Have we left them behind...GUNS

[Rapid Roger]

At the other place there are 7 gun threads on the first page(I'm set to display 100 posts per page) here there are none.
Is it possible that the true knowledgable gun people are here and don't need to keep posting how long their dicks are.....:)

[NeedSpeed]

I don't know, a lotta "guns" here:
http://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/off-topic/5666-photochop-help-bingo-where-you-can-somebody-help-me-please.html

:leaving:

[themonk]

In America, violence and guns forever | World | News | Calgary Sun (http://www.calgarysun.com/news/world/2011/01/14/16886066.html)

WASHINGTON - Another American mass shooting. Another rush to buy more guns.

On the Monday after the latest of the bloody rampages that are part of American life, gun sales in Arizona shot up by more than 60 percent and rose by an average of five percent across the entire country. The figures come from the FBI and speak volumes about a gun culture that has long baffled much of the world.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation compared January 10, 2011, with the corresponding Monday a year ago.

So what would prompt Americans to stock up their arsenals in the wake of the shooting in Tucson that killed six people and wounded 14, including Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman who was the target of an unhinged 22-year-old who has since been charged with attempted assassination?

To hear gun dealers tell it, demand went up because of fears that the Tucson shooting might lead to tighter gun laws. There was a similar spike in sales after the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech, where a deranged student killed 32 people and himself in the worst such massacre in American history.

Fear of regulation also drove up gun sales after President Barack Obama won the presidency in November 2008. In the first two months of 2009, about 2.5 million Americans bought guns, a 26 percent increase over the same period in 2008.

According to a CBS poll taken two days after Jared Loughner shot congresswoman Giffords in the head, Americans are almost evenly divided on the issue of gun control - 48 percent said gun laws should remain as they are or be made less strict, 47 in favor of more regulation. That is down from 56 percent in 2002 and confirms a Gallup analysis this week that found public support for stricter gun laws has declined over the past two decades.

That prompts one to wonder how many Americans see gun violence as the inevitable by-product of a free society - and whether the gun lobby has been right all along in saying that gun control advocates are out of touch with much of the country.

As one of the staunchest opponents of more gun regulation, John Lott, puts it in a book entitled More Guns, Less Crime: “American culture is a gun culture - not merely in the sense that in 2009 about 124 million people lived in households that owned a total of about 270 million guns but in a broader sense that guns pervade our debates on crime and are constantly present in movies and the news. So, we are obsessed with guns...”

WORLD LEADER IN PRIVATE GUNS

That obsession has long secured the United States the number one position on the list of gun-owning nations. There are more guns in private hands than anywhere else on earth. On a guns-per-capita basis (90 guns per 100 residents) it is comfortably ahead of second-ranked Yemen (61 per 100), according to the authoritative Small Arms Survey issued by the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva.

That obsession, in the eyes of gun control advocates, borders on insanity and some of the wrinkles of America’s permissive gun laws are so bizarre they beggar belief. To wit: “Membership in a terrorist organization does not prohibit a person from possessing firearms or explosives under current federal law.” Neither does inclusion on the government’s ever-growing terrorist watch list.

So found the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the research arm of Congress, after looking into the background checks of prospective buyers gun dealers are required to file to the FBI. According to a GAO report read at a congressional hearing last May, sales of guns and explosives to people on terrorist watch lists totaled 1,119 in a period of six years.

The National Rifle Association (NRA), one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington, came out in opposition to proposed legislation that would have barred people on the list from buying guns. Why? They are placed there on “reasonable suspicion””of terrorist links and the NRA argues that suspicion is not enough for Congress to take away the constitutional right, enshrined in the second amendment to the U.S. constitution, to own and bear arms.

After the Tucson attack hurt one of their own, members of Congress are worried about their safety but whether that will translate into greater willingness to tighten gun regulations remains to be seen. The test will come when a New York Democrat, Carolyn McCarthy, introduces a bill to ban extended magazines, such as the 33-round clip used by Loughner.

Such magazines were illegal from 1994 to 2004 as part of a ban on assault weapons the Bush administration let lapse, a move that prompted gun control advocates to predict a sharp increase in the number of gun deaths. That did not happen. The rate of gun deaths - by murder, suicide or accidents - has held steady at around 31,000 a year and the murder rate has actually dropped.

Which is an argument gun enthusiasts and their lobby are certain to field when McCarthy’s bill is debated. After that, the topic will fade - until the next mass shooting.

