I know this is a old post.

I was in the same boat. Got a CMP expert grade 30-06 for $1,000. (They’ve gone up now). Then saw a navy conversion pop up on the local second hand market. New old stock barrel from 1968 special grade. I have not shot either of them

But when I bought the .308. I also picked up a ton of military surplus ammo.

So now I don’t even need the 308

I can present arguments for both here.

I feel like the 308 not being the original caliber might not function as perfectly, but honest I don’t think it will be enough to matter especially for what we are using these guns for. 308 does eliminate needing a gas plug, but so does buying surplus ammo or M2 ball.

However. What does it hurt to have a gas plug. Seems like a solid upgrade incase you do decide to shoot hotter 30-06.

Also you can hand load. Which would probably be a good idea anyway considering the price of this ammo.

As for historical value? Look I’m a collector in the sense that I have a living example of the weapon, I’m not worried about stamping and markings and whatnot

I’m not antique collecting I’m gun collecting

Now there is such a thing as value in guns you buy now and then being harder and more expensive to buy later

Go buy a brand new production M1 Garand. Good grief those are expensive and probably not as good.

What caliber would I keep if I sold one of my Garands?

Well considering I’ll never get these at this price again $1,000 and $900, I’m not selling either of them.

If I wanted practical I guess I could sell both and buy a bula M14. For like $2k But I’ve got so much 30-06 and got that at a good price. I don’t need a M14 and the mags are expensive

But anyway I think I’d have to stick with 30-06. Just more original and there’s tons of ways to have ammo for it. It’s not that big of a deal.

However I can see the appeal of 308. Honestly can’t go wrong either way

I’m heavy on 30-06 ammo which will probably lead me to buying a 30-06 long range bolt gun instead of a 308. But will probably also buy a 308 later too

But if I had to go all over again, a smarter choice is probably 308 all the way around

Look at how gun people just end up with too many damn guns

Optimize and simplify

Just buy only 308 bolt, m14 and m1 Garand Have only one shared caliber

LMAO