"M1 GARAND BY SPRINGFIELD ARMORY"

Let's talk M1 Garand in 30-06, the greatest battle rifle. I've had four or five in my lifetime. They were really used or rebuilt, but never the right one. One day in July I was in my favorite store (Blythes Sport Shop in Griffith, In). Great people with exceptional inventory.

After looking over this M1, I found that the fit, finish and wood were exceptional, the best I've ever seen. This was rifle #1618 out of 1945, built to honor all those who fought on Iwo Jima on Feb 23, 1945.

Allow me to describe this masterpiece. The stock is engraved on the right side with the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima and the insignias of the 3rd, 4th and 5th division of U.S. Marines. On the left side is a quote from U.S. Admiral Chester Nimitz plus an illustration of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The side of the op-rod is engraved with the words "Iwo Jima Feb 23, 1945. It came in a collectors box, with all the extras. A copy of Flags of our Fathers plus Heros of Iwo Jima documentary were also included.

It took a day or two of haggling with Roger the owner and Ed his top gun man. We have fun haggling and I also had a rifle to trade. When all was said and done, I was the owner of this great M1. Hope it will shoot as good as it looks.

I always take a new rifle apart to clean and lube. Now off to the Ill State Rifle Range, break in starts. Its a pain but a must. One shot and then clean, for a total of 10 shots, then 2 shots and clean for 5 times. Most M1's need 8 clicks of elevation at 100 yards, this M1 only needs 4 clicks at 100 meters and 1 click left on wind age. I tried four brands of 30-06 ammo. This M1 likes Federal Blue Box 150 grain soft point power shok.

The target I use with iron sights is called Y2K. I get these from Fred's Riverside Gun Club, NC. At 100 yards it equals a 400 yard target. Out of 17 shots I keep 15 in the black. Wish I had twenty year old eyes.

The rifle's function is flawless. In my opinion the best M1 Garand I have ever shot. All of the shooting was done off a Dog-Gone-Good Bag. For the last five weeks the M1 is one of the rifles I have taken to the range. Lots of fun.

Thank you Springfield Armory. If you get a chance, shoot an M1 Garand.

Always be safe.

"AN AMERICAN OPINION"

"Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing (as) demagogues and ending (as) tyrants"-Alexander Hamilton October 27, 1797.

"AN AMERICANS OPINION"

"We The People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the Courts - not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution. "Abraham Lincoln"

"A GUNSMITH AND A FRIEND"

Earlier this year I wrote about a great gunsmith named Dennis (Fuzzy) Andersen. Well last week when I was out at the range, I found out Fuzzy had passed away in Arizona. It was my pleasure to know Fuzzy and call him my friend.

I would like to share a short story with you. One day in Fuzzy's shop, we were talking about one of the rifles he was building for me. A guy drove up, came in and said "wheres Fuzzy", and proceeded to show Fuzzy his 1911 Colt. The guy said it always jams. Fuzzy looked it over, then took his own magazine out of his 1911, walked out side and shot 7 rounds rapid fire. He took his magazine out, walked inside and told the guy his 1911 was fine, but he should spend more than $2.00 for his mags, and buy Wilson mags. I had to look away to keep from laughing, but that was Fuzzy. You will be missed.

"REMINGTON 700 VTR"

I have always been a big fan of the Remington 700, so when I say I own three Varmint models that should not come as a surprise. They also happen to be one of the most accurate rifles you can buy. I decided to go on line to check out new models, the new Remington 700 VTR caught my interest. This is a different looking rifle with a triangle shaped 22 inch barrel, machined in production muzzel brake, the new X-mark pro trigger, and a green stock with cooling vents in the fore-end. It weighs only 7 1/2 pounds in 22-250, which should make a nice walking Varmint rifle.

After further research, I decided a Remington 700 VTR was going to be my next rifle, the articles had convinced me this was a keeper. I headed for my favorite sport store (Blythes in Griffith, IN) to make that purchase.

I started with a good cleaning, the bore was spotless. Then I mounted a Leupold VXIII 4.5-14 x 40 long range scope with a Varmint Hunters Reticle (I have a few and they are the best). Now, bore sighted, I was off to the ILL State Rifle Assoc range. We all know the new rifle drill. One shot clean the barrel and continue this for 10 shots. Then 3 shots and clean for a total of 12 shots. I do all this at 50 yards. Thats all I do for break in.

Next, I placed a 2 inch target at 100 yards. I brought 5 boxes of quality ammo (Remington,Federal, Winchester, Hornaby). I'd shoot 5 rounds, clean the barrel, then let it cool. After doing this five times I could not get any groups under 3 inches.