[Stangkiller]

Hmmm Ok, I can fix that.

[BADRACR1]

You might have something there! I got a couple. Just don't feel the need to brag about it. Remember what Teddy Roosevelt said: "Walk softly and carry a large caliber automatic." Wait, maybe that was Charlton Heston. Either way I'll be packin' full time soon. Gonna try to get the certification next weekend. Then the carry permit's next!:D

[Stangkiller]

You might have something there! I got a couple. Just don't feel the need to brag about it. Remember what Teddy Roosevelt said: "Walk softly and carry a large caliber automatic." Wait, maybe that was Charlton Heston. Either way I'll be packin' full time soon. Gonna try to get the certification next weekend. Then the carry permit's next!:D

I fufilled every requirement to get my concealed cary...except the picture & sending the package in...why? don't ask me. Guess I get to go through the steps again here in TX.

[69camfrk]

If you see me outside of my yard and well, damn sure in it, you can bet that I'm armed. I can't carry to work, but if I could, no doubt that I would. There are nutjobs and criminals everywhere. I hope I never have to use a weapon in self defense, but I would rather be prepared than not.

[VITE1]

At the other place there are 7 gun threads on the first page(I'm set to display 100 posts per page) here there are none.
Is it possible that the true knowledgable gun people are here and don't need to keep posting how long their dicks are.....:)
Do your neighbors have this up yet?

http://www.grahamcebulskie.com/images/their-house-is-not-armed.jpeg

[JRD77VET]

If you see me outside of my yard and well, damn sure in it, you can bet that I'm armed. I can't carry to work, but if I could, no doubt that I would. There are nutjobs and criminals everywhere. I hope I never have to use a weapon in self defense, but I would rather be prepared than not.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/gif/beginsarcasmmode.gif

What's a matter? The police are only minutes away to protect you. It's not like seconds count :slap:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/gif/endsarcasmmode.gif

[Stangkiller]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/gif/beginsarcasmmode.gif

What's a matter? The police are only minutes away to protect you. It's not like seconds count :slap:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/gif/endsarcasmmode.gif

You mean you dont' carry a cop with you?

[Chris Fowler]

I think it's more that TexasBulldog hasn't bought a new gun lately. :lol:

[JRD77VET]

You mean you dont' carry a cop with you?

Too many stops for donuts :lol:

[Will]

gun sales in Arizona shot up by more than 60 percent and rose by an average of five percent across the entire country.

Thanks for posting the good news. :cheers:

It's horrifying how few people in the world are truly free. Glad to be an American.

[Rapid Roger]

Do your neighbors have this up yet?

http://www.grahamcebulskie.com/images/their-house-is-not-armed.jpeg

I don't think you understand.I think many here know I am a gun owner,avid shooter and carry a SP-101 every day....I don't feel the need to constantly post about it though......Do you understand now......????

[BADRACR1]

Same here. Nobody needs to know if I'm packin' or not.
Currently my fave to shoot with is a Glock 19 3rd Gen, but considering a Diamondback 380 for pocket carry.
Remember the beatles White Album?
"Happiness is a Warm Gun."

[themonk]

Thanks for posting the good news. :cheers:

It's horrifying how few people in the world are truly free. Glad to be an American.

Whether you're for or against it, it's still an interesting read.

[Uncle Pervey]

I'm a noob here and I have never posted about any of my guns on this forum. I did post a question about getting the stink-eye from the Treasury when I bought a gun today.
I post my gun questions on gun forums where I am fairly well known under by other identity of Smokehouse69.
However I don't see any reason why a guy (or girl) shouldn't post questions about their firearms here.
1) They know that most guys (and a lot of girls) like cars and guns.
2) They know most of the folks here from years of forum contact.

[VITE1]

I don't think you understand.I think many here know I am a gun owner,avid shooter and carry a SP-101 every day....I don't feel the need to constantly post about it though......Do you understand now......????

BTW check out the Guns owners of VB room.

[69camfrk]

You mean you dont' carry a cop with you?

Donut eatin' bastards are too heavy!:D

[Stangkiller]

I don't think you understand.I think many here know I am a gun owner,avid shooter and carry a SP-101 every day....I don't feel the need to constantly post about it though......Do you understand now......????

I agree...
I gotta say the whole lost in a boating accident really bugs me. It prety much implys you're willing and ready to lie to the authorities should the need arise.

[Rapid Roger]

BTW check out the Guns owners of VB room.

Where is it.......?????

