"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.