Now, back home, I rechecked scope rings, mounts, bedding screws. Everything was tight. Two days later, back to the range. Setup targets, etc, same results. Ok, one more try, still the same results.

These are my findings on the Remington 700 VTR. The X-pro trigger is crisp, but way too heavy. The barrel rubs the stock in four places (this I don't understand). The cut out for the barrel lug is way too big. This big green Remington 700 VTR does not represent the quality I am use to. I re track my earlier statement about this being a keeper. Remington, you need to recheck this VTR.

ALWAYS BE SAFE


(Anyone knowing the where abouts of Gy Sgt W.T. Noe, have him contact my site).

"Rock River Arms"

I am a fan of M14's and M1 Girands but never much of a AR15 fan. Over the years I've seen many AR15's but was never impressed. Then on a varmint hunt a close friend of mine had a new Rock River Arms CAR A4 in 223. He said it was the best rifle he ever had. Knowing Jim and hearing this, I had to find out more about this Rock River Arms.

After reading up on and checking out thru other avenues of research, I purchased a Varmint A4 from Blythe's Sport Shop. It's a 223 with a Wylde chamber, 24" stainless bull barrel, with a 1 in 8 twist, two stage match trigger and free floated hand guard. Barrel diameter is .920 in front of gas block and 1.050 under tube. Weight was 9.7 pounds, before I mounted a Leupold VX-111 4.5 - 14 x 40 long range scope with Varmint Hunters reticle. Rock River claims an accuracy rating of 3/4 inch at 100 yards.

Well you guessed it, off to the range to test. I brought generic 223 ammo to start. You know how break in is, could not get two shots together. Keeping in mind the rifle was new and the ammo wasn't the best, I still only shot 50 rounds.

A week later I was back to the range to give it another try, only this time with good ammo. Shot 60 rounds using Remington, Federal and Winchester. No good groups. Function was perfect. Rock River builds them tough and tight. I'm still wondering about that 3/4 moa accuracy.

Two weeks later, I am back to the range with more good ammo. I brought 2 extra boxes of 69 grain Federal Gold Match. At the end of the day, I still wasn't happy with accuracy. The 69 grain was better with 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 groups, but still not 3/4. Tried a couple more shots with still the same results. The rifle is flawless as is function, and scope is the best, so I guess its me.

The following week, my range buddies and I are talking about rifle problems we have. My friend Rich tells me to try heavier bullets. Why didn't I think of that?

A week later I am back at the range with three boxes of Federal Gold Match 77 grain sierra matchking BTHP. I re zeroed and put a 1 inch red dot at 100 yards. Four shots inside the dot, not on the edge, but center. These are the results I was looking for.

The rifle and I are now a year and half older, and the rifle keeps getting better. Shots at 600 yards are easy and accurate. Function and fit are still flawless. Rock River Arms product and Leupold's new Varmint Hunter rectile are great. I'd say they make a good team.

"Always shoot safe"

"LONG RANGE SHOOTING"

Long range shooting has always been my passion. So many years ago I had an idea(right or wrong) of what I wanted.

This tack driver started out as a new Remington 700 Sendero Stainless fluted in 300 win mag. Shot good, but not what I wanted. So off I went to Reddick Illinois to see a great gunsmith named Fuzzy Anderson(real name Dennis).

We started with just the Remington action. The stock is the laminated heavy varmint from Darrell Holland. Its meticulously built. The fore-end is wide and flat, has a high comb and 3/8 inch cast off(slight bend) and Darrell's springs for a 700 Remington (met Darrell in South Dakota at a Varmint Hunters shootout).

Fuzzy always liked Douglass XXX barrels so after all his work cutting and chambering the barrel which is 31 1/2 inches long and 1 1/8 inch in diameter front to rear. Next Fuzzy started to assemble the rifle. The only thing he kept secret was the heavy duty recoil lug (I think he made that himself). After many weeks it was finished. Not a rifle to carry, never really weighed it, but I figure the rifle weight at about 17 to 18 pounds including the Leupold scope. Fuzzy has since moved to Arizona (bit longer road trip) and is missed by the shooters at the Ill Rifle Assoc as well as many others.

Now off to the range. I was like a little kid with his first bike. It was break in time(we really hate break in). One shot clean, one shot clean. I do this for 10 shots. Then go 2 shots and clean 10 times.

