National Matches - M-1 Garand shoot

SFENGR · 08-09-2004, 02:22

Gang,

I had the privilege to take my new "toy" out to Camp Perry and participate in the John Garand Match on Saturday, 7 August.

I had bought my rifle two weeks earlier and it was my first time shooting in over thirty years. As they say about bikes, getting back on isn't too bad. But the M-1 slap from the recoil make the ol' arm a bit sore don'cha know! The rifle was manufactured in February 1944, when I was barely a year old! Dayam, make me get goose bumps!

I had carried the "Lovely Log" during my ROTC days, and had shot it "offhand" in competition. I realized that without some time to get to know my rifle and zero her in, it would be a difficult shoot; but, what the hay - it was fun anyway!

It was like old home week! Met a lot of old and new SF soldiers, along with a fine bunch of Regular/National Guard Army , and of course the "Devil/Bull Dog" Marines. Ther were also Navy and Coasties to take up the slack, along with a diverse bunch of civilian shooters that had the right stuff!

It doesn't 'get much better than participating with a weapon that took the tide to the enemy for us in WW II. That is what the John Garand Match is all about!

If you ever want to do anything - go to Camp Perry, Ohio for the National Matches - it is an exhillarating experience!

De oppresso Liber,

24601 · 08-09-2004, 12:32

I just got a 1944 M1 Garand as well. I have yet to shoot it though. Beautiful gun. Who'd it hold up? Mine looks like it won't have any problems, but you never know. Any tinkering you had to do besides sight adjustment?

SFENGR · 08-09-2004, 13:25

The rifle did OK except for the end user and the sights - HEH HEH.

I had not practiced and did it on a "lark". Since I had not been shooting for over 30 years, I did not expect a miracle, even though I showed good form- HEH HEH.

I quailifed expert with every rifile in the US Military, but that was a long time ago and I felt it the next day - got a bit of M-1 slap on my arm....Not in the same shape as thirty big ones ago!

Next time , I come prepared. I joined a local club as part of the requirement to buy a CMP rifle (1917 Enfield), so I can shoot some lead down range for the next Match.

My problem is that for the last 17 years, I have commuted to various jobsites, and while I lived locally, I could never find a time slot when I would be home and the Matches would be at Perry. I finally did both this time!

Next year I hope to shoot the Enfield as a Springfield antique, and the M-1 in the John Garand Match.