Mini-G with garand sniper barrel?

[jtfsemperfi]

This might be answered somewhere else but I can't find it.

Could you use a Garand M1D style barrel to add a scope to a Mini G? My eyes are getting bad so I'm looking for a way to use a scope.

I've tried scout scope set ups and don't care for them. Same for the one that mounts in the rear sight ears- you lose the use of the iron sights.

Anyway, any input will be greatly appreciated.

[timshufflin]

Not a problem to do at all. I've done it.

[JGW]

How is the m1D barrel profile different than regular barrel, and how does that difference facilitate putting a scope on the rifle which is not mounted forward on an ultimak rail in a "scout" position?

[timshufflin]

1. Narrower at the chamber end with a Scope block wrapped around it.
2. The D ring brings the scope back to eye profile in a semi natural position.
I would encourage simply looking up an M1D rifle on Google and checking one out. The pictures should make the benefit obvious. You would have to use 7/8" scopes though.

[jtfsemperfi]

Thanks Tim,

I figured it would work but wanted to ask the expert.

JGW, like Tim said I believe the sight on the M1D's are further back allowing the use of a regular scope vs a long eye relief one.

I appreciate the input!

[JGW]

Who makes a quality scope mount for the M1D?

[jtfsemperfi]

I don't know that anyone makes a "quality" mount for the M1D ( i.e. one that works as good as the original) but a while back I was at the CMP south store and one of the guys there said they had figured out what the problem was with the one they sell ( and were correcting them) and had heard very good feedback from folks who purchased and used it. I figured I would go that way since every USGI one I see is way too expensive for my budget.

[jbkf1003]

Not to discourage you from the M1D route. But this may work for you. You would need a holbrook device though.

http://www.m14.ca/M1_GARAND_CASM_Scope%20Mount.html

[jtfsemperfi]

I actually looked at that mount when I first got the garand "bug" but didn't want to lose the use of the iron sights (which I think that mount blocks the iron sights). It seems weird too since I believe that company makes one for a m14 that has a gap so you can still use the iron sights.
I'm probably overthinking this but isn't that what hobbies are for??

[jtfsemperfi]

Actually........... I just went back to the link and they have their gen II sight now that does allow the use of the iron sights. Thank you for that! I guess I wasn't the only one who wondered why if they could do it for the m14 why not the garand.
Appreciate the heads up!

[jbkf1003]

Actually........... I just went back to the link and they have their gen II sight now that does allow the use of the iron sights. Thank you for that! I guess I wasn't the only one who wondered why if they could do it for the m14 why not the garand.
Appreciate the heads up!

Yeah I had the same concern, I asked them to put the back up hole in it too.. Looks like they did it..

Justin

[Grenadier]

Griffin & Howe still offer the GI mount and rings they have been making for years.
http://secure.griffinhowe.com/mountsandpads.cfm


The Griffin & Howe Garand Side Mount
(Available Only with One Inch Top Ejection Rings)

Our Garand mounts, originally made for sniper scope use under contract to all the U.S. Armed Forces, are still popular with today's shooter.

2279

[jtfsemperfi]

I had seen these but they are a little speedy for me and then I would also have to pay someone to drill all the holes.

[Grenadier]

Well you inquired about using an M1D barrel. That would put you back extra $ plus the cost of a cheap reproduction mount plus the cost of a reproduction 2-1/2 power non-standard diameter scope with a small field of view. That sort of makes something like the G&H base and 1" rings look like a viable option. Yes, you would have to have it mounted. They offer that and any decent gunsmith can do it. I'm sure it would be easy for Shuff but I don't know if he's into that sort of thing. You'd have to make your inquiries. Another alternative is a mount with 1" rings like the one Fulton Armory sells. It mounts in place of the rear sight but it sits off to the left. All these mounts place the scope well to the left of the bore and you need to install a pad to properly position your face to the left. Reproduction military M1 sniper cheek pads are easy to find

I went with the CASM mount. It has a Picatinny rail that allows use of any standard 1" or 30mm rings for that so you can use just about any standard scope. I put a Leupold 1-4X20mm on mine. An advantage to this sort of mount is that the scope is centered over the bore. You need to install a Holbrook Device because you can't load clips with the scope in that position. It's all a matter of trade offs. The CASM mount is a bit spendy but it is made well. There are similar mounts available for less from other companies.

[timshufflin]

They offer that and any decent gunsmith can do it. I'm sure it would be easy for Shuff but I don't know if he's into that sort of thing. .

I don't know if everyone understands this but no, not any "decent gunsmith" can do this. Then again, this starts to require defining things like "what is a gunsmith". I'd challenge you all, next time you want a quote from any of the garand company's out there, ask them if they have a simple lathe, any lathe. Ask them if they have a simple milling machine, any milling machine. Heck, I know for a fact that many don't even have a drill press. My point is that many are calling these folks gunsmiths but what they really are are armorers. They simply put parts on rifles.

Now when you define the true narrow swath of actual "gunsmith's", I'd bet that you can't fine 10% of them capable of putting that mount on. The Garand is voodoo to many "real gunsmith's" or I wouldn't get phone calls from them to put a simple barrel on or lathe a barrel.

