Posted: 7/10/2008 4:41:11 PM EDT
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This will be my first year shooting the Garand match, I've shot the Springfield match the past couple of years. My question is with the loading - do you have to use a 2-round clip at first, then load the full clip, or can you single-load the first 2 rounds and then load the full clip? I bought a couple of 2-rounders, but they don't seem to work too well, it seems like they'll be more trouble than they are worth. Thanks! |
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You can load two in an 8-round en-bloc clip. Just hold the two cartridges sort of slightly crossed (sorry, no pic) and stick them in the clip at one end. They'll stay put if you do it right. PRACTICE! Then, when you load it into the Garand the spring-loaded follower will straighten them out for you. I do this all the time. |
Okay, here is some advice. I have shot the M1 for many years. Use a regular clip. Place it in the rifle. Now with the first cartridge, pick up the clip with it and place it under it. Now take the second round and pick up the clip then place it under the "clip". With thumb on the now loaded two rounds, push them downward into the rifle until the bolt begins to close. Takes some practice but this is really the best way to load two rounds in the M1 rifle. Those two rounders cost competitors valuable time and their are no alibi's in the CMP games! Most two rounders are junk! If they are made just a tad out of spec, they will not eject after the second round has been fired! Now you have to fish it out but you usually find that out when your trying to load your 8 rounder. More time lost! I have seen some shooters try to cross two rounds in a clip. Usually one or both of the rounds ends up on the ground and the firing line is held up while the shooter tries to correct his problem. He becomes excited and now he has more than a loading problem. The M1 is really fun to shoot and easy to load. Make up some dummy rounds without primers or powder and practice whatever method you like best. BTW, I made up 12 S.L.E.D.'s (single loading enhancement device) the other day. If anyone needs one, I'll give you one at Camp Perry. I will be on the morning relay on Viale Range. Old thin gray haired guy with a dark green ball hat, dark green shirt with gold letters "EMSC X-treme High Power Team" on them. I even made a couple for the lefties! Dave McGrath |
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The two rounds is really fun left handed. Keep the rifle butt down while you're working with the clip and two rounds. This keeps every thing lined up against the back. Make sure rifle is pointed down range before loading one in the chamber. Watch your fingers when closing the bolt! |
Dave, If you're talking about using the rim of the case to lift up the clip and slide the round in, that's how I do it and that's how I teach/recommend it be done. It cut's down on the eq the shooter has to keep track of and it's simple. |
Put me down for one!  I will be the guy in Marine Corps camies, yellow sweatshirt shooting a Garand for the first time! |
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Thanks for the help, guys. I'm going to have to give it a try and do some practicing this weekend. We're also shooting the morning relay, but on Rodriguez range. I've only shot in the afternoon relays in the Springfield match, what time should we be showing up to Perry in the morning? We'll check in on Friday, so we don't have to mess with that. Thanks! |
Prepare to be HOOKED for a lifelong ride. The Garand is God's weapon of choice.
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I haven't shot the Garand match since "02 but it if starts at 0700, the pits will seal at 0645. Roll call will probably be at 0615. So I would say check out the program for the start time and be on the range at least one hour before the match starts. This way you can relax, smoke your front sight etc before roll call. Have a safe trip to Perry and have fun  .Dave McGrath |
Thats what a good 2 round clip looks like  .Dave McGrath |
Dracster; Yes that is how I meant to say it. I am just not too good at describing things. Thanks for backing me up on the procedure. In fact, at the CMP's GSM Rifle Instructor Workshop, that is what we were told to teach as well. Dave McGrath |
I'm already hooked! We just started shooting in these matches a few years ago. This year, my son, daughter and I are shooting the rimfire match, then my son and I are attending the SAFS the next weekend, then the following weekend is the Garand match. Next year, I hope to enter in the pistol competition also. That should just about cover the month of July for me! Snafu12, That's whay my 2-rounders look like. I might also try tweaking one around, maybe I can get it to feed a bit better. |
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Please practice loading for the Rapids before attending the match, I've been attending since '02 and it seems like every year it seem to get worse with the line not being ready. Oh and don't do like my buddy his first year and insert the 2 rounder with the cartridges at the bottom of the mag. 
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Don't have to say your sorry on any of your posts! Ask away! No you do not have to have a S.L.E.D. It is only an option. Load the best way you can to keep out of trouble and saving your thumb all at the same time .Dave McGrath |