I'm in love.
Stopped by the Valley Forge Gun Show last night and brought home a 1954-born Garand in very nice condition. Good wood--some lovely character dings, but nicely conditioned. Barrel grades a 2/2, so I'll get some mileage out of her. 5.4million S/N, so she never saw war service unless some grunt brought her to 'Nam for me. But she's beautiful. And, to quote Ringo, she's mine.
I cleaned the grease out last night and re-lubed with Weapon Shield (thanks again, George!). Bought a bandoleer of ammo at the show to tide me over until my CMP spam cans get here. Ordered the field manual from Midway, a soft U.S. fleece case from Cheaper than Dirt, and a repro leather sling from Sportsman's Guide.
Any other thoughts from the Garand experts around here? Anything I should know, read or otherwise absorb?
First range trip will likely be tomorrow. Until then, I'm enjoying the lingering scent of her cosmoline and oiled-steel perfume on my hands.