Recoil is like shooting a 223 with a 1 1/2 pound trigger, great. Shooting Federal Gold Match ammo and zeroing in at 300 yards, you can put 3 shots in 1 hole easily. I've taken prairie dogs at 900 yards. Now that I am retired, I'll have a lot more time to practice. My personal goal is 1800 yards.

Later I'll tell you more about Fuzzy and how he could setup the great Ruger #1B's and 1V's.

Hollands Gunsmithing and Supplies (www.hollandsales@aol.com)

"FAVORITE 1911 HANDGUN"

The pride of my 1911's is from Wilson Combat. Its the model #WTE-A-A Tactical Elite, the ultimate in a defense handgun. Its all black with cocobolo wood grips. Its built around a full-size 5 1/16" hand fit one piece heavy tapered cone barrel. No barrel bushing is needed and the little extra weight out front makes rapid fire shot to shot recovery time excellent. Parts, finish and fit are all premium plus. I did add an adjustable pyramid tritum blade rear sight. The shape tends to draw your eyes toward the center of the sight. Great for my old eyes. Wilson has an accuracy guarantee of 1 inch at 25 yards. The instruction book said go shoot 200 rounds no cleaning necessary, but I did my usual complete cleaning anyway.
At the range I got lucky because my Wilson loves Fiocchi ammo (which I think is the best cleanest pistol ammo made). The 1 inch guarantee not a problem, even with me behind the sights. It is without a doubt the finest "1911" I have ever seen and used.
One quick mention about Wilson Combat service, its the best. Let me tell you why I feel this way. I had one small problem. In my mind I am thinking 2 to 3 weeks time limit. I called my Wilson rep, and got a return number. Sent it to Wilson, got it back the same week along with a nice letter and a couple of new magazines. Thank you Wilson Combat.

Remember always, safety first.

"S & W 1911"

One of my favorites is a Smith & Wesson PC1911 which comes from there Performance Center caliber 45. The features of this model are: all stainless, adjustable target sights, 5" match barrel and bushing, match trigger with over travel stop, wood grips and capacity 8 + 1. Fit and finish is great. Next was a through cleaning and lubricating. Well lets start at 25 ft with Federal, Remington and Fiocchi ammo all 230 fmj. Function was perfect. I was 2 inches right of point of aim. After another good cleaning I moved to 50 ft. I adjusted my rear sight. After 150 more rounds, I could tell my PC1911 liked Fiocchi 230 fmj or jhp. Now with 800 plus rounds thru it a 10 ring at 50 yds is no problem, as long as its good light and I have my glasses on. Function is still flawless. More than I can say for myself. I only shoot two hands standing for this test. Good job Smith & Wesson Performance Center.

Always be safe

"NEW 22LR "

Well, now that the holidays are behind us, we can get back to basics. I've got a couple of new products to talk to you about. First one is a Ruger 22LR Charger MSRP $369.50. Its a semi-auto pistol, 10" barrel, laminate stock, adjustable bi pod and more. Its very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. Built by Ruger, you know its strong. I broke it in shooting Lapua speed ace ammo. All I can say is "tack driver" with a smile on my face. I recommend it for new or first time shooters and you old guys will like it to. The only thing I would change is the magazine, its hard for me to grip with my big hands. Remember, always be safe.

Note: When I write about rifles and pistols, I'll tell you the way it is, no sugar coating. I just check fit, finish, trigger pull and most of all accuracy.

"SALUTE OUR MILITARY"

I came across a sight while surfing the Internet that I would like to share with you. Look up "Shiloh Rifle" they offer a great program to salute our military men and women. So if you know someone active in the service pass this on. They are located in Big Timber,Mt. They are great people.

Always be safe and good shooting.

"LEARN TO SHOOT"

Not all kids can play football, baseball, basketball or run in track events. My shooting buddy's grandson is 11yrs old,very frail and has a bad leg(birth defect). About a year and a half ago,he took his grandson out to the range. He started Thomas out with a 22 rifle at 25 yards. Now Thomas has progressed to a 223 and shoots at 200 yards. A 2 inch dot on his target is full of holes. For Thomas target shooting was a great way to build his confidence. He says he is going to try out for the Olympic Shooting Team one day. All the places I shoot have handicap access, so come on out, we all help new comers.

Here are some good places to shoot for great fun:

1. Ill Rifle Association

2. Varmit Hunters of Pierre S. Dakota

3. Debs Gun Range-Ind

4. Ind Rifle Association

There are a lot of small bore places around. Learn gun safety and have fun. Teach a youngster how to hunt and shoot.