I have recently come into the possession of a new toy - an M1 Garand. I live in Alexandria, VA, and wonder if anyone knows of a good range where I can go play with it within reasonable driving distance?
Try NRA headquarters on US Route 50 near Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax County, about a half hour away. I’m sure you could give them a call, and even if they don’t have any open ranges onsite, they should be able to give you a referral.
Though I did find it odd that when I visited, the security guard was unarmed (yes, I asked him). In NRA headquarters, the security guard on duty is unarmed. Typical America.
Details! We need details! Pictures work, too.
NRA headquarters has an indoor 50 yard range on site that allows use of rifle calibers.
At NRA HQ, he’s probably the only one that is unarmed.
Take your pick:
Great - thank you. We (the friend who bought one at the same time from the CMP & I) were discussing it last night, and the NRA range came up, just without knowledge of whether it would allow that type of weapon.
When I pick the thing up this weekend, I will take a few snaps of it. I am sat at my work desk playing with a clip at the moment. It does make a very pleasing ping when dropped.
Where do people recommend for reasonably priced ammo?
That’s a can of worms. 30.06 is not only an incredibly common target and hunting round, but one that people have definite preferences for when it comes to the projectile and propellant load.
Locally, Cabella’s and Bass Pro Shop are overall pretty reasonable for no-frills ball ammo; some of their “self defense” loads can get pretty pricey, though, but this is mostly handgun caliber stuff. I haven’t really priced hunting loads.
There’s one down in Lorton where my husband and son have gone a few times:
http://www.gilbertrange.com/
Whether they allow your particular unit or not, I have no idea.
I have fired a friend’s Garand at a place somewhere around Quantico. Don’t remember exactly where but if you want to PM me I can ask my friend. I do know it was a shooting club of some kind.
An issue with the Garand is that ammunition has changed significantly in the 70 years since it was designed and many of the factory loads of today generate too much pressure for the Garand’s gas system. Handloaders can get around this by downloading the round, and some manufacturers make ammunition specifically for the Garand.
That’s about the extent of my Garand knowledge. Hopefully someone else can fill in more, or you may be better off getting specific ammo advice from a dedicated gun forum.