2A and the CMP

[HorseSoldier]

Hmmm, that doesn't seem right. How is that we are able to buy parts kits without the receiver for semi-auto versions of other formerly full-auto weapons, including light machine guns?

Because the serialized receiver is considered the firearm, legally.

Hypothetically, CMP could get into the business of selling surplus M16 and M4 (w/permanently pinned flash hiders to go > 16" on barrel length) uppers, parts for M14s and M16s/M4s, etc., but the question with all that is whether the .mil would help with that at all and, even if they did, if a CMP sourced upper for an AR would be competitive in a market where you can swing a dead cat and hit a half dozen companies making ARs or AR parts.

 

[cluttonfred]

Because the serialized receiver is considered the firearm, legally.

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I was trying to say that there doesn't seem to be any BATF-related reason why the CMP couldn't sell surplus M-16s as parts kits minus the lower receiver and then sell (or bless) commercially-produced semi-auto only milspec lower receivers.

 

[ID-shooting]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I was trying to say that there doesn't seem to be any BATF-related reason why the CMP couldn't sell surplus M-16s as parts kits minus the lower receiver and then sell (or bless) commercially-produced semi-auto only milspec lower receivers.

I hear what you are saying. I for one would buy a m16 parts kit. They could get with someone do a large run of lowers engraved "CMP-16" Or at least offer it as an orderable item from say PSA. The trick is to be affordable in today's AR market. Trying to get a grand out of them would be ridicules but I would give $300 for an old beat up A1.

 

[Speedo66]

Say wut?

Why would the NRA have power to pressure CMP to do anything?

And how many commercial gun manufacturers are putting out Garands and 1903s? "One less commercial sale?" C'mon, that doesn't even make sense.

To the extent that CMP makes money (and so stays viable) on rifle sales, it would be in THEIR interest to bring in more rifles from "foreign shores" or wherever so to have stock on hand to sell. They certainly don't need any outside prodding to do so!

The NRA was very much involved in the civilian marksmanship program. You had to be an NRA member at one time to get any firearms from them. I don't doubt they still have some interaction with them.

Every sale of a CMP rifle is potentially one less purchase of a commercial rifle. Doesn't exactly have to match up to a Garand or Springfield. Not everyone can afford to make more than one firearm purchase at a time.

 

[Sam1911]

Every sale of a CMP rifle is potentially one less purchase of a commercial rifle. Doesn't exactly have to match up to a Garand or Springfield. Not everyone can afford to make more than one firearm purchase at a time.

Naah, I don't buy it.

No one's buying a surplus rifle from CMP because they need a gun. They're buying it precisely because of what that gun sold by the CMP IS. And there are almost zero commercially made rifles out there that are even an approximation of a military-issued Garand, Springfield, 1917, or whatever else they've sold over the years. (Yeah, maybe the M1 Carbine is an exception, sort of, in a very minor way.)

The equivalent would be saying that every Harley Davidson sold takes a sale away from Ford or Chevy. That's just not true. Yes, they all make vehicles, but they do not compete against each other.

 

[HankB]

GCA '68 was largely supported by US arms makers who found that a lot of folks were buying milsurp Mausers and Enfields for cheap through the mail, rather than buying a new M70, M700, or other commercial "hunting" rifle for several times the price.

I don't doubt that domestic arms makers are keeping at least one eye on the CMP . . . as long as their volumes remain extremely low for rifles other than the M1 Garand, they'll probably be left alone; a few occasional Springfield or Enfield bolt actions won't materially affect the commercial market.

Now, if all of a sudden a million or so were uncovered somewhere . . . their interest might change.

 

[mgkdrgn]

Hmmm, that doesn't seem right. How is that we are able to buy parts kits without the receiver for semi-auto versions of other formerly full-auto weapons, including light machine guns?

Because none of the parts in those kits are "guns". The "gun" is that serialized receiver .... go try and buy one of those that hasn't been torch cut.

 

[Tinpig]

CMP management has stated over and over that they are not primarily in the business of selling guns.
Their chartered mission is:

1.) To instruct citizens of the United States in marksmanship;
2.) To promote practice and safety in the use of firearms;
3.) To conduct competitions in the use of firearms and to award trophies, prizes, badges, and other insignia to competitors.

Selling surplus US rifles, parts, and ammo was a means to fund these goals. They are a smart, efficient organization and I don't doubt they've charted a course that will continue to keep them viable as the surplus rifles dry up.

For instance the brand new CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park:
http://thecmp.org/competitions/talladega-marksmanship-park

Tinpig

 

[Surculus]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I was trying to say that there doesn't seem to be any BATF-related reason why the CMP couldn't sell surplus M-16s as parts kits minus the lower receiver and then sell (or bless) commercially-produced semi-auto only milspec lower receivers.

Rock'n'roll wears out a gun real quick like. Our govt. has historically used the M-16s/M-4s in inventory until they were literally falling apart. I doubt anyone with any sense would want to pay the CMP what they would need to ask for the parts kits you describe.

BTW, the CMP has been selling the M1s for 20 years now, and from the beginning a significant portion of the funds received [say 50%?] from the sale has been deposited to a long term fund to support on-going operations. I imagine by now the portfolio of investments is probably providing enough income to adequately sustain their operations even if they were to quit selling everything tomorrow and just focus on their core mandate of junior marksmanship promotion ['cause you can't have adult shooters who're any good if the kids never learn!] And don't forget, their staff that is currently busy prepping & shipping guns for sale will transition to other positions within the CMP or leave for other jobs [or retire?] when the supply of surplus arms runs out. So the CMP's staffing is likely to shrink over the long term, instead of grow as a for-profit concern would do, which means there will be even more $ from their investments to sustain operations.

 

[Orlando]

CMP is alive and well and will continue to be for many many decades to come. They may run out of Surplus rifles to sell but they will continue for what they were Chartered to do " Promote Shooting Sports with the emhpasis towards youth "

 

[Surculus]

CMP is alive and well and will continue to be for many many decades to come. They may run out of Surplus rifles to sell but they will continue for what they were Chartered to do " Promote Shooting Sports with the emhpasis towards youth "

Well, yeah, that's what I said. Maybe in about 1/4 the words, but basically, what I said...