Am I the only southpaw that gets a little nervous shooting a garand? I just don't like the thought of the operating rod coming right at my face. I've heard they sometimes break, but never heard of someone hurt by it. Am I just being a wimp?

Was taught to shoot the Garand left-handed when I went through the Air Force Marksmanship School Instructor Course. Later had to fire it in our competition course. Never was bothered by the operating handle. Did worry about M-1 fingers rather than M-1 thumb
Also, when I first started shooting skeet competitively, shot all four gauges with the Rem 1100. Never was bothered by the bolt handle or cases ejecting either.
Of course everyone is different and what bothers one doesn't bother another.
You may want to go to an AR-10 if you want to shoot it in highpower matches.

I shot the Garand in boot camp as a "righty". In '86 or so I started to shot Highpower with the Garand as a "lefty". I've never seen an oprod break under shooting conditions. Be sure to not pull (push)it back to the side...only straight back!

Wear good glasses and don't worry the oprod.

Ejecting cartridges and such doesn't bother me. I've shot Garands more then a few times. It is strictly the idea of what would happen in the event of an operating rod breaking. While I've never seen it I have heard the do break.

Worry more about the loads your using in it then the Opt rod failing .

I've been shooting them for YEARS and have had no problems what so ever , save for a few cases separating but never hurt me or the weapon .

Depending on loads used an adjustable gas plug is a good idea .

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

I have a couple of autoloading rifles, and between the powder, cases, and the possibility of metal breaking off while heading towards my face, I always wear shooting glasses (I usually ALWAYS wear eye protection while hunting or shooting).

George

It's strange, but shooting our Garand doesn't bother me at all. However, when I shoot any other righty autoloader, like my dad's Benelli SBE, the "operating handle" on that bothers the hell out of me. I can't concentrate on the target with the handle slamming around in my face. I'm not worried about them breaking off simply because it's very unlikely. Even if it does shear off and come at my face, like GeorgeS mentioned, I ALWAYS wear eye protection. I enjoy seeing, and I'd like to keep it that way.