CMP Questions

[alamo]

I'm about to send an order in to get my first Garand. Thought of a couple of questions. The CMP website FAQ says something about orders being filled in 45-90 days but I seem to recall seeing some old postings about some folks getting some in 2 weeks. Could that have been for someone who has already ordered before? Anyone ordered on recently for the first time & how long did it take? I am getting a service grade Springfield.

Some places hold personal checks for awhile till they clear - don't know if the CMP does that but if getting a bank check will speed it up, I'll do that. Anyone know?

Finally, some old postings said to ask for a high serial number in good condition - do they really pay any attention to that? Or do they just ship you the next one in line?

Thanks for any help.

 

[444]

I have ordered a half dozen rifles from CMP. Including within the last couple months.
Every one of them arrived at my house, two weeks to the day that I sent them the order.
I have sent them bank checks and personal checks. Didn't change the fact that they got here in two weeks.
I have heard that making requests is worthwhile. In my experience it isn't.
The last order I made to CMP was for an 03. I made the order based on what was on their website. They recieved the order and called to tell me that they were out of the one I ordered. I changed my order, but requested that since I couldn't get exactly what I wanted, could she put in a good word for me to get a really nice one. I also explained that they last 03 I got was really beat up. Maybe she could help me out in getting a good one this time. She said, sure, she would put in a word for me.
The rifle I got had a stock that was broken clear through in several places and was not usable.
I don't think it would hurt to try. But, I wouldn't count on it doing anything for you.
I got a service grade Springfield M1 a couple months ago and it was really nice. It had a few dings in the stock, but other than that it looked almost new.

 

[alamo]

Thanks for the good info. 444. Guess I'll ask for a "good one" but i would certainly be surprised if they called over to the warehouse & told them that.

 

[444]

Based on the little bit of experience I have with the CMP, I don't think this is going to be a big issue for you.
I got a couple M1s and they were fine.
I got a couple 03s and neither was very good, one was not serviceable.

 

[Trebor]

You have to understand that the people who process the paperwork and assign the serial number of your rifle are in Ohio, while the people who actually pack and ship the rifle are in Alabama. Therefore, the people who assign you your rifle never actually see the rifle itself.

If you make a request that they can fufill just by assigning you a rifle in a certain serial number range (if that range is available) you have a good chance of getting your request. But, just requesting "a nice rifle" doesn't help since the people processing your paperwork never actually see the rifle and have no way of knowing if it's "nice" or not.

 

[alamo]

Thanks for the tip. I'll just take what they give me then. I know very little about Garands and will likely shoot it very little. I want it mainly just to own a piece of history to have & shoot occasionally.

 

[444]

"the people who process the paperwork and assign the serial number of your rifle are in Ohio, while the people who actually pack and ship the rifle are in Alabama. "

I don't think that is the case, although I may very well be wrong. But, you send the paperwork to Alabama. I know the women I talk to on the phone are in Alabama. I also know that the boxes I recieved my rifles in were shipped from Alabama (two of them are sitting right here).

 

[alamo]

Mailed my order today with a personal check. Two weeks seems like a very long time when you're waiting on something like this!

 

[Rockrivr1]

I ordered my CMP Service Grade Springfield Garand a few months ago. It was my first purchase and I also ordered as case of ammo as well. The ammo showed up in about two weeks and the rifle showed up a week later.

I requested a login for the CMP E-Store online and you can track your shipment from their.

The rifle was in pretty good shape and it shoots flawlessly. One thing though. The next two to three weeks are really going to SUCK for you waiting for your rifle to show up. But when it does, WOOOHOOO!!!!

 

[alamo]

I made sure I put down my office as the shipping address since a signature is required. Just me and 2 others who like/own guns so not a problem for a rifle to be delivered here. I will get a log-in for the e-store, good suggestion.

 

[RandolH]

If you have a C&R can you just drive up to their store and take a rifle home with you, or do you have to have it shipped?

