CDFingers wrote:
On the first shot, I felt the op rod slide past my left index finger, so I changed my normal hold. That was exciting for seconds on end.
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What a pussy cat compared to non gas-operated bolt guns. I didn't even wear my recoil pad. I put it on for the other rifle I brought.
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The peep is different from the ones I have on my 03A3 and my Finn m39. But it's so close to my eye it acts like a lens if I choose to shoot without glasses--I tested that just in the back yard, with and without glasses, just sighting
That's one of those things M1 Garand shooters learn right away but forget to mention to new Garand shooters -- keep your fingers (and everything else) away from the op rod when you're shooting. You could interfere with the action and, at worst, hurt yourself.
Concerning recoil, that steel buttplate looks scary, but the combination of robust gas action and substantial rifle weight absorbs a surprising amount of it. As one old gunny told me, a lot of skinny 19-year-olds managed to shoot a whole lot of rounds through M1 Garands, and a sore shoulder was about the last thing you would hear them complain about.
I've noticed that slight magnifying effect of the aperture sight as well, but have rarely heard anyone comment on it. Curious. And nice.
CDF, I really enjoy your photography. You do great honor to these venerable rifles.