bmcgilvray

I got my first M1 when I was 19. Was so excited. Took it home that afternoon and headed down to the tank dam to try it out. I didn't have a clue about its operation. When the 8th round went off and the empty clip ejected with its characteristic ring I thought the rifle had blown up.

cphilip

I believe, for the purposes you list, I would opt for the M1A... not that the M1 garand would not fill the bill well. But the capacity thing ya know. Both of them are not "target practice" guns really... both of em kick like a mule. Have you considered the M1 Carbine maybe? Not a big game hunter but fills the bills a lot on those other criteria...

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pgrass101

I would go with a Garand....

That said I have a M1 carbine for home defense and plinking and a FAL for hunting and more serious shooting.

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Noli nothis permittere te terere

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raevan

If possible buy both. If you have to limit yolurself to 1, I would go with the M1a, it is more versatile.

Airborne Sniper

Go with the M1A. It's a darn good rifle. I know because I've used M-14s, XM-21s and M1As in a variety of military and police jobs. NONE of them ever failed me. The round is very accurate, especially if you use match ammo. Sure, you pay for magazines but you also pay for any other reloading devices. The real advantage is the 20 rounds that the M1A has over the 8 round M1 Garand. Put a good scope on an M1A and you can reach out to 1,000 yards for some shooting needs.

cwblanco

Having trained on the M14 in the Army right before they came out with the M16, I will agree with you 100%. Adaptations of the M1A1 are still in use by the U.S. military today.

Actually, we need both the M1 and M1A for our collection.

SGT D USMC

I was issued an M1 as A young Marine in 1961, in 1966 & 67 I carried an M14 in Viet Nam, I was a rifle compititor in the national guard for 8 years with m14's and m16's . First, I was never in a fire fight that was quiet enough to hear the ping of an M1 clip being ejected. Once you are one with an M1 it is the fasted rifle to load. stick a few clips on the fly or your shirt. and don't worry about puting the empty clip away. I learded in Viet nam to stick empty M14 Magazines down the front of my shirt, we didn't have any to waste. I broke an extractor in both, but no other problems. A plus about the M1 I think is the clip, It is protected inside the weapon, and they are cheap. most firearm malfuntions are tracewd to the magazine. if the size and weight don't bother you they are both great. they certinaly go through vehicles better than 5.56.

General Geoff

Either will make a fine weapon; I personally like the M1A a bit more due to the detachable box magazine, but you will by no means be undergunned with a Garand.

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rathos

Honestly, I would buy a FAL. Cheap and plentiful parts, easy to clean and disassemble and if anything you might be giving up a bit of accuracy, but not enough to matter unless you plan on shooting distance matches with it.

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purple88yj

I just like my M14.

It is one of the few rifles I have found that I can shoot without catching brass in my teeth (left handed) without forking over a lung to afford a left handed version. Besides, I got the rifle and 11 magazines for a steal.

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