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I went to the Sparta gun show today, not expect to buy anything, but scratched an itch I've had for decades. I've never owned a Garand, but always wanted one. I've yet to find one at an acceptable price. Today, lady luck shined down on me. I picked up this nearly mint example for $950. I do not know much about the Garand but this was cheaper than an rough example I've seen in years, and appears nearly mint! I expect it has been refurbished, as there are no cartouches on the stock. I do not know what else to look for, but the receiver and bolt are correctly marked. The seller claimed it was correct, but stated the date of manufacture as 1951. I believe it is later, however, with the 555.... serial number. I'd love to hear your opinions, suggestions, etc. on this rifle. If I got burned, that's o.k. too. I've always wanted a Garand, and now I have one. http://

Well this adventure starts out last Saturday (12-7-19) in search of a 2 horse trailer to pull behind a truck. We had to travel about 40 miles from where we live to Louisburg TN. to meet a lady who had a 2 horse trailer for sale. She was riding her rescued Mustang horse in the Christmas Parade being held in that town, on that day. We found the place we were supposed to meet her,(GPS thank you) and had to wait 45 minutes for her to arrive. She did and we purchased the trailer. Hooked it to my truck, and luckily, all the hookup fit my truck so we had lights and a trailer for our first born daughter to use hauling her horses. So we brought it back home for our son-in-law to do some work on, so the trailer would be in good traveling shape(pack wheel bearings, replace a broken spring on the rear loading ramp, and a general clean up and inspection). He is doing that today. Now that she has a trailer, she then decided she needs a "beater" truck to pull the trailer with. Do you realize how hard it is to find a good old "beater truck" capable of pulling some weight in a trailer? Well after a solid week, that followed the trailer purchase, we have looked at truck after truck after truck. Drove out over a tank of gas, let alone 5 days of traveling all over middle TN., in search of the perfect truck for her. We finally found it. She purchased, after my 15 year old grandson bargained unmercifully, to the point I think the guy just gave in to the price I originally offered, she purchased it. So we traveled and picked the truck up yesterday morning after he unloaded all the personnel goods he had in the truck. The truck is a 2008 Chevy 2500 HD single cab with an 8' wide bed, and a 6 liter fuel injected engine. The truck has a heavy duty automatic tranny and drives and shifts great. It also has power steering, and the body is great. It is a high miler, but I believe she will get a lot of use out of the truck. It was very reasonably priced so now she is in the horse hauling business. Hoopefully she will quit using her Honda Pilot and destroying the inside of it hauling feed, tack, and hey. What a week we have had. At 71, I am exhausted. I was looking forward to a day of sweet rest, while finding "low gear" on my "Lazy Boy" recliner chair, she just called and asked us to come to Leapers Fork, a small community just out of Franklin TN. because she, and her hard bargaining grandson, are planning to ride horses in the Christmas Parade being held there today at 2:00 PM. Now I ask you, just how much can a elderly man take? I guess, after the week we have had, one more parade will not do me in. However if it does, God, Jesus and I, have the other part taken care of. L/w I'm-a-going! NO rest for the weary, but I love it. What a week with the first born and momma. Just happy to be able to serve....

I don't understand why all the Glockphiles are getting so bent over the 10 round capacity. Ten rounds is pretty much the standard for .22 pistols. Anything more is unusual. I think they're just disappointed over the "BIG ANNOUNCEMENT" and just looking for something to gripe about.

Ditched cable I don't know how many years ago. We use the Samsung TV and Firestick to get most everything we ever watch. Truth e told The only thing I watch with any regularity is the Science Channel anyway. And I don't think we've had the TV on for about 3 days anyway.

I agree it was a huge disappointment for me. I was thinking at least do a 45ACP and 10mm in the width and size of the 43X.

The device that took that door knob out, and the 360 degree headsets were pretty cool.

