WWII Rifle Appreciation Day

[Speedo66]

A neighbor and I went to the range a few days ago and shot a couple of WWII battle rifles.

I brought my M-1 Carbine (Underwood) I had purchased decades ago from a coworker who had been a SeaBee in the Pacific theater, the neighbor had a .303 SMLE Jungle Carbine.

Both guns, now approx. 70 years old, functioned flawlessly. We were shooting at 60 yards and both were easy to shoot accurately. I knew from experience the US Carbine had very little recoil, but I wasn't aware the Brit also didn't have much. It was very pleasant to shoot with commercial ammo, especially considering how light it was. The bolt action on the SMLE was shocking in its smoothness, one of the nicest I've ever shot.

Appreciated the opportunity to put these veterans through their paces.

[Harter66]

I've been pleased w/several rifles of that era. An 03'A3,BRNO Mauser 8x57, Carcano, Arisaka waiting in the wings.

[Speedo66]

I had a 1938 Swedish Mauser short rifle. Great gun, but I don't remember it being as smooth as that Jungle carbine was.

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Took out my Garand to confirm zero and shoot some groups - still a good shooter, even after all these years!

http://i.imgur.com/f88MI18h.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/CMcEuTXh.jpg?1

[captain-03]

The the past 3 years on Christmas Eve, we have put on a Garand tribute at our range .. couple pictures from last year:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss241/captain-03/My%20Guns/AttachingBayonets.jpg (http://s580.photobucket.com/user/captain-03/media/My%20Guns/AttachingBayonets.jpg.html)

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss241/captain-03/My%20Guns/AmmoScabbards.jpg (http://s580.photobucket.com/user/captain-03/media/My%20Guns/AmmoScabbards.jpg.html)

[roverboy]

Nice looking rifles. I wish they would have a shoot like this close to me.

[Wayne Smith]

I'm now having fun with my first A303 - other than my K31's the only WWII rifle I have. I have a couple 1895 Steyrs but they qualify for WWI.

[elk hunter]

Nice looking rifles. I wish they would have a shoot like this close to me.

Put one on! You might be surprised at how many others would enjoy such an event.

[Scharfschuetze]

Anyone looking to shoot military rifles at organized matches should investigate the Civilian Marksmanship Program (formerly the Director of Civilian Marksmanship) that is supported by the US Government. I've belonged to two different rifle clubs with CMP matches and they have proven both popular and educational for local shooters. Courses of fire can be 100 yard reduced matches to the full National Match course fired from 200 yards through 600 yards.

My old CMP affiliated club had CMP issue M1 Garand rifles and issued M2 Ball or M72 Match ammo for the matches back in the 80s. At state, regional and national levels you'll get to rub shoulders with military teams from all the services and while that can be a bit intimidating, the local matches are relaxed and fun with shooters sharing the same interests as you.

Here's a link to the CMP:

http://www.odcmp.com/

The CMP online magazine:

http://www.odcmp.org/0813/default.asp

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheCMP.org

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http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss241/captain-03/My%20Guns/AttachingBayonets.jpg (http://s580.photobucket.com/user/captain-03/media/My%20Guns/AttachingBayonets.jpg.html)

Was the bayonet attaching for some bayonet charge at the range? :razz: