So I sent in my Order to the CMP... M1 Garand.
Well... I finally did it. I have been wanting one for many many years. Always seemed out of reach for me, I don't know why I thought that way. But yesterday I sent in my paperwork and payment for one of the CMP M1 Garand Rack specials.
This is a 100% shooter M1. Will have a new criterion barrel and new CMP wood. I'm not a collector. I will be using the snot out of this rifle. For the CMP - High Power season at my local club as well as a deer rifle this season. (Hunting deer a season is kind of a requirement for nearly all the rifles I own).
The description is as follows from the CMP site:
CMP Special Rack Grade (.30-06) M1 Garand. This is a partially refurbished rifle with a refinished M1 receiver, new production criterion barrel, new production American Walnut stock and handguards, and new web sling. Receiver is the only part of the rifle that has been refinished. Remainder of the other parts have NOT been refinished.
Receiver will have heavy pitting above the wood line.
I put a sticky for minimal pitting if possible.
So with all that said....
What do I do when I get it. I will do a detail strip and cleaning of course. However, I have never owned a M1 and I am not currently familiar with the gas system inner workings. I am only familiar with the basic functionality of the Garand the dozen or so times I have shot one. What parts to I need to inspect and or possibly replace with one of these rifles? I do plan to get the adjustable gas screw plugs from midway.
In a perfect world Id like to use PC cast bullets during the High Power season and then regular J words for hunting this first season. I realize that PC may be a pipe dream. I have done a bunch of research on load development, so I have a plan on how I will proceed with that. Just need some help planning on what I need to look for, replace and or test before I go into load development.
I realize I could go over the the CMP forums and ask these questions, but I will be honest. The gang here are a lot more practical where over there the have a large number of collectors and perfectionists. That's not a bad thing at all. But I have a hard time filtering the suggestions and opinions of the collectors from everything else, since I am brand new to the Garand. I want to stick to the practical and not jump down some rabbit hole (yet) when working with this rifle.