Five options are just too many, I can not decide Aarrgghh!!!

[milsurprifleman]

ok, my next purchase possibility is taking its toll on me. Sleepless nights, 8-9 hour shifts on the net browsing photos, sources and prices its just all too much. Here are my wants..
1. M1
2. M1 Carbine
3. M1903
4. M1903A3
5. The M14/M1A is still on the table but this option will have to take funding from other sources and sacrifices will have to be made.

What are you guys thinking, I need some serious input.

[arrrrgh15]

ok, my next purchase possibility is taking its toll on me. Sleepless nights, 8-9 hour shifts on the net browsing photos, sources and prices its just all too much. Here are my wants..
1. M1
2. M1 Carbine
3. M1903
4. M1903A3
5. The M14/M1A is still on the table but this option will have to take funding from other sources and sacrifices will have to be made.

What are you guys thinking, I need some serious input.

8-9 hours....sheeesh. If I were to spend 8-9 hours looking at pics on the web it certainly wouldn't be of rifles.

Get the M1 Garand.

[milsurprifleman]

8-9 hours....sheeesh. If I were to spend 8-9 hours looking at pics on the web it certainly wouldn't be of rifles.

Get the M1 Garand.

wife is a light sleeper and I'm pretty sure ex-CIA OP.

[ROCK-IT3]

Get 'em all, and in the order you have them listed. That's what I'd do (if I had your money,... and my money, and a few other peoples money, too)

[milsurprifleman]

Get 'em all, and in the order you have them listed. That's what I'd do (if I had your money,... and my money, and a few other peoples money, too)

if only lol.

[WSM]

Get a garand, you know, they don't make them anymore .

[39flathead]

I personally would start with the '03's. Many/most have been cut up and sporterized so originals are more scare IMO than the other guns on your wish list.
There are some "surplus" type importers/distributors selling re barreled 03 drill guns on original receivers right now for half decent prices if you are just looking for shooters.

The M1s seem to have leveled off in price and there are plenty of them around, at least in my area they are.

[Warsaw Pact]

5. The M14/M1A is still on the table but this option will have to take funding from other sources and sacrifices will have to be made.

First- you are doing the right thing. Taking your time, researching, seeking out review and opinions, looking at pics over and over, going back and forth- that is all part of the fun of this hobby. I learned a long time ago not to make impulse buys. So its a good thing to make a list, save your money slow, and narrow it down.

All that said I am biased so I say save, even if takes another year... and get an M1A. I really enjoy mine.

[7998]

M1 Garand hands down, M1 Carbine is a fun one too but get a Garand.
Nothing like 8 rounds of M2 ball and that wonderful "ting".
Everytime I shoot my Garand people come over to see it and talk about theirs or ones they owned or lugging it around in boot camp, etc.
It's like the 57 Chevy of battle rifles. Buy one now while you can still get cheaper mil surp ammo for it.

[kunsunoke]

Given what you've told us so far, the best choice seems to be the M1 Garand. Much as many of us might like the old bolt Springfields, the Garands are still out there in serviceable condition thanks to the CMP - and at reasonable prices, as I'm sure you already know.

M1A is quite nice, too - but be prepared to pay through the nose for the privilege of box magazines and .308/7.62.