Old .30-06 I need a safety check by gunsmith

[VMAX97]

Hey, my wife inherited her father's guns since I am the gun guy in the extended family and my father-in-law has an old M1 in .30-06. The gun has not been shot in 30+ years and was not maintained, I need a local gunsmith to check it out.

Thanks.

[Rip Van Winkle]

Does the action open and close?

Does the bore have any rifling left?

What manufacture, and serial # range? (just curious)

[crbutler]

If it was poorly stored, I would agree that you need a gunsmith to check it over.

Not that headspace would go, but rather to make sure the gas port is open, that the gas system works right, etc. There might have been corrosive ammo fired in it, and you may find a mess in the gas system.

If there is no obvious rust, you could strip it down, clean it thoroughly, lube it and try shooting it. But that may be more that you feel comfortable with. You have to have an idea of your limitations!

[moondog]

Go to Bob Odenthal,odenthalgunsmothing.com. In Prior Lake close to Bracketts Country Club.

[moondog]

my bad, odenthalgunsmithing.com

[Holland&Holland]

If it was poorly stored, I would agree that you need a gunsmith to check it over.

Not that headspace would go, but rather to make sure the gas port is open, that the gas system works right, etc. There might have been corrosive ammo fired in it, and you may find a mess in the gas system.

If there is no obvious rust, you could strip it down, clean it thoroughly, lube it and try shooting it. But that may be more that you feel comfortable with. You have to have an idea of your limitations!

I the gas port is not open it would just become a bolt action correct?

[crbutler]

As far as shooting goes, it would be a single shot that you could work the action straight pull style. Its just there may be some other things wrong- like the firing pin getting stuck due to gunk- slamfires in a .30-06 might be ugly.

If you don't feel confident in disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of a Garand, a gunsmith is definitely the way to go.

If you have used them before and have a borescope, you probably can take it down and clean it up, or at least know what specifically needs a gunsmith/armorer's attention.

[Holland&Holland]

Slam fire while it might startle you should not be an issue if you are following correct muzzle control.

[VMAX97]

my bad, odenthalgunsmithing.com

From my understanding from talking to Bob many years ago when he did work on my trap gun, he does not work on rifles, but I will check with him again.

[Holland&Holland]

my bad, odenthalgunsmithing.com

From my understanding from talking to Bob many years ago when he did work on my trap gun, he does not work on rifles, but I will check with him again.

So what does the bore look like?

[Rip Van Winkle]

I've never personally used him, but Jim Kobe in Bloomington comes highly recommended with the folks I shoot with. 952-884-6031

[speedy396]

Bob fixed my stuck bolt and his web site shows he does work on Rem Bolt actions. I have also had rifle work done by Jim and been very satisfied. Not sure if either work on Garands.

If the action cycles and the bore looks ok, I’d give it a good cleaning and give it a go...that’s just me. Watch your thumb and know that Garands require reduced 30-06 ammo. Usually marked Springfield.

[BlackKnight]

Check Village Pine Gunsmithing in Hugo

[Holland&Holland]

So did it go bang?

[stonegraham]

Go to Bob Odenthal,odenthalgunsmothing.com. In Prior Lake close to Bracketts Country Club.

this lead just seems like the perfect answer