To the point though, I have installed the G&H mount and done it successfully. It is not easy, not even remotely easy. It boils down to needing a good tool system and doing enough of them where one feels confident enough to assume the risk of getting one of those holes just .010" off in very hard steel. I am not willing to assume that risk for the small reward of getting the 1 or 2 requests for them (per 3 years) perfectly right. G&H is a pro at this procedure, true experts and I have sent them customer rifles where some other gunsmith has the holes off and G&H effortlessly makes a mount with new holes in those improper locations.

Every machining procedure is easy, if you know how to do it and have the proper machines and tools. Just my opinion from a guy who has a butt load of machinery compared to some and absolutely an inadequate amount of machinery compared to others.

[Grenadier]

.......Just my opinion from a guy who has a butt load of machinery compared to some and absolutely an inadequate amount of machinery compared to others.Being an armorer does not require the knowledge and skills of a gunsmith. Being a weapons repairman does not require the knowledge and skills of a gunsmith. Being a part or component installer does not require the knowledge and skills of a gunsmith.

That's why I said "decent gunsmith". In my opinion, any decent gunsmith must have the proper tools, to include lathe, milling machine, and drill press. What is more, he knows how to use those tools properly and effectively. He also knows how to make jigs and templates, and can fashion specialty tools, small parts, springs, screws, and pins, softening and hardening those parts as needed. He not only knows how to drill and tap but he also knows how to fill and file. He can turn and thread a barrel, hand inlet a stock, chamber a wildcat, and finish metal and steel. Most concentrate on, and become specialists in, the weapons and things that interest them most. But they still have the full range of knowledge and skill required to perform as an all around gunsmith.

I've had a Mauser bolt bent into a ruinous shape by a nincompoop, a stock destroyed by a bumbler, and misaligned and extra holes drilled in a classic Mannlicher-Schoenaur receiver by an incompetent fool. I have also received finished work that I had to correct or redo. I had to remove screws from a front sight I just had installed and file them shorter to get a flush fit with the barrel to keep the sight from rattling around. I had to remove a barreled action and inlet material from the stock to get a newly completed rifle to cycle and function. I've received "tuned" pistols that would fail to feed after the first shot. I even received a rebarreled rifle back with headspace so great that a disc had to be pressed into the face of the bolt to correct it. All work was done by self-proclaimed gunsmiths who knew a little but didn't know a lot more.

These days I am very particular about who I send work to. But, in spite of all the duds who will screw up your firearms, there really are some very capable gunsmiths out there.

Shuff, you are one of the good ones and you are appreciated. You've also answered the question -- installing G&H scope bases isn't your thing. It doesn't surprise me though. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Griffin & Howe is using 50 year old templates/jigs/fixtures to install their M1 scope base.

[timshufflin]

Being an armorer does not require the knowledge and skills of a gunsmith. Being a weapons repairman does not require the knowledge and skills of a gunsmith. Being a part or component installer does not require the knowledge and skills of a gunsmith.

That's why I said "decent gunsmith". In my opinion, any decent gunsmith must have the proper tools, to include lathe, milling machine, and drill press. What is more, he knows how to use those tools properly and effectively. He also knows how to make jigs and templates, and can fashion specialty tools, small parts, springs, screws, and pins, softening and hardening those parts as needed. He not only knows how to drill and tap but he also knows how to fill and file. He can turn and thread a barrel, hand inlet a stock, chamber a wildcat, and finish metal and steel. Most concentrate on, and become specialists in, the weapons and things that interest them most. But they still have the full range of knowledge and skill required to perform as an all around gunsmith.

I've had a Mauser bolt bent into a ruinous shape by a nincompoop, a stock destroyed by a bumbler, and misaligned and extra holes drilled in a classic Mannlicher-Schoenaur receiver by an incompetent fool. I have also received finished work that I had to correct or redo. I had to remove screws from a front sight I just had installed and file them shorter to get a flush fit with the barrel to keep the sight from rattling around. I had to remove a barreled action and inlet material from the stock to get a newly completed rifle to cycle and function. I've received "tuned" pistols that would fail to feed after the first shot. I even received a rebarreled rifle back with headspace so great that a disc had to be pressed into the face of the bolt to correct it. All work was done by self-proclaimed gunsmiths who knew a little but didn't know a lot more.

These days I am very particular about who I send work to. But, in spite of all the duds who will screw up your firearms, there really are some very capable gunsmiths out there.

Shuff, you are one of the good ones and you are appreciated. You've also answered the question -- installing G&H scope bases isn't your thing. It doesn't surprise me though. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Griffin & Howe is using 50 year old templates/jigs/fixtures to install their M1 scope base.

I'm going to bet that G&H is doing exactly as you say with the jigs and fixtures. Could I mount a G&H mount for my rifle, yep and done it. Would I for a customer? No fricking way, it's too damn nerve racking. That stuff has to be dead on, no wiggle room.

[axemurderer]

At least when the guy who did it to the DCM National Match I used to own, he had G/H do it!