Winchester made only WWII era rifles...and they are relatively more rare than Springfield Armory (SA) Garands. SA continued to produce Garands through the end of manufacture and, thus, produced many post-WWII, Korean era and post-Korean rifles. Harrington & Richardson Arms (HRA) and International Harvester (IHC) also produced post-war rifles. IHC are the rarest and command premium prices by collectors while Winchester is next in value to collectors and thus in cost. IMHO and experience, post-Korean War Garands from SA and HRA are the most finely finished. I have two Correct Grade SAs (all period correct SA parts) and two Special Grade Garands (Collector-grade metal in new stock w/ new stock metal), one an HRA and one an SA. The two special grades seem to be factory proof-fired only. All four are 1954 and 1955 manufacture.
Now, if you're just looking for a good shooter, I'd recommend the Service Grade...while parts may be "mixmasters", they are almost always good shooters and many have new stock sets. I use a CG as a shooter but, were I to start again, I'd get a SG.
As an additional point, my experience with CMP has been uniformly excellent; they are the most reliable and responsive firm, and customer-service oriented firm, with which I have ever done business. Their products, services and response to issues exceed any company with which I have ever worked; I recommend them without reservation. Do check their website, and forum, for additional info (
www.odcmp.com).
FH