(TLDR, I might compete with my 1903a3 instead of my M1 Garand)

Last year I decided that I wanted to see how good I am with a rifle when compared to other shooters. Beyond being a hobbyist, am I any good? I learned about the CMP John Garand competitions and decided to actively train with my M1 with the help of my neighbor and shooting coach, a USMC vet. I did my first competition earlier this year and did rather well, although a few dumb mistakes threw the competition for me. All participants were smoked by someone shooting a 1903a3, which are also permitted at the Garand competitions.

This morning I set out to sight in my M1 and resume training for my next match. I also brought my 1903a3 for fun since I haven't shot it yet. After just one clip through the 03, I was blown away. The narrow sight blade made target reacquisition so much faster. I was actually shooting overall way faster than I do with my M1 (I wasnt going for marksmanship, just fun). Not only that, my group was about half the size. The rifle felt like an extension of my eyeball, and I wasn't really even trying that hard.

Now, disclaimer: I was shooting off the bench today for sighting in, which is not a position used in the match.

So now I have this dilemma. Do I continue training with my M1 or switch for the 03a3? My gucci, post war, pretty M1 with virtually no throat erosion. Or my banged up, less advanced, service veteran 03a3....which shoots literal circles around my M1. I can see the M1 was probably a much better battle rifle but with its beefy wide front sight blade, it pretty much obstructs the bullseye. It seems the 03a3 is more for precision and therefore the obvious choice. The only drawback that I see is that since the 03 is lighter, none of the gases blow off through a tube, and so the difference in felt recoil is substantial. One bad shot means a bruise, which means fighting off the natural urge to flinch and anticipate recoil for the rest of the match. The M1 is much more forgiving.

But I'm stubborn sometimes, if not a purist. It doesn't seem fair that the two rifles should be in the same competition. If it's a John Garand competition, lets all shoot Garand's rifle. If everyone else shows up with an M1 I'd be thrilled to see how I stack up against them, but if someone shows up with an 03 then you might as well start handing out medals first because an 03 in the right hands will win.

I guess what I have to do is revisit the reason for competing at all. To see how good I can be. This result is easily quantified with points earned, and the better tool will help me get the better potential for points. I can use my M1 and fight for points, or I can use my 03 and fight for the prize.