I want an M1 Garand but...

[VG]

I wanted a nice Garand without having to become a Garand expert to get one. So I got a new Springfield Armory Garand. No, John Wayne never carried it. But...it's beautiful, accurate, has an outstanding trigger, and functions perfectly, even with cheapo Korean ammo.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many Garand fans prefer the USGI stock profile of the GI rifles or Wenig replacement sets to the Boyds stock sets used by Springfield, Inc. They are as much as 0.300" fatter than other stocks. The wood is usually good looking.

When Springfield, Inc. owners learn that there rifle contains refurbished USGI parts along with new ones, they are not usually happy about it.... They do seem to shoot as well or better as most GI Garands, though. And they are legal for GC Garand matches. And the cast Lithgow receiver is at least 90% as strong as the forged USGI receivers. I'm told Ruger does the investment casting in NH and they are then sent to Australia for finishing.

IMHO the Garandsmiths deliver a better rifle for less money than Springfield, Inc. and their resale value is unknown.

 

[RustyHammer]

I have, ummmmm, just a "few" CMP Garands in my safe.

Well worth it. In fact, I have two more on order now!

Check out the www.battlerifles.com forum for more info on Garands.
(Lots of threads with PICTURES of CMP Garands ... might help you make up your mind!)

/Rusty

 

[Clemson]

The wait from the CMP is around 4-6 weeks for first timers. Yes, you send your birth certificate (or copy of your passport), signed scorecards (or copy of your CWP), proof of membership in a club associated with CMP (Garand Collectors Assn sends proof directly to CMP electronically, so you need to send nothing but a statement that you are a member), the properly notarized forms, etc., and wait.

By the way, I just got a case of Lake City 30-06 from the CMP. It seems to be fine ammo. They have about 20,000,000 rounds to sell, so it will last for a good while. If the supply of 30-06 ever drys up, you can rebarrel the gun to .308 for less than $250.

Go for it!

Clemson

 

[ScottsGT]

CMP- Damned well worth the wait. You get history, a great owners manual, and customer support better than anyone else can provide. I bought a Rack grad for my first CMP purchase. Got a practically new barrel and a beat up stock. Wenig stock and a park job at my 'smith turned her into a new rifle.

 

[varoadking]

West Texas Ordnance. 8 bills for beautifully finished metal, new hand rubbed Wenig stock, new Wilson barrel in 30.06 or .308, and a tack driver to boot.

Best $800.00 I have ever spent.

 

[762x51]

I visited the Orion 7 site and they have what appears to be some mighty fine M1's there. That might be the best route for me but they're all 30-06. We'll see.

Tony will build you a .308 as well if you like.