One more question: Does the rifle get delivered straight to my house, or do I have to pick it up and pay transfer at an FFL?
I'm thinking of just getting a field grade, and then eventually looking for and buying a nicer one in person. The field grade are in good functional shape, right?
Go to the CMP forum and many of your questions can be answered.
http://forums.thecmp.org/index.php
There is a link to the main CMP site from there.
The rifles get delivered direct to the purchaser in virtually all of the states. An adult has to be there to sign for it.
In New Jersey, the rifle has to go through an FFL. There may be another state or two with similar restrictions but since I do not live in those states, I do not remember. Check the CMP site.
Rifles do meet the grade description on the CMP site. Just some folks get the idea it should be better than what the description says. Remember, the rifles are used.
I bought a couple field grades a number of years ago. They needed some TLC, mostly cosmetic. I replaced the stocks. The metal was worn, but very serviceable. Net result, I ended spending as much or more as a Service Grade at the time. But, they had serial numbers that I was interested in so cost was not really an issue.
The CMP Specials are very nice rifles. Essentially new rifles. But some folks get hung up on the fact they are not "true rebuilds". Considering virtually all Garands have been rebuilt at one time or another and by many different groups, what's the difference in my mind. Your decision.
As mentioned, making a decision on what to buy and then waiting on delivery is part of the CMP Garand charm.