anyone have any info on the M1 or know of any web sites or forums about the rifle any info will be greatly appreacited

There's the new production ones from Springfield Armory. Then there's the original USGI guns used in WWII through the Korean War.

They are similar in appearance, but differ in quality and heritage.

http://www.thecmp.org/m1garand.htm


http://www.jouster.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=bab8ac1dbb4aa9334c5bbbf5870e5065&f=3

A big +1 for the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) referenced above. For relatively little hassle, you can 1) get a true piece of American history; 2) for roughly one third to half of its current market value; 3) delivered directly to your door.

There are no absolute guarantees, but I have personally seen some EXQUISITE Garands being shipped from CMP.

Don't wait to long. When they are gone, they are gone. The old bolt-action 1903 Springfields have already dried up.