While the M-1 Garand, is a solid, reliable, rifle, there are some tips and tricks every Garand owner should know.
First off, if you don’t already have a M-1 Garand, the best source is the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The CMP M-1 Garands are USGI rifles that go straight from a government arsenal, to the CMP, to you.
If you are a Michigan resident you can either pick out a Garand in person at the CMP North Store at Camp Perry, Ohio, or send in the paperwork and have the rifle shipped right to your door. No FFL is needed! (For more info see my article, How to purchase a Garand from the CMP).
The Best Garand Owner's Manual
While there are various military reprint M-1 manuals available, the best owner’s manual for the Garand is the CMP’s "US RIfle Caliber .30, M1 - Read This First” manual. This booklet covers everything you need to know, including take down, reassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and operation. It’s one of the best firearms manuals I’ve seen and I highly recommend it. The manual is included with CMP rifles and is also available for separate purchase from the CMP website.
Loading the Garand Clips
When you are loading cartridges into the Garand 'en-bloc' clips, make sure to seat them so the top cartridge is on the right side of the clip. This will keep you from cutting your thumb when you press the whole unit into the rifle. If you are left handed, and load left handed, you'll want to set them up so the top round is on the left instead.
When you are loading clips, also make sure that each cartridge is fully seated into the clip. If any round pokes out just a little bit you won't be able to get the clip to load into the rifle. Check as you load each cartridge and check again when you get the whole clip loaded.
The Tragedy of “M-1 Thumb”
Avoid "M-1 thumb" by using the blade of your hand to control the op-rod when loading. This keeps the bolt in place until you get your thumb out of the receiver. You'll only do it wrong once though.
Don't be stupid and poke at the follower with your finger or thumb when you have the rifle locked open empty. The bolt *will* close and slam into your digit. Not fun.
You also need to make sure the bolt is FULLY retracted whenever you open the action. If you aren’t careful the bolt can hang up on the follower. Unfortunately this will not hold the bolt securely and the bolt can easily jar loose and slam into your finger or thumb as you handle the rifle.
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The next two articles in the series on M-1 Garand tips and tricks are:
M-1 Garand tips & tricks: Part 2 - Cleaning, lubrication, ammo & spare parts
M-1 Garand tips & tricks: Part 3 - Malfunctions & accuracy improvements
Here are my other M-1 Garand articles:
The M-1 Garand brought semi-auto firepower to U.S. troops in WWII
How to purchase a M-1 Garand from the Civilian Marksmanship Program
A look at the best CMP M-1 Garand choices available
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