National Park Service article about Garand serial numbers. From the Springfield Armory
National Historic Site.

https://www.nps.gov/spar/learn/historyculture/u-s-m1-garand-rifle-production.htm

A accurate assessment of Garand sights by a WW2 re-en-actor

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/boLYW_tIVVw?t=9&feature=share

Re-en-actor treatment of the "Tanker Garand".

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gIqDKBorh4Q?t=9&feature=share

Mantis-X training system bayonet log mounting system for the Garand and M14.

https://www.creedmoorsports.com/product/creedmoor-sports-m1-m1a-mount-for-mantis-x-training-system

Thus sayeth the M1 Garand.

Loading the CLIP.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NA13z2zj2Qc?feature=share

Yes, you can top off a partly loaded enbloc clip in the magazine. Easy.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8adtzbjrVDc?t=7&feature=share

That's pretty cool, but you'd think he'd have already had a round chambered, if he was topping off.

I guess you'd have to catch that one, then put it in the clip along with the fresh rounds.

Was it common practice for soldiers to keep some loose rounds in a pouch just for this purpose? Would seem to make sense.

I doubt such a practice was common. Getting to and loading such rounds would take to much time in combat. I see the practice as more of a minor situational convenience. It was common to unload a clip with 4 or 5 rounds and replace with a fully loaded one. Faster than single loading rounds. At some later point in time when reloading clips with loose rounds is not a dangerous distraction. The essential goal is to utilize the rapid reload capacity of the Garand. Will say it again. The Garand is the fastest reloading battle rifle. I suppose I am dating myself when I realize how few people understand that reality in this time. I have astounded many younger folks demonstrating the reloading speed of the Garand.

En bloc and stripper clip versatility.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NXEVNN-QDcU?t=35&feature=share

That IS a logical assumption, it'd be like a modern rifle automatically ejecting the magazine on bolt lock, would be very conducive to speed.

We need to do some shooting together at some point, demonstrate these concepts in some drills.

I know I've used the shot timer on rifle reloads at some point, but can't remember the times. Need to do that again soon. I don't practice my reloads near enough though, need to get back on that! Usually just going for fast BUT smooth...

Maybe you can come to our next shoot, we'll probably do another one soon. We had a good time doing drills and excercises last time, in September.

Patton was definitely right about the Garand at the time.

ETA: it occurs to me however, that using a Garand, you have to reload 4-5 times more often than with a modern rifle.

Well.... This is complex. What is the primary design function of the platform? In the case of the Garand and other full power semi-auto battle rifles it is suppressive fire, at range plus. That calls for regular, steady, uninterrupted fire at 3 to 5 seconds per round on seen targets. In that, the Garand has been more effective than external magazine rifles due to regularity of fire. Speed of reload. This applies to the frequency of reload issue. That is, the interruption of fire regularity associated with external magazines is a problem. Keeping the enemies head down is essential to maneuver. I have seen many videos showing riflemen dropping their 20 round mags to speed up reload. A bad idea. NEVER did that with the M14. There are other aspects of course. How to deal with human wave attacks. Check out what happened in Korea, Garand vs. AK and SKS. Close quarters. No doubt sub-caliber rifles have an advantage when clearing tight spaces... unless one uses the Garand with M2AP to shoot through walls, armor vests and engine blocks.

Regarding your shoot, let me know.

Roger that, why it's so important for members of a fire team to communicate, and "talk" their guns together, so to speak.

When I tell "RELOADING", I expect the guy beside me to keep up the fire, and vice versa.

The continuity of fire in the suppression role or in a support by fire position certainly had merit.

Agreed, the actions at the Chosin Reservoir are the stuff of immortal legend.

https://fb.watch/pkBv6NjElH/

"I'm.. uh.. two year older than dirt".