[Will]

For anyone shameful enough not to have downloaded it already:

http://www.gunfacts.info/pdfs/gun-facts/5.1/gun-facts-5.1-screen.pdf

[DAB]

As a matter of practice I dont brag about what I might have. If I can add to a thread I'll do so. I've shot my share if interesting guns over time.

[TexasBulldog]

I think it's more that TexasBulldog hasn't bought a new gun lately. :lol:

Between being sick and the holidays sucking every bit of fun money, ive been slacking :leaving:

[TexasBulldog]

I see a lot of talk about "Bragging" here if a gun thread starts.

I never posted my guns in hopes of bragging. I post primarily because i enjoy sharing the photography aspect of it, i know others appreciate the mechanical sexiness of some of them and it just gives us something to talk about.

Its a hobby of mine that i like to share with others who also enjoy. I never once thought of it as bragging.

[VITE1]

Where is it.......?????

http://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/groups/gun-owners-vb.html

I was taught how to shoot when I was around 8. My dad had been the senior NCO at PI's rifle and pistol range for a few years along with a competitive Marine shooter for his 20 years.

Due to money and kids and life I was unable to spend time and money on firearms until recently. I realized through the forums that their were many that had greater experience with Firearms and their values and usage than I could find locally. And I used it for most of my purchases.

While some gun threads are "Look how big, expensive, cool" my firearm is many do add value to those of use that were not aware of certain things.

I never would have bought my Saiga if I had not heard about it and gotten feedback for those on line.

[Fastguy]

While some gun threads are "Look how big, expensive, cool" my firearm is many do add value to those of use that were not aware of certain things.
.


My favorite and most interesting guns are the least expensive ones I own, military surplus or historically signifigant curio & relic guns.

[Truck Guy]

As a matter of practice I dont brag about what I might have. If I can add to a thread I'll do so. I've shot my share if interesting guns over time.:iagree: Ditto :yesnod:

[Truck Guy]

At the other place there are 7 gun threads on the first page(I'm set to display 100 posts per page) here there are none.
Is it possible that the true knowledgable gun people are here and don't need to keep posting how long their dicks are.....:)
:confused5: Again, why does this bother you? Everyone has a different idea of what's bragging or showing off.
Personally, I don't post anything personal or pics of guns, the family , etc.
Some people like sharing (or maybe showing off).

WGAF... :yawn:

[NB2K]

I see a lot of talk about "Bragging" here if a gun thread starts.

I never posted my guns in hopes of bragging. I post primarily because i enjoy sharing the photography aspect of it, i know others appreciate the mechanical sexiness of some of them and it just gives us something to talk about.

Its a hobby of mine that i like to share with others who also enjoy. I never once thought of it as bragging.

Joe, I never took your posts as bragging.

Good pics of cool guns and you always had good info.

[Truck Guy]

Joe, I never took your posts as bragging.

Good pics of cool guns and you always had good info.:iagree: Excellent photography :cheers:

[VITE1]

Joe, I never took your posts as bragging.

Good pics of cool guns and you always had good info.

:iagree: Excellent photography :cheers:

:iagree:

[Uncle Pervey]

My favorite and most interesting guns are the least expensive ones I own, military surplus or historically signifigant curio & relic guns.

:iagree:

[kapayakapaya]

I see a lot of talk about "Bragging" here if a gun thread starts.

I never posted my guns in hopes of bragging. I post primarily because i enjoy sharing the photography aspect of it, i know others appreciate the mechanical sexiness of some of them and it just gives us something to talk about.

Its a hobby of mine that i like to share with others who also enjoy. I never once thought of it as bragging.
It's usually Rapid Roger who will start a thread or make some dumbass post instead of just clicking the 'back' button.. I used to like reading his posts, but he's really turned into a crotchety old douchebag lately :yesnod:

[69camfrk]

My favorite and most interesting guns are the least expensive ones I own, military surplus or historically signifigant curio & relic guns.

On that note, I would like to get one of the M1 Garands at CMP. FlatbushHarry seems to be the expert in that dept. I also want a Springfield M1A, but damn they are expensive. I love gun threads actually, just to see what others are interested in. Seems like there are a bunch of us that like 1911's and AR variants.

[99 pewtercoupe]

I see a lot of talk about "Bragging" here if a gun thread starts.

I never posted my guns in hopes of bragging. I post primarily because i enjoy sharing the photography aspect of it, i know others appreciate the mechanical sexiness of some of them and it just gives us something to talk about.

