probably be my one and only garand. I also have a 7.7 arisaka and a mosin 91/30 that I will cast for in the future with a noe 314299 and my lever action 30-30.
Thanks for any feedback, help, or opinions...