The early boxes were stamped with 15 round mags. The day is long past - but there was a time when a mostly polymer .22 pistol with the (as yet unproven) reliability of a Glock would have been a big win for sticking in the bottom of a ruck. These days, there are great options in .22 LR. And I’ve got one of most of them. But, I’ll probably still buy one - because I love shooting .22s. It’s cheap, it suppresses great, and it’s a great way to get new shooters acclimated to shooting. Maybe it’s all the accumulated memories. I was allowed to shoot .22 as soon as I could by my own rounds with my allowance. Once my dad gave the okay, the gentleman at the surplus store up the street would sell me ammo anytime. To this day, I still feel like a king when a break open a box of .22LR to shoot at whatever and nothing in particular. Hickory nuts, cans, squirrels, or old shotgun shell hulls, doesn’t make a difference. I’m game.

I think we should clarify something as Glock haters are reading this as a Glock lover thing when that isnt it and they are missing the point. Rather its a general 22 thing. I own no 22 semi auto guns (or rifles) that only hold 10. I care less whose name is printed on it. Just because its a standard does not stop it from being nonsense. Its just agreed on nonsense, which much is worse. Folks accepting it overtime are actually part of the problem it perpetuates. It makes as much sense as everyone whacking themselves in the head with a hammer everyday at 3PM because we all agree to do it. How about not doing it because it makes no sense? By that same token, 10 round 22 mags in a full size gun no matter whose name is on the side makes no sense. If someone wants to play the Liberal states rationale. There are plenty of guns sold for compliant states where they stick in the weenie mags in place of their real ones. All makes do it. Why only make the weenie mags the only option for 22?

Thanks. I saw that earlier this evening, but appreciate the effort you made. I've used the Geco, but had settled in on the Prvi for my 380 choice. It just seemed a bit hotter to me. Of course that doesn't mean I won't try some on the Beretta Model 81 I got from CF. For my 32 choice, again...I chose the Prvi fmj 71, for the same reason. As for the 25, I'll have to find a load I like in Dad's little Beretta. Really haven't and won't shoot it a lot. But I'm down to I think a box and a half of ???...lol, to save my life; I can't think of the brand on it sitting here. It's a personal choice, but in the past, I've always stayed with the fmj over the hp. Just thought a bit more penetration from it. Not really up on the characteristics of some of the current hp and jhp rounds for the "mouse guns". And that's a little tribute to one of our lost TGO Brothers...Mousegunner. A few years ago, I had a few long, late night conversations with him back during my cancer days. May that gentleman be Resting in Peace with our Maker. And I'm sure he is.

Technically your barrel is not correct for the receiver, but even if it's a mix master, that's not a bad thing. It's just a value thing.

Cut OP rods have a radius machined into them where the handle meets the saddle that's under the barrel. Else it's a straight 90 degree. Intent was to take out a stress riser. HRA rods usually aren't cut.

I gotta wonder why they are called accidental discharge when we all know it's a negligent discharge. Accidental would be the gun going off all by itself without the help of an idiot's finger.

I have used the laser bore sighter's to great avail. I recently built a rifle length AR15 just for target shooting and possible varmint. Mounted a Nikon 3x9x40 bore sighted at around 15 yards-set the crosshair's in the middle of red dot. Went to range and started target at 25 yards-dead center-never had to change zero at all.

One of mine is in that range. Its '55. Some of the barrels could predate by 6 months and still be considered correct. For example, a 55 receiver could have a late 54 barrel. Like G man said, your stamp under the op rod will show you. If it went thru arsenal, it could have a replacement LMR barrel and still be fine. The op rode will be stamped on the inside of the forwad part of the handle. The trigger group parts are next. Some HRA hammers were not stamped iirc. Trigger guards were not stamped either, but your appear to the correct style.