Its a hobby of mine that i like to share with others who also enjoy. I never once thought of it as bragging.

Joe, I have often thought that if your shooting skills are as good as your photographic skills then you are a dangerous MOFO. I never took your posts as bragging, just excitement about your hobbies

[kapayakapaya]

On that note, I would like to get one of the M1 Garands at CMP. FlatbushHarry seems to be the expert in that dept. I also want a Springfield M1A, but damn they are expensive. I love gun threads actually, just to see what others are interested in. Seems like there are a bunch of us that like 1911's and AR variants.
That Springfield M1A is one badass piece of machinery :cheers:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3687/8x21springfieldm1a.jpg

[Uncle Pervey]

On that note, I would like to get one of the M1 Garands at CMP. FlatbushHarry seems to be the expert in that dept. I also want a Springfield M1A, but damn they are expensive. I love gun threads actually, just to see what others are interested in. Seems like there are a bunch of us that like 1911's and AR variants.

I got a CMP Garand one a couple of year back, best gun value out there. :yesnod:

[Truck Guy]

On that note, I would like to get one of the M1 Garands at CMP.:iagree: I've always wanted one too.

[88Z51]

I don't think you understand.I think many here know I am a gun owner,avid shooter and carry a SP-101 every day....I don't feel the need to constantly post about it though......Do you understand now......????

I agree with your point of this thread. It has nothing to do with being pro or against gun ownership, ccw, etc., etc., etc., etc. CFOT often looked like an NRA forum rather than a car forum. :willy:

[Truck Guy]

CFOT often looked like an NRA forum rather than a car forum. :willy:...and a watch forum, etc, etc, etc.

Hence the name "OFF TOPIC" :slap:

You want cars, go to the C4 section. Ok, maybe the C5 section :lolsmile:

[88Z51]

...and a watch forum, etc, etc, etc.

Hence the name "OFF TOPIC" :slap:

You want cars, go to the C4 section. Ok, maybe the C5 section :lolsmile:

Yeah, I know. But it was often to the point that there should have been a whole new section of the forum dedicated solely to guns and gun accessories.
The watch thing sometimes got kind of ridiculous as well.

[kapayakapaya]

Yeah, I know. But it was often to the point that there should have been a whole new section of the forum dedicated solely to guns and gun accessories.
The watch thing sometimes got kind of ridiculous as well.
Very simple to just not click on the gun threads....???

[88Z51]

Very simple to just not click on the gun threads....???

Again, I know. It's just a nice change to come to VB without seeing every other thread being another gun thread.

[BADRACR1]

I see a lot of talk about "Bragging" here if a gun thread starts.

I never posted my guns in hopes of bragging. I post primarily because i enjoy sharing the photography aspect of it, i know others appreciate the mechanical sexiness of some of them and it just gives us something to talk about.

Its a hobby of mine that i like to share with others who also enjoy. I never once thought of it as bragging.

Same here. Those who don't like it don't have to click on the thread. I like mine, enjoy shooting, and love the smell of spent gunpwder in the morning. It's the smell of victory!

[Truck Guy]

Again, I know. It's just a nice change to come to VB without seeing every other thread being another gun thread.We all have someting about the forums that bug us.

Mine is every news item someone has to post immediately.
Do they think I never read the news or leave the damn forum?! :slap:

If I wanted to read about today's event, I wouldn't be on the Corvette Forum or any other special interest forum.

[Gozar]

My favorite and most interesting guns are the least expensive ones I own, military surplus or historically signifigant curio & relic guns.

I love shooting my 1938 Mosin Nagant. Even if I miss the target the shockwave knocks it over.
:D

It cost me a whopping $79.

[99 pewtercoupe]

Nobody forces you to to open a thread that the title doesn't appeal to you (guns, watches, floor mats, BSMs whatever)

[Crowvet]

If guns kill people, then pencils misspell words, cars drive drunk, and spoons make people fat. Remember: Hold the person accountable for their actions, not the means they chose to utilize!!!

[Fastguy]

On that note, I would like to get one of the M1 Garands at CMP. FlatbushHarry seems to be the expert in that dept. I also want a Springfield M1A, but damn they are expensive. I love gun threads actually, just to see what others are interested in. Seems like there are a bunch of us that like 1911's and AR variants.


