CMP in person

[big_bang]

I would like to buy an M1 Garand from the CMP.

I'm not an M1 expert, but I've always wanted one, and it's currently within my means. I just went through the form/checklist and have everything required...so I could order one right now.

Here's the rub:
I am moving across the country in May, and my journey will take me within a few miles of Camp Perry.

So a couple questions come to the front in my mind:
1) Will my order for a service-grade M1 likely process prior to my departure on 01 May?
2) If I wait until my roadtrip, is the likelihood high that they won't have what I'm looking for (I understand they go through peaks and valleys of supply)?
3) If I have all the paperwork/forms in order, can I walk in with them and payment and walk out with a rifle?
4) Are all the CMP rifles USGI, or are they a random mix of foreign returns and USGI (I assume that by now they no longer have WWII issue rifles)?

I'm all for striking while the iron's hot, but I also think it would be cool to pick out my own rifle.

 

[amd6547]

Not sure about the supply situation in May...
However, if you pick one out there on your trip, you can have it shipped and save your self the tax.
As far as ordering, they are pretty backed up right now...if you ordered today, it would probably be two months before it shipped.
All the rifles are returns. currently, most od the Garands are Greek, I believe. When I was there, they had some beautiful M1's. Picking one out is a wonderful thing. I got my carbine there, and I couldn't be happier. I am about 45 minutes from North Store.

 

[hksw]

One other thing that may be an issue, though I do not know definitely. Ohio has a state law that only folks from surrounding states can be sold longguns over the counter. I don't know for sure as I am a resident of the state so the issue is nonexistent for me. Maybe someone from 2 or more stated over who has tried and passed or failed can chime in if the CMP is observing the state law. If you are from a state over, you are able to buy over the counter once you get into their system and your CMP affiliated club membership is current.

Personally, I'd play it safe and just order through the mail. As noted above, you will be free of sales tax (if you also don't live in Alabama), but you do pay for shipping. I'd also stop by anyway. You may find some other stuff worth purchasing. If you can hold off your trip, wait until mid-July and catch some of the National Matches while your there.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Regardless of your state of residence, the CMP can sell you rifles right over the counter if your paperwork is in order and you pass the background check - just like buying from your local gun shop. They can also ship right to your door instead of going through a state FFL.

Tough call on waiting until May. Who knows what our new governement will do in its "first 100 days?".

Your best bet would be to order one now and to also save up money to pick up one on the way through Ohio. As much as I hate to advise selling a rifle, you can always sell the one you like the least - likely for a profit.

Either way, you should stop by on your way through Ohio. You can also buy ammo, .22 rifles, CMP merchandise, etc. During the National Matches, civilians can also visit the Camp Perry PX if you want to get some Camp Perry merchandise.

Have a safe trip and enjoy your Garand!

 

[big_bang]

Thanks, folks. ReadyontheRight, I kinda thought that may be the case regarding OTC sales, since the CMP is unique in the world of transfers.

I had also thought of doing one now and one on the way through...I just have to figure out if I'd have enough cash and volume in the vehicle to carry both with me. That way I could get a "random" service grade and then maybe pick through for a good rack grade.