First Shots with my H&R M1 Garand! PPU 150 grain ball ammo and Federal soft point ammo

Published on November 16, 2023
Duration: 8:05

This video details the first range trip with a Harrington and Richardson M1 Garand, highlighting initial loading challenges with dry en bloc clips and the impact of a modified gas block and recoil spring. Despite some operational hiccups, the shooter notes the rifle's excellent trigger and potential accuracy.

Quick Summary

Loading an M1 Garand can present challenges, particularly with dry en bloc clips causing binding and potential ejection issues. The infamous 'Garand thumb' injury occurs when the thumb is caught by the bolt during loading. Modifications like ported gas blocks can allow for safer firing of higher-pressure ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction & Range Prep
  2. 00:36Initial Loading Issues
  3. 01:45Shooting PPU Ammo & Ejection Patterns
  4. 02:25Rifle Modifications: Gas Block & Recoil Spring
  5. 03:47The Infamous 'Garand Thumb'
  6. 04:21Trigger Quality Assessment
  7. 05:00Post-Injury Loading & Federal Ammo
  8. 06:05Clip Loading Difficulty & Misalignment
  9. 07:06Accuracy Potential & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What common issues can arise when loading an M1 Garand?

Common issues include difficulty loading due to dry or chalky en bloc clips, which can cause binding and ejection problems. The most notorious issue is 'Garand thumb,' an injury sustained when the thumb is caught by the bolt during the loading process.

What modifications were made to the M1 Garand in this video?

The M1 Garand was modified with a ported gas block from Garand Gear.com to safely fire higher-pressure rounds like hunting ammunition. A stainless steel recoil spring, also from Garand Gear, was installed as a replacement.

How did the PPU and Federal soft point ammunition perform in the M1 Garand?

Both PPU 150-grain ball and Federal soft point ammunition experienced similar loading problems, likely due to the dry en bloc clips. Ejection patterns were erratic with the PPU ammo. The shooter noted no significant difference in loading issues between the two ammo types.

What is 'Garand thumb' and how can it be avoided?

'Garand thumb' is an injury where the thumb gets caught by the bolt as it slams forward during the loading of an en bloc clip into the M1 Garand. To avoid it, ensure clips are fully seated and keep fingers clear of the bolt's path.

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