I don't want to sound sycophantic or gushy, but I feel a need to say something about the quality of work produced by Clint McKee and Fulton Armory.
I just got my "new" 1943 SA Garand back from Clint. I had to let out a long, low whistle and a little "Hot dang!" on opening the well-packaged unit. As I inspected the rifle, the Tetra lube glistening against the gray foam packing background, I looked twice at the serial number just to be certain it was the same one I has shipped off.
While away, the old war horse became a svelte .308 Winchester medium weight, sprouted NM sights, grew a new gas cylinder, slipped in a new op rod and spring, swapped out some innards, snagged a slick new trigger action, got himself a new parkerizing job and is now shrouded in elegant, if pedestrian, new walnut furniture.
This bad boy left here a real bowser - a Blue Sky Korean repatriate with a shot-out barrel, poorly re-welded op rod, chromed gas cylinder, funky nasty wood, rattling, slapping, clanging, banging, generally tatty, hey-come-on-now-don't-shoot-next-to-me-jeez-mister-you're-embarassing-yourself-with-that-rifle-and-those- scores at local HP matches kind of shooting iron. My new "baby" left here a sow's ear and came back a silk purse.
It is a proud weapon now, ready to do battle over hill and dale once again, singing its seductive new siren song to all who will listen. It looks great, feels rock solid, doesn't rattle and even smells good. Not only that - the rascal actually even shoots extremely well - sub-2" MOA @ 100 yards out of the box with ball ammo. The capability of the rifle far exceeds the prowess of its current keeper.
The down sides - (1) the project took longer than anticipated due to barrel delivery problems, for which I don't fault Clint, and (2) the pricing, while achievable for those of us without overly deep pockets, is not for the faint of heart. Then again, as Daddy used to say, you only have to pay for quality once.
Clint and Co. went the extra mile on this one. With several small touches, unrequested but included in the package because he knew it would be a better overall firearm, it is apparent that Clint has lovingly restored this wonderful battle rifle to its former glory as if it were his own. If such is possible, I believe I can feel the tenderness with which this beauty has been reincarnated.
The supersonic bark of the new cartridge echoed throughout the lowland where I took him to stretch his ballistic legs. I sniffed the satisfying smell of cordite, peering downrange at the target. While the cool December breeze blew the smoke away, I silently thanked J. C. Garand for his design efforts and Clint McKee for his artistry and craftsmanship. This is definitely a keeper.
I am one very satisfied customer with one great Garand. Could you tell?
Dwayne Potter
Austin TX
