1903 Springfield or Garand?

[johnsonl]

I need some help, folks. I ran across a gentleman at my gun club who is selling both a 1903 Springfield and a Springfield Garand. Both are .30-06. Both are in great condition and decently priced. It's for my 21 year old son, so I need to choose one. I have no experience with either. Any input would be appreciated. Ammo/accessory availability, shootability and so forth.

Go!

 

[zzzippper]

You can't go wrong, totally personal taste. The 1903 might be easier to learn to shoot since it is a bolt action. Loading the Garand eight round en bloc clip can be tricky and cause the dreaded "M1 thumb". Ammo and accessories are the same.

 

[shouldazagged]

My vote would be for the '03 Springfield. Famous for its accuracy, a classic. I sure wouldn't turn down either, but then if I were 21 the history of the Garand might not resonate quite the way it does at 77.

 

[LTC]

I'd say suck it up and go for both, they are both great guns. I purchased an 03a3 and a Garand of a fellow club member a couple years ago. That got me onto that slippery slope though.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

LTC

 

[Donn]

If it's me, I buy both. Since you specified one or the other, the Garand. It's not that difficult to learn how to operate and shoots like a dream. No slam on the '03, but IMHO the M-1, hands down.

 

[Eltioloco]

Buy them both. Whichever one you buy you will regret not buying the other. Ask me how I know.

 

[reddogge]

Well....a lot depends on the serial number of the 1903. The early ones had improperly heat treated receivers and could shatter when fired. You can google the serial number range. WW1 era 1903s bring good money and have tons of nostalgia if all correct and proper parts are there.

The M1s had parts upgraded and replaced as a rule so finding one with its original parts is not feasible but a WW2 era Garand is one of those must haves to me. Some have excessive muzzle erosion and throat erosion which can be checked with a gage. But anything with original wood is very collectable. Original barrel/receiver is also a plus.

Most of this stuff you need books to tell what is original to them and what is a replacement, you just can't look at a part and tell because they used drawing numbers and not serial numbers on the parts. Chances are finding an original 1903 is easier than an M1. Originality never bothered me much since it was the nature of the beast to have parts replaced in the field or armory.

I'd shoot only military ball ammo in the M1 but you can shoot reloads in the '03. Accessories like slings, bayonets are nice to have.

What is decently priced?

 

[Bullzaye]

Buy both of them.

Tim

 

[just jim]

Yup buy em both, you won't regret it.

 

[Arik]

Garand. Accurate, semi auto ....and I'm a lefty! Even if you still decide to give it to your son

 

[Biggfoot44]

Not withstanding one of them having specific rarity ; I'd prefer the '03 , you son would probably prefer the Garand.

 

[johngalt]

Assuming that the 03 isn't one of the (possibly) bad early ones, I find I like shooting the 03 better than the M1. The 03 is more accurate and is not sensitive to ammo choices. The 03 will shoot any commercial 30-06 ammo. The M1 won't, most is loaded with powder that is too slow and it will damage the op-rod.

There is a gas port adjustment thingy that can be added to the M1 that supposedly makes it safe to shoot commercial ammo. I have not used it, so I don't know if it is a real solution.

M1 ammo must either be purchased through the CMP, or find a commercial brand made specifically for the M1. Federal/AE is the only one that I know of, I don't remember what the product number is. It may be 3006M1.

A good condition 03 is more rare than a good condition M1. When the CMP gets 03s for sale (less often these days), they are usually very worn.

Whichever you get, you may want a butt pad or a padded shooting jacket. The steel buttplate thumps you pretty hard.

 

[jarhead1178]

We used the 1903 in korea for a sniper rifle. It was said to be better than the m1 for that purpose. I personally never fired one, just going by what was said at the time. Both great rifles. Merry Christmas.

 

[Oldiron]

If you can afford it, buy both for the time being. After you have them in you hand you can look up what parts belong to the vintage and manufacturer of them. Import marks, cracked wood, bore erosion, etc.. can be checked and deducted from keep-ability. And above all shoot them.
I have several types of service rifles and the more I shoot them the more I keep going back to a beat up 1917 Remington. I just love to shoot it. If they are comparable in value, shoot them side by side, one will tell you "KEEP ME". Then if the need arises you can sell the mute one.
My $.02 Larry

 

[williamlayton]

The '03--sans the kick you butt steel plate.
Friend's dad ran the national guard armory in Kilgore--we got to shoot both, a lot.
A lot, for me was not a lot--at one time.
Blessings

 

[jack the toad]

Both are in great condition and decently priced.

Go for both if you can but if I had to choose only one, I'd need more specific info about each to decide.

 

[BearBio]

You can't go wrong, totally personal taste. The 1903 might be easier to learn to shoot since it is a bolt action. Loading the Garand eight round en bloc clip can be tricky and cause the dreaded "M1 thumb". Ammo and accessories are the same.

Not really. Garands need a specific power curve or they will break/bend operating rods. There's lots of loading data but don't get one thinking any 30-06 will work.

You can also get an adjustable gas screw for around 50-75 dollars. More Garands around than good Springfields BUT you hafta read up on BOTH to make a wise choice.

 

[loknload]

Both are good rifles,,,,, Buy both! You won't go wrong!

 

[STCM(SW)]

Both are good rifles,,,,, Buy both! You won't go wrong!

AS ^^^^^^ said!
I have a M1(WW II) and if I come across a 03 I'll get it....

 

[gdnagle]

What 03 you looking a 1903 or a 1903A3? There is a warning on CMP about low number 1903 rifles. You can read it here.
M1903/M1903A3 | Civilian Marksmanship Program Though only a few early ones actually had a problem but it was easier to put the warning on low number units then to try to pick individual ones.

What will he be using it for? Deer hunting it will be easier to limit the total rounds for the 03 but I think they use to sell a round limiter for the Garand not sure how hard they will be to find now. Just checked and Midway has a 2 and 5 round clip. What do you like or him a bolt firearm or semi auto. The M14 is a modified M1 Garand. More Garands where manufactured but good 03's are getting less. Lots of 03's were sporterized GB right now has 173 03's for sale and 1882 Garands.

Like other stated buy both one for you one for him.

P.S both of these rifles use a clip no magazine here.