Random Thread- Firearms

[RustyBattleship]

I never liked the Garand. I never shot it well, and I found the furniture bulky and awkward.

Don't forget, military rifles were also designed (in those days) to be used as clubs for hand-to-hand fighting.

That steel butt plate, that many people abhor because it's "hard" on the shoulder (keep the damn rifle tighter against the shoulder and it won't hurt so much if at all) was selected for four purposes.

1: It allowed a hinged cover for access to the two holes in the buttstock that stored the cleaning kit.

2: It could take the punishment of drills where the Sgt wants to hear those buttstocks CLANG when they hit the armory floor at the order of Parade Rest.

3: It was strong enough to keep the buttstock together in a situation that normally would crack the wood. Sort of like a reinforcement.

4: It was excellent for smashing in the teeth of dead enemy so you can salvage their gold fillings.

[leib10]

4: It was excellent for smashing in the teeth of dead enemy so you can salvage their gold fillings.

I guess that goes along with American soldiery, which one general described as "two looting, one shooting".

Perhaps it was an excellent combat weapon, but for a simple civilian like myself, I was more impressed with other weapons.

[RustyBattleship]

I guess that goes along with American soldiery, which one general described as "two looting, one shooting".

Perhaps it was an excellent combat weapon, but for a simple civilian like myself, I was more impressed with other weapons.

I dunno. For some reason, when I pick up one of my M-1 Garands (I own two of them) I just feel like I have a REAL rifle in my hands. I like the looks of the combination of wood and steel. I like the balance. I like its dependability and ruggedness. I like its accuracy.

And with a fixed bayonet -- well -- I feel like one of King Arthur's knights ready to recover the Holy Grail.

Or is it the Lost Ark?

Maybe it is Noah's Ark.

It's just one of the most beautiful shoulder arm weapons ever made.

[leib10]

I guess that's how I feel when I pick up a K98. It really just comes down to personal tastes.

There are some guns that I feel were made for me, such as most AR's, HK MP5 and USP, and 1911's (although I can't shoot the latter to save my life).

[RustyBattleship]

There are some guns that I feel were made for me, such as most AR's, HK MP5 and USP, and 1911's (although I can't shoot the latter to save my life).

You need an accurized 1911 Colt. Mine has NM stamped in it and is equipped with nice low-profile Eliason sights. Perfect for holster carry and accurate as the dickens.

[leib10]

I've shot some really nice 1911's, and I still don't get it right.

[RustyBattleship]

I've shot some really nice 1911's, and I still don't get it right.

Okay. I'll let you in on the secret. Assuming you are right handed and are using that hand to grip the gun, lift your little finger OFF the grip.

It's the pressure of the little finger that causes shots to go down and left (down and right if you are left handed).

[leib10]

True. But for some reason I only have that problem with 1911's. Hell, I even shoot our CZ52 better than them.

[taygone]

I really would like to own a 1911 or a Garand. But I wouldn't feel right firing them. Espcially a Garand that was made during WWII. There's so much history with these guns, I have this feeling of they should be kept safe and passed down as antiques. I have no problem firing a newer model firearm like the new 1911s made today or an HK or the various other weapons that can be used as testosterone substitute.
I've made peace that I'm a gun totting looney and I've made my avatar accordingly. (Is Yosemite Sam a gun totting looney or just trigger happy?)

[leib10]

I know how you feel. I hate shooting my Nazi-marked Mauser because of just that reason. I already feel bad because I already wore the barrel out on my other K98.

[taygone]

Must've been fun to shoot though. Matter of fact for you to wear out a barrel I know it must have.

[leib10]

Yep. It (was ) the most accurate surplus WWII rifle I've ever shot.

[RustyBattleship]

I really would like to own a 1911 or a Garand. But I wouldn't feel right firing them. Espcially a Garand that was made during WWII. There's so much history with these guns, I have this feeling of they should be kept safe and passed down as antiques. I have no problem firing a newer model firearm like the new 1911s made today or an HK or the various other weapons that can be used as testosterone substitute.
I've made peace that I'm a gun totting looney and I've made my avatar accordingly. (Is Yosemite Sam a gun totting looney or just trigger happy?)

Just the other day an acquaintance groaned when he learned that about 40 years ago I used to use my 8-inch barreled German Artillery Luger as my centerfire match gun.

But M-1 Garands are very versatile and rugged. I think only the barrel can get worn out and there are plenty of spares around. I think you can still get new barrels from Beretta as they were licensed to produce M-1 Garands after American companies went over to the M-14 and M-16.

A lot of people frowned on the (mistaken) sub-quality of Italian made rifles. But it turned out they were superbly built and easily modified to match grade.

[gunnut]

My Garand is a remanufactured model with new barrel and new gas tube. I bet it has a good 20,000 rounds left, if not more.

[taygone]

I finally shot my XD-40 awhile back. I wasn't too impressed with it, maybe because it was subcompact and all. I'm wondering if I should sell it back and buy another probably a H&K or should I keep it and get the H&K anyway. Christmas is around the corner.