I'll have to weigh it soon and write back. At this point I really don't know that I will carry anything other than this or the ZEV'd G45 (Orion slide, RMR, no comp, TLR7). I am not much on smaller guns. I am EDC'ing this thing in a Henry Holsters SPARK holster made for the G34/35 and X300U light and it is proving to be very comfortable. Congrats on the G45! I have shot mine at near dusk, in the shade, with both the X300UB lit and unlit. No real issue with flash from the comp, but I am carrying either Remington Black Belt +P 124gr JHP or Federal HST +P 124gr JHP and both seem to be using low-flash powder. Nope. I can't imagine it is much different at all from the G45 though. Same basic gun, just different color and slightly different front-strap design.

It is.

Don't be sad if the parts are from different manufacturers. Most are. My '44 WRA has a lot of SA parts. The barrel when I got it was an SA and it looked like sewer pipe. I rebarreled it with a Dutch barrel that I bought for 10 bucks.

OOOOhhhhhh!! They may not be loved by all, but I am a huge fan of wood and steel service style rifles. Nice! More pics and details!! You need to pop it out of the stock and start looking over the components for appropriate stamps. Even if its not all correct, it looks pretty nice in that one pic. Plenty of online references for serial ranges by maker as well as ID guides documenting markings. CMP forum is a great resource. You can buy a throat and muzzle gauge to check out where the barrel is. I've got a couple HRA service grade specials. I hope you find it all correct.

I've shot a lot of 150 gr. fmj and Hornady spire points behind 47.0 gr.- 48.0 gr. of IMR 4895 with Cci 200. Thetes not a lot of suitable powders

Congratulations! Great rifle that you’re going to love. The wood may not be original or matching, but I think you did alright considering the prices these days and you were ready to just get it done. Have yet to reload for one but there is plenty of info out there, especially on the CMP forum, about duplicating M2 ball. I believe IMR 4895, something around 48 grains, and of course, a 150 grain pill.

I do not have one myself, not an itch I have just yet. Nice looking way to scratch that itch.

Thought I’d share my current favorite “pistol”. Had to sell a few to fund this one but I really like it. I have an DD M4A1 that I run an ACOG on which makes a great big brother to this! Set up: -DD MK 18 10.3” 5.56 -Geissele SD-C trigger -Eotech XPS2-0 -Surefire Warcomp -TangoDown VFG (meets 26” OAL) -Magpul Pro Iron Sights -Surefire Mini Scout M300 with pressure pad -SB Tactical A3 Brace -Lancer Mags Thanks for looking

The B5 is a solid choice that can't go wrong...but for the setup you have, this stock would seem to be more congruent to the overall package. https://www.lwrci.com/LWRCI-Compact-Adjustable-Stock_p_49.html Fantasy matching, really. Your reasons for keeping it as a pistol are quite logical, I've just never been a fan of the brace craze.

Pretty much what I figured, so I can keep my tuner and front rider plate then.

Because no one ever wanted it and it was made in small supplies. Now all the manufacturers are all making .380 “pocket guns”. Quantities have increased and the price should be going down. But you know it takes a whole lot longer to go down when folks are willing to pay it. You need to get off that 9mm kick and jump on the 40 train with me and the other 9 guys in Tennessee. We get the best prices on guns, and the best round for a semi, and don’t have trouble finding ammo at reasonable prices.

True. But it still hurts to pay for it. I personally would like to have more 32acp, 380, and even a little .25. I'll be looking and hoping for some sales on these calibers. If anyone might be interested as well...maybe split a case?

Supply and demand. A ton more 9mm is produced and it's not readily available, obviously. .380 is produced in limited quantities and the manufacturer charges more for it because they can.

Haven't had cable for 3 years. We work with Verizon unlimited and hotspot off of our phones as needed. Also get about 40 channels of antenna TV. It's worked well for us YMMV. FYI, I have both an aerial antenna and an indoor HD antenna, the indoor one actually pics up more channels.

Probably, primarily because the seize-first aspect of red flag laws is the most serious problem. Now, I'm not saying I'm satisfied with the current laws, just that red flag laws seem worse. It should be extraordinarily difficult to restrict constitutionally protected rights, and in this case, both the second and fourth amendments are potentially being restricted without a crime having been committed by the subject of the seizure.