 

[George S.]

You can buy at the North store if you have all of the required paperwork and bring money. They have a Notary there too. A C&R is not required for purchase but you do need proof of membership in an approved organization, shooting experience which can be a CCW or military discharge (DD214) and copy of your birth certificate.

 

[RandolH]

Does my club's membership card count as proof of membership or do I need something else?

 

[George S.]

If your club is on the list of approved clubs by the CMP then that should be enough. Look here to find if your club is approved: http://clubs.odcmp.com/cgi-bin/clubSearchState.cgi

If it is not there, then you can join the Garand Collector's Assn at the North Store.

All of the requirements are here: http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/eligibility_requirements.htm

 

[alamo]

If you have a C&R can you just drive up to their store and take a rifle home with you, or do you have to have it shipped?

No C&R & also way too far for me to drive.

I joined the Garand Collector's Association for $25. Figured that would be a good source of Garand info. as well as meeting the CMP requirement. The CMP website (or was it the GCA site?) said they get/give weekly membership updates to CMP so they can verify that you are a member. Yesterday, I happened to get my first issue of the magazine and a letter with my member # so I copied that and enclosed it with my order.

 

[alamo]

Thanks to 444 and Rockrivr1 for the good information. I had them set up an e-service account for me so I could check the progress it on-line.

Snail mailed the order on Mon., Oct. 4th. Pending order appeared on the on-line system one week later. Order shipped today (they give you the Fedex tracking # & link to Fedex) and I'll get it tomorrow. 10 days total, not bad at all.

More questions later. Thanks again.

 

[mack69]

RE:

Looking at the CMP requisition I noticed that I qualify on all items except belonging to a regulated club. I have an FFL 03 C&R license, over 18, eligible to purchase firearms. I guess that I am out of luck in attempting to pick up a rifle from CMP huh?

 

[alamo]

Just join the Garand Collectors Association for $25. That's all you need to do, that's what I did.

 

[admar2]

easiest club route is to just join the Garand Collectors Association.

I received my Garand from CMP in less than two weeks. 12 days actually.
and that was even after a delay due to the fact that I was a knucklehead and forgot to put my dd214 in with my paperwork, to meet the shooting requirement. if it hadn't been for that little messup on my part, it probably would have been more like 8 or 9 days.

 

[Mac Attack]

Great advice given by all.

I was tipped off to this thread by alamo and had a question. I live about 2 hours away from the Anniston, AL CMP South location. I have heard that if you volunteer there for a day they will let you hand pick the rifle you want to purchase. Is this true? Not that I could tell the difference between a great M1 or 1903 and a POS.

I think volunteering at CMP South would be worthwhile not only because of the fact that you can hand pick your rifles but because you may have an opportunity to speak with some knowledgeable people on M1 Garands.

What documentation would a person need to volunteer and to purchase a rifle. I am a member of the GCA and qualify on all parts.

Thanks for your advice.

Mark

 

[Swampy]

Mac,

As I understand it the answer to your question is, "Yes", you can pick a rifle to buy as a "reward" for volunteering at CMP South.

Be advised that you are allowed to pick only from those rifle types which are NOT currently backordered on the regular order lists, or whose lists are closed.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[VG]

An FYI. Your state gun owner's association usually costs the same or less as GCA. They use the money to support gun owner programs and lobby for and against legislation.

GOAL, in MA, was largely responsible for helping get part of the egregious legislation here rolled back a bit. If they can do that while Ted Kennedy is still kicking anD Kerry is running for President, imagine what they can do in your state. Nothing against GCA but they even say their reason for existence isn't to meet purchase requirements of CMP.

The rifle usually comes with one clip and a sling. If you don't already have them, you'll need something to clean the bore, lubricant, ammo, case, sight and hearing protection, and targets. A 48" single scoped rifle case works well. Getting some books on them and reading about assembly and dissasembly will also keep you occupied.