JCSSA Monthly Newsletter

July 2024, 31st Edition

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JCSSA Members:

​We are continuing to do work in the range parking area. This area is low and has many “potholes” and holds water when it rains. Road base is being applied to try to even this area. It will take awhile to apply, then as you drive on it, it will pack and hopefully will eliminate some of the standing water.

 

Here are some things you need to know about your M1 Garand, if you are lucky enough to own one of these old war horses.

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I will talk about the rifle chambered in 30 caliber, better known as 30-06 Springfield, and address only two things, lubrication and ammunition. You want to keep your M1 in serviceable shape and prevent damage to the operating parts.

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First lubrication: The M-1 is designed to use grease in the following areas: on the right-side use grease liberally in the bolt lug recess on inside of the operating rod and in the operating rod channel on the receiver. On the left side, grease the bolt lug channel on the inside of the receiver. You should also apply grease to the underside of the barrel just forward of the receiver where the operating rod rubs it and the forward 4 inches or so of the operating rod itself. A little grease on the operating rod spring won’t hurt. Any good grease will do, I use automotive grease because of its availability and price. Use latex gloves and rub it in. Don’t forget to apply a light coat of oil to all other metal parts. Operating your Garand without grease is asking for a malfunction and possible damage to the operating rod and excessive wear to the bolt lugs. Oil alone in these areas will not do.

 

Secondly ammo: Do not buy any off the shelf 30-06 ammunition and try to shoot it in your Garand. The Garand was designed to consume an existing military round, the M2, 30 caliber ball (which replaced the M1 ball in 1938). It had a 152 grain, flat base bullet powered by IMR 4895 powder and pushes the bullet at 2805 fps.  IMR 4895 is a medium burning powder, so you must use it or a comparable powder to prevent damage or excessive wear to the operating rod and spring, gas system, and the bolt lug. Buy a round approved for the Garand or, if you are a reloader, Hodgdon has a “M1 Garand Service Rifle Load Data” chart available (hodgdon.com) which is very good. Do not use high powered hunting ammunition in your Garand as excessive pressure generated may damage the operating rod, bolt or receiver.

 

Hang on to your 8 round en bloc clips as they are getting scarce and pricey. There are many sites on the internet that sell them, but most have been out of stock for quite some time. eBay has some but they are pricey as well. Without the en bloc clip you have a single shot rifle which will be difficult to operate. There are some 2 and 5 round after-market clips available also.

 

Remember to spin the numbers on the lock as you enter and leave the range and that the gate code is confidential and is not to be given to any other person. When you are done, leave the range in the condition you would expect to find it when you arrive. Please respect the facility and your fellow members. Use the range often and safely.

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Dan