I just returned from the range (Kelbly's for you benchresters out there) after running the first 60 rounds through my ex-DCM all-original IHC M1 Rifle, which rifle just returned from Fulton Armory for match conditioning.
WOW again!
The first WOW! was when Cathy and I opened the box. Even the shipping box is quality! Heavy duty, with thick waffle foam inside. The rifle? First, some history. We bought this M1 from a local enthusiast-dealer because it was
1. A DCM sales rifle, 2. All matching IHC (except the bolt), 3. Fitted with an NM rear aperture and front sight, 4. Guaged under 3 for throat erosion, and 5. Polished and blued! Cathy insists that we buy only good looking guns...
Since a previous owner had already modified it by bluing it, and glass bedding and refinishing the birch (?) stock, I had no qualms about taking it the rest of the way...wherever that was. First, the stock had a minor crack so that's where we started.
Last Spring Fajen's had a sale on their M1 Rifle stock/handguard packages; we ordered a Coffee Laminated stock and handguards as we felt that would contrast nicely with the blue rifle. When we got it, we discovered (as did Robert Gibson, earlier) that it's not quite a drop-in fit. Meanwhile, we had discovered rec.guns and noted how freely Clint McKee shared his knowledge with the group. This caused us to recollect his relentless full page ads in SGN and a light dawned: let's get Clint to do it!
So off the IHC went to Maryland last May, with a pair of IHC bolts to allow Clint to make it "all-IHC." He was charged with glass bedding the Fajen stock, unitizing the front handguard, clearancing the gas cylinder and working the trigger group as needed. At this point we begain to wait patiently.
Meanwhile, the SAFS: Rifle at Camp Perry arrived, and so did we. And so did Clint. We looked him up at the Vendor's Row and were mightily impressed. He has a meticulous, professional presentation of his wares at Perry, clearly the class act among his peers. Our confidence rose as we examined some of his sample rifles and saw the quality of parts he had for sale. He's not exactly chopped liver in the conversation department, either!
Now, when you send a gun to a custom gunsmith waiting is part of the deal. Clint makes no promises he won't keep, and keeps the promises he makes. He knew me, knew my rifle and kept me informed as to its progress.
Speaking of progress,
IMPORTANT DIGRESSION:
A recent thread in rec.guns was concerned with the phenomenon of "short recoil" in the M1 Rifle. A common cause of this is a lack of operating energy due to worn gas system parts. Clint informed me that while the gas piston on the IHC gauged OK, the cylinder was worn oversize. I offered to send him three (3) DCM cylinders I had acquired via the DCM/CMP parts program. He gauged them and found two to be worn oversize and the third to be dented! He then was forced to use a good cylinder from his stock.
The lesson learned: gas system wear is going to be an increasing issue for M1 Rifle shooters; they ain't making new ones, folks! The recent flood of parts from Korea contains mostly rebuilt parts made to look new, and are suspect from a durability standpoint. Caveat Emptor! My three cylinders went back to Port Clinton yesterday; we'll see if the replacements are any better.
[Postscript: They were cheerfully exchanged for three that proved to gauge "good." Thanks, CMP!]
BACK TO THE SHOW
This is an important example of how Clint operates. As others have testified, he tells you what your rifle needs--and only what it needs.
Finally the big day came when Clint announced shipment, and the moment of truth when we opened the box.
This rifle, folks, looks new. It is cosmetically stunning, blue on Fajen composite coffee. The mechanism is smooth and tight, the stock feels as though it is fused to the metal. The trigger is crisp and right on 4.5 lbs. The rifle looks too good to shoot! It really does!
LESS IMPORTANT DIGRESSION
During the "waiting period" we purchased a built-up .308 M1 Rifle at the Garand Collectors Association in August due to severe Garand deprivation. This rifle was sold with no pretensions to match conditioning. Since the trigger was right at the 7.5 lb GI limit I sent a DCM/CMP parts program trigger group to another 'smith who specializes in triggers. I later asked Clint to review that work, and he found several discrepancies. The parts Clint replaced and returned validated his concerns. This trigger group is now in the .308, said rifle to be forwarded to Clint sometime this Fall or Winter.
ON TO THE CONCLUSION
OK, so it looked too good to shoot, but Clint was egging me on to see what it could do. Guess what? When I pulled the trigger, it went bang! Even better, using "Talon" 150gr ball and Federal American Eagle 150gr ball, the best group was with the latter, and measured less than 1.5" at 100 yards for five shots from the bench (a SLED was used to protect the rifle).
Am I pleased? You bet! Would I do it again? Well, I said I was going to, didn't I?
Now I'm going to sign off and go look at that IHC again...
Delightedly,
Walt
Garand Collectors Association member
