M1 Garand from CMP: Some Assorted Questions for the Enlightened Ones out there!

[parabolate]

I've been looking into purchasing an M1 Garand from the CMP recently and I have a few questions that some of you out there might be able to help with. I actually registered with the official forum on the CMP website a few days ago to ask my questions to the people over there but I have yet to have my account "activated" by one of their administrators. It's not automatic like most forums. I also sent in these questions to the CMP customer service but have yet to receive a response, I'm guessing they are just busy!

Anyway, after browsing through this forum it seems that several folks here on this forum own CMP Garands so I figure this is the next best place to get the info. I'm looking for! Also, it seems that several others on here are interested in picking up an M1 from the CMP so this info. might be valuable to them as well.


CMP M1 Garand Models I am personally considering:

SA Service Grade: $595, muzzle gauge <3, throat gauge < 4, & either a new CMP stock or a slightly banged up GI stock

SA "Springfield Special": $995, new CMP stock, new barrel, USGI receiver/other parts

The questions that I have are as follows:

Serial Numbers
Since this is the creme de la creme U.S. WWII rifle, I think it would be pretty cool to get one manufactured in the WWII era. I mean, talk about owning your own little piece of history! My reading on the net leads me to believe that WWII manufactured serial #'s go up to around 3.8 million.

1)If you request a serial number within that range will they generally grant that request?

2) Under their listing for their "Correct" Grade M1's on the CMP site it says only 5.4-5.8 million serial #'s are available but nothing is specified for the other grades. This makes it unclear if any WWII era rifles are available for the other grades such as field, service, etc. Anyone know if there are WWII serial # rifles available upon request?

3) Anyone have any idea what the serial #'s are on their new SA Springfield Specials? Considering that just about everything is new on that rifle minus the receiver I'm wondering what they choose to stick on these rifles.

Stocks

4) I haven't decided on the SA Service Grade or the Special yet but if you request a particular type of wood (i.e. birch, walnut) OR if you request the new CMP stock do they typically grant that kind of request? I'd probably go with the new CMP stock if I can elect to get that instead of gamble on the GI stock. Just wondering if I would be able to request birch, walnut, new CMP stock etc....

Ammunition

5) OK, I am seeing mixed opinions on this all over the web. Can you use store bought .30-06 ammo in your M1 or do you have to use the stuff CMP sells? Some say store bought is fine others say it will wear on your rifle. If any store bought is fine, what brand?

Your Choice?

6) Considering the information I have posted thus far and the knowledge you all may have on CMP M1 Garands, which would choose if given the option? SA Service or SA Springfield Special?

7) If you were to choose a SA Service Grade would you elect to get a new CMP stock or gamble on the GI stock in terms of wood quality. This is assuming they allow you to actually request one of their new CMP stocks of course.

Thanks for any information and opinions head of time!


Oh and P.S. before anyone tells me to do it, NO I can't drive to one of their locations! I'd love to but I'm a poor college student and I would prefer not to put about 2,000 miles on my car driving from Texas, I just paid off the thing last year and gotta keep that baby running smooth until I graduate in a year or so and get a "real" job....so I can buy more rifles? and other things too.....lol

 

[1KPerDay]

I asked for best GI wood possible on my HRA service grade and they sent a birch CMP stock. It looks fine and I'm not disappointed. I doubt they'll let you choose walnut/birch.

As for service vs special grade, I have both and honestly the service grade with the new CMP stock is really nice... some metal finish wear near the gas cyl but otherwise looks new. But there are MANY variables and I can't guarantee your rifle will look like mine.

If you want a "new" garand get the special grade (or a "correct" grade).

If it's your first/only garand and you want history I'd get the correct grade, personally. GI barrel, GI stock.

Commercial, modern .30-06 ammo shouldn't be used in garands according to most. The pressure curve/spike is sharper or something and you risk bending the op rod and battering the receiver. Besides, HXP greek from the CMP is THE best deal around for M2 ball ammo. Stock up while you can.

Hornady makes some match ammo specifically for the garand and some others may also. but it'll be a buck a pop or more.


Regarding the serial # it's the luck of the draw. They don't categorize them by number, but by condition. You can apparently REQUEST a WWII serial number but may not get one. My Springfield Special is a WWII number but it's not one of the current run of "specials." Mine has a walnut stock also.

Good luck with whatever you choose... I really think you'll be happy with anything from the CMP.

 

[FlyinBryan]

pretty much everything 1k said.



for me i didnt want to chance it so i went to choose my service grade springfields.


as far as serial numbers are concerned, i didnt really care, i just wanted nice rifles that would be accurate. i did end up with a 2.8 (1944) and a 5.8 (1956 i believe)

as far as stocks i had intended to see what they had in g.i. wood and go from there. it was all pretty bad so i went with the new cmp.

on ammo, i agree with 1k again. i wouldnt buy modern commercial ammo for my garands. the greek stuff at the cmp is awesome. its an injustice to call it surplus because the stuff is just impressive at the range as it is when it hits your credit card.

i will handload for my garand. i would not advise anyone else to do so unless well versed in matters of acceptable powder burn rates, resulting chamber and gas system pressures, absolutely nothing slower than varget or win 748. ive seen folks do well with imr4320, but 4895 is really the propellant the system was designed around.

get the greek cmp stuff. your wallet and your op rod will thank you.


my choice would be a sa or hra service grade, and i would prefer the new wood simply because ive seen the old and its pretty rough.

make the trip if at all possible. the trip is temporary. the rifle is forever.

