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Site Philosophy @ modernm1rifles.com

Bob Tahara

Good morning! We have been spending some time in the shop and out on the range getting some great video and pictures to start building out our content! I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather and getting out on the range. I will be posting some troubleshooting, gear, and reloading information and articles over the next week

I thought before we started building content out that it would be best to present the philosophy that will govern and inform how I put up information, links, reviews, recommendations, or really whatever. Again, this site is dedicated to the contemporary use of the M1 Garand and M1 Carbine for modern recreation, hunting, and potentially defensive uses. Perhaps the biggest thing I have learned about life in my day job as a vascular surgeon is that while 70-80% of “things” end up being factual and/or non-debatable, its the residual 20-30% that generates 99% of the controversy and angst. I suspect that same equation will be present when discussing the use, care, and potentially modification of these rifle platforms. In general, I am most interested in things that do not permanently alter the rifle- ie. it can be restored to its original configuration without a great deal of difficulty. There are, however, modifications that will be permanent alterations (new barrels, replaced parts, metal modifications and gunsmithing). Sometimes there is more than one way to do something and sometimes the right way will be different for a particular owner/operator of the rifle. While these rifles do have some significant historical value they are no longer US government property and folks are free to do what they desire with their property. That choice should not provoke derision-> if you don’t like what somebody else did with their rifle then don’t do it with yours! But please don’t berate me or anyone else for the CHOICES they make regarding their rifles. What is “Bubba-sizing” an M1 in one person’s view may be a critical modification or helpful change for someone’s intended use of their rifle. Note: this does not mean to avoid CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, I am just unwilling to let this site devolve to a level of incivility that we are currently seeing with the mob mentality that appears to be gripping much of the country as I type this (July 2020). So….. please no name calling, idiot labeling, or anything else derogatory of that nature. When I open up the comments sections be advised I will enforce this ruthlessly.

For my part, I am going to try to label parts of articles to help folks sort through what is a “fact” (John Garand is the inventor of the US Rifle Cal 30 M1- fact!), what is my or others experience or observation ( I have found Hornaday 165gr SST in IMI cases over 47 grains of Varget, COAL 3.320 shoots a 2MOA group in one of my M1 rifles- observation/experience!) and finally what my conclusions or “opinion” is of the facts and my own observations (I think that Viking Tactics Enhanced slings are the best way to sling up an M1 Carbine- opinion/conclusion!). I hope this format will help the reader sort out their own conclusions and find the information we post to be of use and have proper context as a recommendation.

Okay! Enough housekeeping and keep your eyes peeled for our first series of articles coming in the next week! Have fun and be safe out there!

Welcome to ModernM1Rifles.com!

Bob Tahara

Over the next several weeks I will be adding over 20 years worth of research and knowledge regarding the contemporary practical use of the venerable U.S. Rifle Cal .30 M1- (AKA the M1 Garand) and the U.S. Carbine Cal .30 M1 (AKA M1 Carbine), My hope is to pass on what I have learned over these many years as well as get contributions from others knowledgeable about these rifle systems. Millions of these rifles are still in existence, and it is my firm yet humble opinion that they remain viable tools for fun, hunting, and practical self defense.

Although there is literally a metric ton of information out there on the internet, there is really no single website that brings this type of information together in one place. Most other sites concentrate on collectors or CMP/High Power competition with occasional or tangential forays into the subjects published here. Both of these endeavors are great (and I both collect and have competed in CMP sanctioned events and greatly enjoy both aspects!) – BUT- the purpose of this site is to give the reader insight and information on modifications, accessories, tools, gear, and techniques that are more practically oriented to using the rifles in non-competition real life roles. Things like -> what type of modern red dot optics or mounts work well for defensive uses, what types of modern gear are available to make these systems relevant to 2020+, what types of techniques and training can be used to get optimal function and practical use, what ammunition or reloading data is available for hunting and defensive uses, and how to maintain and perhaps even improve these rifles functionality for practical roles.

While much of the “vintage” type gear available (i.e. M1923 canvas cartridge belts or the proper and high quality M1907 slings like Turner Saddlery makes) not only works well but is “period proper” to these rifles, there is a plethora of newer things that can meaningfully add to the practical use and enjoyment of these rifles. Please do not send hate mail about the “sacrilege” or “debasement” of these historic rifles- I both respect and treasure the traditions and history surrounding both these systems. I however also enjoy being able to use them in 2020 (and beyond!) to their fullest potential. My goal is to provide the knowledge to do so here- information I have personally spent over 2 decades collecting and processing

And if you don’t want or need to use your historic M1 Garand or Carbine for hunting deer or defensive uses, perhaps these pages will still provide some valuable information or pique an interest in all these still capable platforms can do for you! Either way enjoy what you read and see here. I anticipate getting the comments sections going once I have completed fleshing out the basic structure and uploaded the main contents.