ACCURIZING MY M1 GARAND

One of my goals this year was to compete in High-Power Rifle matches with my M1 Garand. But having competed in several so far, I found my vintage 1942 Springfield Armory M1 needing a little help in the accuracy department.



With only minimum modifications around the handguard area, improved sights and some shims for controlled barrel pressure, I've been able to tighten up my groups significantly. A 20-shot test group consistently held the 10 and X rings with several sub 2 MOA 5-shot groups at 100 yards.



There is still more work to be done, however. Permanent glass bedding and smooting out the trigger will help as well. And, of course, practice does make perfect.

Rear Handguard - Trimmed 1/6" from its back end that touches the receiver.

Front Handguard - Removed the front handguard liner.

Lower Band - Attached the Front Handguard to the Lower Band using bedding compound or high heat epoxy or adhesive.



Reinforced with No. 6 x 1/2" wood screws and grind screw heads flush.

Front Handguard Ferrule - Peened the front handguard ferrule to clear the barrel.

Gas Cylinder - Reamed out the rear ring of the gas cylinder to give about 0.01" radial clearance between the rear ring and the barrel.

Fileed 30 degree bevels of the guide tang. Shorten the cylinder so it does not touch the Front Handguard Ferrule.



Middle Band - Applied high heat expoxy adhesive to the Middle Band to ensure a tight bond with the barrel.

Front Sights - Having a high-shooting M1, I installed a taller National Match Front Sight built up to 0.8000 and thinner, tapered blade.



Rear Sights - Installed a National Match Rear Sight assembly with a 1/2 minute windage and 1/2 minute elevation with a 0.0520 diameter aperture.



Stock - Cut about a dozen thin metal shims 3/4" x 1/4". Looosened the trigger guard almost all the way and tucked these shims in equal numbers under the flats of the receiver that contact the top of the wood on either side and push the shims as far forward as possible.

Ammunition - Having carefully sorted and trimmed brass, I reloaded using a 147 GR. .308" FMJBT bullet, 48.5 grains of IMR4895 and CCI No. 34 military-spec primers.

Trigger - Work In Progress

Note that these modifications will disqualify your rifle for any CMP-sanctioned John C. Garand matches.