Is it Proper to Shoot Garands with GI Barrels?

[613jmm]

So you don't shoot it, to save it, but what are you saving it for, since you can't do anything else besides shoot with it?

If you want a GI barrel to look at, get a shot out one and hang it on the wall.

[Me Not You]

The huge majority of these rifles are mixmasters rebuilt from gauged parts pulled at random from bins. They are rugged, durable, reliable, utilitarian firearms that are great shooters. I don't see that they can't be used and enjoyed except for a very few. Probably the worst thing is not properly greasing them. That will result in excessive wear.

[Twinson]

All the Garands we shoot at Perry in the JCG matches all have USGI barrels on them. We won't be around when USGI garand barrels are hard to find. You can still find NOS 1903 barrels and that gun is over 125 years old.

[mtn71]

People still rebuild and fly vintage warplanes, and there are far, far fewer of those still around. Every few years you hear of a crash where one is destroyed, and people die.

Someday the only remaining examples will be in museums.

[brianm767]

There were millions and millions of GI Garand barrels made, its not like a Japanese Zero where there are only a handful still in existence, and only a few that still fly, and only one I believe with its original engine.

In a Zeros case. I can see an argument as to why they should not fly anymore, I'm not saying I agree with it, but its a legitimate question to ask.

But when Millions of Garand barrels are still out there, I find the statement above kind of ridiculous .

[Me Not You]

Some replacement stocks and barrels at the ordinance facilities came from commercial sources, not military. Basically the huge majority of Garands are now a hodgepodge of inspected parts from multiple rifles. The end result is a serviceable rifle to be issued to a combat infantryman. With prober maintenance (DRY IS BAD) the rifle should last a lifetime.

Proper lubrication:
https://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-grease/

Garand overhaul/rebuild:
https://www.americanrifleman.org/art...rand-rebuilds/

[togor]

Two points:

1) a replacement barrel is a replacement barrel, regardless of who made it

2) the era of inexpensive surplus .30-06 in quantity being behind us, the danger of barrels being shot out goes ever downwards.

[mtn71]

Originally Posted by brianm767

There were millions and millions of GI Garand barrels made, its not like a Japanese Zero where there are only a handful still in existence, and only a few that still fly, and only one I believe with its original engine.

In a Zeros case. I can see an argument as to why they should not fly anymore, I'm not saying I agree with it, but its a legitimate question to ask.

But when Millions of Garand barrels are still out there, I find the statement above kind of ridiculous .

I'm not sure whether you're referring to my post or the OP, but I actually agree with you. M1 rifles are so common that that there are plenty of excellent, historical examples in museums around the world.

My point was just that people still fly rare, vintage warplanes (which I think is a good thing), so why not shoot your much more common rifles?

[Smf834]

Only firearm that i consider not fire would be my nazi marked P38 pistols. Since everything is stamped with serial numbers, one damage can hurt the value. I still shoot 115gr once in a while still. Life’s too short for guns that just sits in the safe.

[TSimonetti]

Originally Posted by mountaineer273

He told me that he was told by the clerk there that it is best to only shoot Garands that have Criterion or other new production barrels on them. The reason that he gave was that since the supply of GI barrels is finite, we should not be shooting them.

Well, to begin with, it is factually accurate to say that in general, a criterion barrel is best to shoot with than your average USGI barrel.

That said, I'm thinking the clerk was talking about SPARE USGI barrels out there, not ones that are already installed on a rifle. So in that context, it is plausible that the clerk said it in such a context.

You're building a rifle, so yeah it's probably best to get a criterion unless you are considering history and are choosing to build with all period parts.

Although nowadays, a mint SA 60's barrel is probably going to cost you less or at least about the same as a brand new criterion. They are over $300 now with shipping from the factory website.

As for me, I have a Minty SA 1966 barrel with TE-1.5 and ME-1 but there's a real good chance I'll be using my spare criterion before I touch that one if I'm building a new shooter. But sure, maybe it could go the other way, depending on my mood at that time.

I will never shoot any of my collector or correct grades. No reason for me to do that. I've got plenty of great shooters.