 

[thegooch]

1.) You can request it, but seeing how they shut down for the rest of the month because they are so busy, I'm not sure how willing or able they will be in following your request

2.)There were only 2 M1 Garand Manufacturers to make M1's during WWII Winchester (WRA) and Springfield (SA), the Winchesters sold out in 1 day so you're not gonna get one. WWII Springfield M1's end at the 3.8 million mark. Your chances of getting a WWII era M1 are only if the CMP honors your request for an SA low serial number, or if you go to either store and hand select one.

3.) Doubtful you'll get a WWII receiver with SA specials

4.)Again you can request a stock preference, but you're not guaranteed anything

5.) Just buy as much Greek HXP ammo you can afford, YOU WILL NOT FIND 30-06 ANYWHERE FOR AS CHEAP AS THE CMP
Yes you can use store bought 30-06 but you will need to buy an adjsutable gas plug if you want to do so.

6.) SA Service Grade

7.)I'd put a request in for a low serial number SA under 3 million and a USGI stock, will you get one with both? Who knows, but what you will get is the best rifle ever designed

 

[FlyinBryan]

but what you will get is the best rifle ever designed

this would be hard to argue with.

 

[parabolate]

Wow fast replies!

Thanks for the input so far. I have not completely eliminated the idea of physically going to the south store FlyinBryan. I mean I could rent a car for a weekend I guess lol. I drive alot due to my work/school locations from where I live. I bought my car new in 2005 and I allready have 110,000 miles lol that's why I try to be conservative with mileage for the time being .

As of right now I am leaning towards the SA Service grade with an attached request for a new stock & >3 mil. serial with the hopes that a nice fellow at CMP will grant my said requests hehe. Hard to pass up that $595 price tag.

I'll be making the final decision by next weekend for sure. Gonna check out the Saxet gun show here in town at the end of the month to see if there are any gems to be had.

 

[1KPerDay]

Even if you think you find a gem M1 at a gun show, buy one from the CMP. I wouldn't buy a gun show garand unless I was very familiar with Scott Duff's book and knew what to look for. Lots of crap out there at gun shows.

I think your decision to go for the service grade and ask for a new stock is a good one.

Here are some pics of my HRA service grade for inspiration.

 

[FlyinBryan]

very nice collection 1k.

 

[Slamfire]

Go to one of the CMP stores and pick out a rifle. Take a muzzle/throat erosion gage and find what you want.

The Collector grade rifles are the best of the best. I convinced a friend to buy one, because they hold their value. The ones I saw in January were late model SA and they were just beautiful.

The lesser grade rifles, well you can find some Arsenal Rebuilds that will make excellent shooters. They will have mixed parts.

You will not find an all correct rifle at any grade other than Collector grade. While the CMP has thousands of correct SA's, and HRA's, unless the rifle is excellent condition (Collector grade), it won't go out the door with all matching parts. They swap marked parts to ensure that the folks who pay $350.00 more have no reason to complain that someone’s "Field grade" rifle was all matching and very close in condition to their Collector grade.

Parts that are swapped are bolts/operating rods/trigger mechanisms/bolts/stocks. Usually two of the parts are swapped with other rifles on the bench. But it could be all.

That being said, if you and a couple of buds buy enough Standard Grade rifles, you can by part swapping, get at least one all correct rifle.

I just swapped a late model SA operating rod for a late HRA op rod. I had an HRA bolt, trigger guard, so now I have an all correct HRA. Not as pretty as a Collector Grade HRA, deep dings in the stock, finish scratches from the Army Civilians who uncaringly tossed these rifles into shipping crates, but it is unfired since it left the factory.

If you just want a shooter, then the rifles with the Boyd's stocks are an excellent buy. The stock fit will be tighter than a 50 year old GI, and they look good.

 

[skidooman603]

+1 on all the above. I was at the North store last Wednesday before they closed. I picked up two field grades with somewhat rough GI stocks. I am in the process of cleaning them up and learning the ins and outs of their functions. Both rifles gauged at less than 1.5. I couldn't pass an Inland M1 carbine that gauged less than 1. 1K everytime I see your collection it makes me green with envy . Bottom line is you can trust the CMP. If ya dont want to have to do a bunch to the gun other than shoot get a service or special grade. We all want to see every Garand have a good home.

 

[parabolate]

Special Grade's w/WWII Serial #'s & Any pics of them?

Anyone know if they have any of the new "Special" Grade M1 Garands available with World War II serial #'s?



Also............anyone have any links of what the Special Grade M1's look like? I am having a hard time finding pics of the Special Grade anywhere.

 

[1KPerDay]

NOTE: this Springfield Special, WWII receiver, is not one of the current run... this was made in 2007 IIRC, during the last time the "special grade" was offered.

YMMV, disclaimers, etc. Click for larger pics.

 

[skidooman603]

Special Grades are great shooters just not the WWII collectability. If all ya want is a great shooter they are great guns