C.N. Double

Howdy,

I'm toying with the idea of toting an M1 Garand to the next GAMM I can find (thanks to the fine folks in TX and OK), and CMP still has some service-grade rifles for sale.

I understand the requirements for buying from the CMP, but I guess I'm just looking for any advice on purchasing from the CMP and if a service-grade rifle (muzzle 3 or less and throat less than 5) is worth getting if I want to actually shoot the thing. They do have special grade rifles as well (new wood and barrel) -- do you think that would be worth nearly double the price considering I want to shoot it and I'm less concerned about original parts?

It seems pretty straightforward to me, but I'd be interested to hear if this is a good idea or not. If not, what are some alternatives besides browsing GB?

http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/

Thanks in advance!

Thanks again for the great info, pards. I'm going to try some Bore Tech CU+2 to get the copper out, and I'll practice reloading and shooting from various positions.

October is going to be a busy month! Nevada State CAS the first week, then Texas State WBAS, then Bordertown. Yeehaw!

I just had a great day at the range with the Remington, and I wanted post a quick update.

I ended up going for the Remington for many of the reasons already discussed, but it was a tough decision. I was able to put 5 shots in a 4.5" group at 100 yards from a seated supported position. And another 3 shots in a 6" group after making a final sight adjustment. This was after walking the target out from 25yds, to 50yds, then finally 100yds, as suggested by Hoodoo Brown.

With my last four rounds, I made an 11" group from a standing unsupported position, which I assume will be the most common position in a BAMM. I have no idea how good or bad this is, but it sure was fun to shoot.

Thanks again for the advice, and big thanks to Hoodoo Brown for outfitting me with ammo. I can't wait to compete in my first BAMM at the Texas WBAS Championship!

Edit: After doing some research, it looks like my groups weren't great, but I may not have cleaned the copper fouling out well enough. I've also not done very much precise shooting, so I think I have some learning to do. I'm confident it's more me than anything else  ;D

Hoodoo here. Yes, I still load BAMM ammo for several shooters. Norm makes a coated, gas checked bullet. I cast & load a lubed, gas checked bullet. I size my .30-06 bullets at .310 & have not found an 03 or 03A3 that won't shoot a cast bullet well. Let me know if I can help you...Hoodoo.

Thanks for reaching out! I sent you a PM and an e-mail (I think) -- please let me know if you don't get it. I'm still getting used to the WB forums.

Thanks for the replies. Both rifles shot very well (I was shooting milspec FMJ ammo), so I think I'll just keep picking up both of them and seeing which fits better. In either case, I think I'll get away with a nice rifle, and I'm excited to find a BAMM.

Now I'm off to find bullets. It seems like there are lots of options, and I keep reading the name Norm Purcella, but I can't seem to find a website. Are gas checked bullets OK at all BAMM matches?

If I'm not a caster, what are my best options for buying bullets online?

Edit: Is Hoodoo Brown still making BAMM ammo?

Thanks, Goatneck!

This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I like them both, but I agree the Remington seems like a more solid rifle. I've already managed to fix the rear sight (with permission from the owner), so that's no longer a concern. I'm taking them out to test fire tomorrow, so we'll see if one outshines the other.

Howdy,

A friend wants to sell me one of his two 03A3s. Can you help me pick one? I'm no gun guru, but here's what I've discerned so far:

1. Both manufactured in 1943 and barrels appear to be match serial.

2. One is Remington (rifle A) made and the other is Smith-Corona (Rifle B)

3. Both bores look OK, but Rifle A appears to have a more distinct rifling and Rifle B's bore looks to have some very minor pitting towards the muzzle end.

Rifle A (Remington -- Top in pictures):

- Stock does not appear to be original -- It has something of a pistol grip (this actually feels better and fits me better)

- Action feels a bit tighter like it has been shot less than Rifle B.

- Bolt has an 'R' on the ring

- No markings on the stock that I can see

- Bore looks excellent

- Rear sight wobbles, but I think this can be fixed by simply drifting it left to right and into place?

Rifle B (Smith-Corona -- bottom in pictures):

- Stock could be orignal -- marked with a 'P' in a circle behind the trigger guard and very faint stamping on the left side. I can't make it out, and I'm pretty sure the pictures don't show it.

- Bore appears to have very minor pitting and rifling is less distinct than rifle A

- action feels nice and smooth but not overly worn.

I really want the Smith-Corona, but the stock on the Remington feels so much better to me, and the pitting in the barrel has me concerned. The only thing holding me up on the Remington is the wobbly rear sight.

Also, is the stock/grip on the Remington legal for BAMM, or does it constitute an illegal external modification?

Thanks for any advice!