My M1 Garand and my M1 Carbine are both CMP guns. The nice thing with buying from the CMP is that they are pre-graded, gone through, and they will help you if you have an issue with it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/saltysearay/394.jpg


I love shooting my 1938 Mosin Nagant. Even if I miss the target the shockwave knocks it over.
:D

It cost me a whopping $79.

Before I got my C&R, I paid $149 for mine. Now I can get them shipped right to me for $77!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/saltysearay/IMG_2780.jpg

Its a 1946 Ishevsk Arsenal M44 with integral bayonet. Its quite a thumper.

YouTube - Mosin Nagant fireballs at dusk

[TexasBulldog]

Again, I know. It's just a nice change to come to VB without seeing every other thread being another gun thread.

I can fix that if you would like me to :lol:

[TexasBulldog]

My M1 Garand and my M1 Carbine are both CMP guns. The nice thing with buying from the CMP is that they are pre-graded, gone through, and they will help you if you have an issue with it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/saltysearay/394.jpg

Before I got my C&R, I paid $149 for mine. Now I can get them shipped right to me for $77!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/saltysearay/IMG_2780.jpg

Its a 1946 Ishevsk Arsenal M44 with integral bayonet. Its quite a thumper

Interesting stuff. I have had a hard time justifying getting my C&R but when i see pics like this and that price it makes me re-consider it :dance:

CMP is fantastic!... i have 2 Garands and 1 Carbine from them. Talk about an amazing value! :above:

[Fastguy]

I can fix that if you would like me to :lol:

We can just keep this one thread going. On some forums I am on, there is a dedicated thread for particular things to keep the 1st page frrom being about watches or cats or guns or football or politics, etc.

[Truck Guy]

We can just keep this one thread going. On some forums I am on, there is a dedicated thread for particular things to keep the 1st page frrom being about watches or cats or guns or football or politics, etc.:cheers: TTT then :D

Hey, speaking of C&R, isn't the "Collectors" license only about $30.00 for three years.
I need to check into that :confused5:

[Fastguy]

:cheers: TTT then :D

Hey, speaking of C&R, isn't the "Collectors" license only about $30.00 for three years.
I need to check into that :confused5:

Yes, it allows you to purchase direct from dealers or interstate private party since it is a FFL. Some info on it.
Federal Firearms License - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Firearms_License#Collectors_of_Curio_and_Relic_.28C.26R.29_Firearms)

Some of the more tinfoilly folks don't like the idea of a C&R because it allows the BATF to do a periodic inspection of your inventory and log book.

[RedLS1GTO]

My M1 Garand and my M1 Carbine are both CMP guns. The nice thing with buying from the CMP is that they are pre-graded, gone through, and they will help you if you have an issue with it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b71/saltysearay/394.jpg

Rather than start up a new one, I'll try this whole "running gun thread" idea.

I know a decent amount about various guns (far from an expert) and currently own a few but the M1 market (both Garand and Carbine) seems to be about the most confusing thing I have seen. Prices are all over the place for what to me seem like very similar condition pieces.

I am a history freak as much as a gun lover and have always wanted an M1 (preferably a Garand). I would like something to use both as a display type of gun as well as a gun that I can go out and shoot when I feel like it. Any of you owners/experts with some knowledge to impart is greatly appreciated.

:cheers:

[Fastguy]

There is way too much info to cover in a single post but generally WWII dated, numbers matching, will hold the most value. They are manufactured by a bunch of different companies. The CMP is a great place to pick up a decent shooter.

[SteelCityBlue]

There is way too much info to cover in a single post but generally WWII dated, numbers matching, will hold the most value. They are manufactured by a bunch of different companies. The CMP is a great place to pick up a decent shooter.

what's the CMP?

[Rapid Roger]

what's the CMP?

Civilian Marksman Program.......:)

[Truck Guy]

Yes, it allows you to purchase direct from dealers or interstate private party since it is a FFL. Some info on it.
Federal Firearms License - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Firearms_License#Collectors_of_Curio_and_Relic_.28C.26R.29_Firearms)

Some of the more tinfoilly folks don't like the idea of a C&R because it allows the BATF to do a periodic inspection of your inventory and log book.:cheers: THX, going to look into that.

[Fastguy]

Here is an example of a collector grade M1 Garand. This guy details all sorts of things that I know nothing about but it gives you an idea of why some go for $500 and some go for $1,500.

SA M1 Garand Collector grade near MINT : Curios and Relics at GunBroker.com (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=211169486)

[Mirroredshades]

I've never posted in a gun thread over here so :seeya:



GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns GUNS guns Guns

[RedLS1GTO]

Here is an example of a collector grade M1 Garand. This guy details all sorts of things that I know nothing about but it gives you an idea of why some go for $500 and some go for $1,500.

