The M1 Garand Isn't Accurate*

Published on October 8, 2022
Duration: 5:40

This video debunks the myth of the M1 Garand's exceptional accuracy by comparing historical military specifications with modern expectations. It highlights that while not a sub-MOA rifle by today's standards, the M1 Garand met its intended military role, with official standards allowing for over 5 MOA for newly produced rifles and even higher for arsenal rebuilds. The presenter, an experienced M1 owner, emphasizes realistic expectations based on primary source documents.

Quick Summary

The M1 Garand's accuracy is often misunderstood; military specifications from 1950 allowed for over 5 MOA for new production rifles and even higher (around 6.4 MOA extrapolated) for arsenal rebuilds. While not a sub-MOA rifle by modern standards, it met its intended role, prioritizing volume of fire over extreme precision.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: M1 Garand Accuracy Misconceptions
  2. 00:11Presenter's Initial Group Size
  3. 00:26Shooter Competence vs. Tool
  4. 00:43Anecdotal Accuracy Claims
  5. 00:51Examining Primary Source Materials
  6. 01:07M1 Garand vs. Modern Standards
  7. 01:15Comparison to 1903 Springfield & 1917 Enfield
  8. 01:24Design Criticisms: Spring Tension
  9. 01:35Semi-Autos vs. Manual Actions
  10. 01:46Priorities: Volume of Fire Over Accuracy
  11. 01:581950 Military Accuracy Standard (MIL-R-3285)
  12. 02:17Accuracy Testing Procedure (1950)
  13. 02:40M1C Sniper Variant Accuracy Standard
  14. 03:11M1C Sniper Accuracy Requirement
  15. 03:191965 Arsenal Rebuild Standard (MWI 1005-222)
  16. 03:37Arsenal Rebuild Accuracy Test (1000 inches)
  17. 04:04Extrapolating to 100 Yards
  18. 04:12Comparing Rebuild Standard to Personal Test
  19. 04:24Conclusion: Realistic Expectations
  20. 04:36Context of Accuracy
  21. 04:41Avoiding Modern Standards and Nostalgia
  22. 04:54Advice: Shoot an M1 Garand
  23. 05:09Call to Action: Like & Subscribe
  24. 05:13Preview: Follow-up Accuracy Test Video

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the official accuracy standard for newly produced M1 Garands in 1950?

According to MIL-R-3285, the military specification from September 1950, newly produced M1 Garands were required to have an accuracy of slightly over five minutes of angle (MOA) at 100 yards, with all shots needing to fall within a 5-inch bullseye.

How did the M1C sniper variant's accuracy requirements differ from the standard M1 Garand?

The M1C sniper variant had a significantly tighter accuracy requirement of 3.1 MOA from a fixed mechanical rest at 100 yards, compared to the standard M1 Garand's specification of over 5 MOA.

What was the accuracy standard for M1 Garands undergoing Arsenal rebuilds in 1965?

Military document USAWECOMD MWI 1005-222 from 1965 specified that M1 Garands in rebuild should group within a 1.77-inch circle at 1000 inches (approximately 27.77 yards). Extrapolated to 100 yards, this equates to an accuracy requirement of about 6.4 MOA.

Why is the M1 Garand often perceived as less accurate than modern rifles?

The M1 Garand was designed prioritizing rapid fire and ease of use over sub-MOA precision. Its action design, relying on spring tension, makes consistent bedding harder, and semi-automatic actions are historically less accurate than bolt-actions. Modern rifles, even budget ones, can often achieve 1 MOA or better.

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