I’m deeper behind enemy lines now. As of April 4, 2013, possession of my M4 is strictly limited to the range and home. Can’t have more than 10 rounds loaded in any mag except at home or the range.
The M1 Garand (8 rd stripper clips) and M1A (10 round mags), in non-pistol grip configurations, are legal to have with me in the vehicle otherwise (because they don’t meet the tyrant’s definition of an “assault weapon.”) I used to have a bunch of 'em, but sold 'em years ago.
Thoughts? I am not a traditionalist. Whatever ends up going into the truck will be updated … a rail for RDS (Aimpoint Micro), maybe a light (Surefire G2), and a two-point adjustable nylon sling (VCAS). No wood. Remember, it’s to be a substitute for my M4 which has to stay at home.
I am indifferent w/r/t ammo. In one respect, .30-06 ammo is easier to find than .308/7.62 (and I reload). They basically do the same job.
To pre-empt the GTFO crowd, I am working on the moving angle. In the meantime, I need a truck gun. And whatever time I have left in this communist shithole, I will do my best to help fight this tyranny through the courts and the ballot box.
Gonna be fun getting back to my .30 cal roots.
ETA: I would note that several of my friends have already made changes to their EDC pistols. They’ve switched from Glocks to full-sized 1911’s.
I want one of each for my collection, but for a truck gun I would go with the M1A due to both mag capacity and mag type. I have humped and shot both, and have experienced M1 thumb. I’ll take the M1A.
ETA: Also, if the law changes, or you move to a better place, the M1 will still be an 8 round rifle. You just need some new mags for the M1A.
I cut my teeth on the M-14 and I am a huge fan of the M1A. I have owned both M1 Garands and M1As over the past 30 years. I have a lot of experience with both rifles and like them both. Muzzle brakes and adjustable gas cylinder plugs are available for both rifles if recoil is an issue. Adjustable gas plugs are handy for shooting commercial 30-06 or .308 ammunition in both rifles.
If you are not going to purchase a M1A with a shorter barrel, then the M1 Garand is going to be close in length to the M1A. An 8 round en bloc clip is smaller and takes up less storage space than a 10 round M1A magazine. If I were restricted to 10 round magazines and I had my choice narrowed down to either a M1A or M1 Garand for a truck gun, I would choose the M1 Garand.
If you wanted to shoot 7.62x51mm ammunition in the future, you could have a .308 barrel installed on the Garand. Garand clips should be less expensive to buy than M1A magazines. The same clips work for both 30-06 and .308 ammunition.
But then, what is the purpose of having the gun? Personal defense in the vehicle or around the vehicle?
Are you permitted to step out of the vehicle with the weapon to engage a threat? How will you employ a full sized battle rifle within or from the vehicle?
I’d go with a lever gun, like a Marlin Guide gun in .30-30. Plenty capable, but far less likely to result in unwanted attention (i.e. by the authorities) should it ever need to be used in anger.
I’d go for the M1A! Not based on experience, but just because I really like the new synthetic ones. The price, and parts is what will hold me back though.
I like the lever gun idea (maybe a shotgun also?), but between a M1A and an M1, I’d say M1. Since it is a truck gun and has a greater chance of being stolen, I’d love to see a gangbanger try to figure out the en-blonc system. I can see him racking the rounds out and getting hit in the head with the ejecting clip- and then try to reload it. Plus if taken from you, the trigger guard safety might give you a few seconds.
A lever gun in 357 or 44 mag is a great option. I have Marlins in both calibers and love them.
How about an SKS? Can you have that? If so, the SKS has the power of a 30-30 but no detachable mag like the M-1A. Low recoil, fairly accurate and very reliable. Holds 10rds, too. Since the SKS is tons cheaper than an M1 or M-1A, you’d cry less if it ever got stolen out of the truck. 7.62x39 ammo is cheaper than 30-06 or 308, too.
I would go with a .308 Garand. I had one for a few years and it was fun to shoot.
Someone mentioned the M1 Carbine. I currently have two of them and have some experience with shooting, reloading and repair. I would not want the M1 Carbine for a truck gun. If that was all I had on hand, I would not be comfortable using it for defense beyond 100 yards.
Yes, 30-06 ammo may be easier to find, but not all such ammo is “garand-friendly” compared to surplus mil ammo.
You can also “convert” the garand to 308. This can be done a couple of ways (chamber inserts, rebarreling, etc.) Not familiar with pros & cons - just that it allows the use of .308 ammo which may appeal to you.
What happens if the dickheads in office mandate that you can’t have a rifle with more than 10 rounds in the mag, OR capable of having a mag with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds. Then - you’re screwed with the M1A1. (and the M1 carbine, too!)
Personally - I’d go with the garand. 8 rounds is 8 rounds, and tends to fly under the radar of most libs. Actually thinking of getting one myself, as you can’t trust any IL legislators here as far as you can throw them (and I’d LOVE to throw some of them:) - john
.308 tanker garand or scout/socom M1A. Either way wins.
On the carry guns, I am about 99% positive that the 1911 would not enjoy the popularity it currently has if it weren’t for the previous AWB. I went all 1911 back then. Something about a Glock with a 10 rd magazine just wasn’t right.