SA M1 Garand Collector grade near MINT : Curios and Relics at GunBroker.com (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=211169486)

I was actually looking at that one and was VERY tempted to add it to the collection. I have been looking at the various serial numbers and am now dead set on buying a WWII vintage Springfield even if I have to get one not quite in as good condition to stick to my price range.

[Fastguy]

That particular M1 is almost too nice to shoot. Its like buying a numbers matching 63 feulie SWC and dropping a crate motor/glide and solid axle to go drag racing.
From what I have seen and heard, no one has been disappointed with a CMP purchase.
The wood on mine has some character in the form of dings and bruises, but the mechancals are outstanding.
I was at a C&R shoot at a local club and one of the guys attending was a Korean War Vet who hadn't fired a Garand since the war. He asked if he could try my Garand out and I told him I would be honored. He picked it up, loaded a clip and dropped rounds downrange like he had just done it yesterday.

[RedLS1GTO]

That particular M1 is almost too nice to shoot. Its like buying a numbers matching 63 feulie SWC and dropping a crate motor/glide and solid axle to go drag racing.

...and that is exactly my problem. I am the idiot who would buy a collector (either a car or a gun) and go use it. :willy:

[RedLS1GTO]

Well, since the people here seem to give better answers than on the gun forums I have tried I'll ask the n00b gun question.

As you can tell by the M1 post above I am far from an expert (working on changing that) but I love guns and shooting. I am also a history freak. Combine the 2 and well... I'm trying to decide what to add to the collection next. Like I said above with the M1, I am looking for a rifle that has some history behind it but that I can also go out and shoot every so often.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to what are ironically the same guns on the CMP site, although the only ones they actually have are Garands.

-M1 Garand
-M1 Carbine
-M1903
-M1917

Any input from those who own/have owned any of the above?

[Fastguy]

JMHO follows, YMMV.
The Garand is a thumper, its not something you are going to shoot all afternoon, but it is pretty impressive. Its accurate and reliable, and you can get almost any part for it. Its the only standard issue semi-auto rifle from WWII. Its service continued through Korea and even into Vietnam. When you pick it up, it just feels like it means business.
Its a battle rifle in every sense of the word and I would imagine inspired confidence in the men carrying them.
I imagine the first contact with a Garand is a religious experience because everyone that picks mine up say, "Jesus!"
The only downside to an M1 is the ammo needs to be correct. You can't use commercial 30.06 as it may damage the operating rod due to high pressure in modern ammo. Fortunately, "M2 Ball" is available from the CMP and lots of online vendors, gun shows, etc. When the 8 round clip is empty, it ejects with a resounding "ping".
The same ammo specific issue arises with the carbine as well. The only gun that uses 30 carbine is, well, a 30 carbine.
Its not as accurate, and doesn't pack a lot of punch or carry a lot of range. It was meant as a replacement for the 1911 pistol. However, it is enjoyable to shoot due to its low recoil and less than deafeneing boom. You can swap magazines quickly and like the Garand, huge aftermarket support. Its too close to call as far as which one I like better.
Every once in a while, the CMP gets Carbines and they release them in batches.
They tend to be mixed and matched more than the Garands with multiple "eras" of parts used on them.
With the war effort consuming US Production facilites, both guns were made by familiar names like Winchester and Springfield Arms, but also by the Rockola Jukebox company, IBM, GM's Saginaw Division, National Postal Meter, Underwood Typewriter and various others. Some collectors concentrate on one manufacturer, others try to get one of each, etc.

[RedLS1GTO]

Fastguy...

Thanks for the reply. I have been lucky enough to get to shoot a Garand on a few occasions and just like you said, that's when I became hooked. The first time I picked one up, I knew I would have one someday. It is also the one I keep leaning towards unless somebody comes up with a good argument to push me in another direction.

[Fastguy]

You can not possibly go wrong starting your collection with a Garand.
My top 10 WWII military surplus rifles would be as follows. (in no particular order)

1. US M1 Garand
2. German K98 Mauser
3. Japanese Arisaka 99
4. British SMLE
5. US M1 Carbine
6. Russian Mosin Nagant M44/M38/1891
7. Italian Carcano 38
8. French MAS-36
9. Russian Tokarev SVT-40
10. US 1903 Springfield