Got to play with one at academy today. It's a lot lighter on every thing than my shield 2.0 but I don't have any issues with mine so needs to be reviewed by someone it's made for. There was a review today by Jerry.

I think the background and reasoning for this class in ARA specifically are not quite understood by most who have never shot ARA. ARA, PSL, and IR50/50 are all similar in that they are top associations with the best rimfire BR shooters in the country. It is intimidating to most who are not fully into it and two things happen when a new person goes to an ARA match. 1) They realize that the level (and therefore cost) of equipment is very high. It's nothing for most regular shooters to have at least 2 custom guns and all of the extra equipment to go with it running easily in the $6-$10k range for everything. This of course is nothing many want to or can do so they simply don't try it. It can absolutely be done cheaper, but many think it is an all or none scenario. It's a big leap for someone who even has the money to do it. This factory class is a way to get new shooters to try it and hopefully stick with it for a while and then decide if they want to work their way up. 2) For those that are willing to try, most completely underestimate how difficult this game is. They think they have a tack driver gun and are going to "compete". They quickly realize that regardless of how good of a gun they have, they typically score poorly to start and many give up before they even give it a chance. It's simply a fact that to score well, you need to shoot many times and start to learn HOW to shoot BR. One needs wind flags, a good rest, and PRACTICE. It takes the average BR Shooter 2-3 years to really understand how to Shoot Rimfire BR. Luckily for those that do stick around, they realize it is one of the best groups of people you will meet. Many come back for the people they meet as much as shooting. What does happen to those that stick around and start to understand the game is that they realize it's not about competing with the top guys at first, its about competing with yourself regardless of what gun or experience you have. When I ran some matches near me, we had guys showing up and shooting with all kinds of guns. Many came back and enjoyed shooting because they simply wanted to beat themselves. Others didn't because they couldn't accept shooting a 1300 when true BR guys were shooting 2200 or more. So back to Factory Class. Factory class is designed simply as an "entry level" for guys with lower cost factory guns to get their feet wet and "feel" like they are competing against similar guns. The challenge and reason most of the older factory rifles like the 40x's and 52's aren't included in the ARA Factory class is that on the right day in the right hands, they are capable of competing with a custom gun. They won't win often, but they can consistently shoot 1800-2200 on the current ARA Target. With the new "Factory" ARA target, even those guns would not be a fair competition. At some point, they would like to add a "vintage" class for these guns, but it will use the current ARA target, not the new factory target. As you can probably tell, I am quite into ARA and know most everyone in the game. I actually run the Rimfire Accuracy forum, so if you have any questions about ARA, just let me know. I would love to find another range in the Middle TN area to run matches. If you know of a range that may be interested in hosting matches, let me know. I am glad to help run them. I have all of the scoring software already. A couple of my customs. This is from the Triple Crown in Bristol. Next year it will be 9 days of shooting.

Would you like to try 25ACP? and talk about pricing for factory ammo.

Jerry: Okay guys, lets do 2,2, &2 in .86 of a second. Shooter: But Jerry, we’re old people with weak hands, not Navy Seals for cryin’ out loud. Jerry: Oh okay, I forgot where I was. Gotta love Jerry.

I am not-so-silently judging anyone who says this gun is PeRfeCt FoR TrAiNiNG WiTH because the only thing that translates between shooting .22LR and shooting a service caliber is that you don't want to be in front of either one of them when someone pulls the trigger. If I'm spending $500 for "training", I am buying 2,000 rounds of 9mm, or a SIRT pistol, or maybe a nice airsoft rig patterned after my EDC so that I can use it for some basic force on force training. Or, I'll use that airsoft gun for plinking at things where even a 22LR might get me in trouble with the neighbors, police, etc. The G44 is, for me, the biggest let-down announcement of the decade from a major manufacturer regardless of how many of them they sell. If you're hosting a super-secret product launch at 10AM on the 10th day of the month, and you don't launch a 10mm something, you're doing it wrong and your whole marketing department should be fired.