M1 garand

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pad9301977

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Hi everyone
I recently got to shoot an M1 garand and I am hooked on them.

i want to purchase one, I’ve seen the cmp program has them but I’ve heard a few places that most you get from them have had new stocks put on and other things like that done to them. I’m looking to get one that has wear marks and looks like it was in WW II.
I’ve seen come on some gun auction sites selling around 1900, is that a fair price? Any suggestions where to look? Thanks a lot

Phil
 
Depending on your location, there are a few CMP stores where you can go in and pick out the one you want. I was just at the one in Port Clinton Ohio at Camp Perry last week. They had several, and priced based on condition. Didn't see any for $1900. The most expensive I remember seeing was around $1500 and poorer condition ones were like $850. From what the guy told me, even the cheapest ones are still guaranteed to function safely.

ETA...several being like 50-60 in stock.
 
pad9301977 said:
Hi everyone
I recently got to shoot an M1 garand and I am hooked on them.

i want to purchase one, I’ve seen the cmp program has them but I’ve heard a few places that most you get from them have had new stocks put on and other things like that done to them. I’m looking to get one that has wear marks and looks like it was in WW II.
I’ve seen come on some gun auction sites selling around 1900, is that a fair price? Any suggestions where to look? Thanks a lot

Phil
Click to expand...
Welcome to THR. CMP would be your best bet, especially if you can make it to one of their stores to pick out the one you want, but you can order online, as well. Be sure to read details here: https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/m1-garand/

Regards,
hps
 
CMP M1 in 30-06. Goto the CMP forum but IIRC if you order the lower grade you have a better chance at an original (albiet) beat up stock. If you do get a new stock, you can refinish it to look more original or buy a used stock from Dupage
 
You might register here (if you haven't already) and look around and see if you can get a feel for how frequently stuff is being shipped with not-new stocks.
https://forums.thecmp.org/

Going to one of the stores would be ideal. That's something I've always wanted to do but haven't had the chance.

There's kind of an "urban legend" - but may also be based in reality - that you can write on your order form some aspect of the rifle you'd prefer to get if they're in a position to provide it. I remember reading (probably in that forum) from someone in-the-know that said a rack of rifles might come out of the process and be ready to be shipped, and someone's job is to take the next-in-line orders and fill them from that rack. If the order form has "Would like a seasoned stock." or something like that that might increase your odds. It sounds like these folks will attempt at some level to accommodate your request. But at the end of the day (as the CMP states) you're usually ordering "Luck of the draw.".
 
otisrush said:
You might register here (if you haven't already) and look around and see if you can get a feel for how frequently stuff is being shipped with not-new stocks.
https://forums.thecmp.org/

Going to one of the stores would be ideal. That's something I've always wanted to do but haven't had the chance.

There's kind of an "urban legend" - but may also be based in reality - that you can write on your order form some aspect of the rifle you'd prefer to get if they're in a position to provide it. I remember reading (probably in that forum) from someone in-the-know that said a rack of rifles might come out of the process and be ready to be shipped, and someone's job is to take the next-in-line orders and fill them from that rack. If the order form has "Would like a seasoned stock." or something like that that might increase your odds. It sounds like these folks will attempt at some level to accommodate your request. But at the end of the day (as the CMP states) you're usually ordering "Luck of the draw.".
Click to expand...

I know a few years ago CMP would try to fulfill requests. Not sure about now.
 
If I may. . . you're more likely to get a shooter that's mechanically sounds buying a Special (or Service); it'll be a mixmaster, but will work.

The Field Grade is more likely to have older parts, but they need not match, and it'll be rough in spots.

For your first Garand, get a shooter. You can buy a correct, matching, original parts, pitted, with mechanical issues, Garand, for 3x the money, later.
 
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I see them for sale for 1100-2000 around here. The 1100-1500 dollar ones all seem to sell in an appropriate amount of time.
 
index.php


Just to keep your interest in Garands up.
The top and bottom rifles came from the CMP the middle one was purchased F2F. You may notice the rear site is a National Match hooded site.
 
I requested a shooter and received a very good barreled GI stocked SA, when I requested a HR, I received a nice CMP stocked good shooter barreled on, my last one I ask for a Korea era one and got a great looking SA that I put with my fathers flag. I think the CMP armorers attempt to fulfill request, going by the stores is a gamble but you can see what all they have but you have to pay taxes and you can inspect your rifle, also get a bayonet, clips and a sling. Please remember to shoot Garand safe ammo and have fun.
 
pad9301977 said:
Hi everyone
I recently got to shoot an M1 garand and I am hooked on them.

i want to purchase one, I’ve seen the cmp program has them but I’ve heard a few places that most you get from them have had new stocks put on and other things like that done to them. I’m looking to get one that has wear marks and looks like it was in WW II.
I’ve seen come on some gun auction sites selling around 1900, is that a fair price? Any suggestions where to look? Thanks a lot

Phil
Click to expand...

First off - IF you can qualify, the CMP is, by far, the way to go.


​

Their M1 Rifles are the best deal around, they are graded, and they are backed by the CMP's no-hassle warranty: If your rifle's not right - they will make it so. (and some parts can be pretty pricey)

Second - IF you want a shooter, get a Service Grade. Their barrel life and general condition is generally 75% or better, with batches in the high 90's. For a luck of the draw, it gets you a good rifle.

Third - IF you want a beater, get a Field Grade. Their barrel life and general condition is generally 50% or better, with batches in the high 80's. For a luck of the draw, it gets you a solid rifle that will likely as not have seasoned USGI stock and hardware.

So, lastly - IF you want a Shooter - And you want USGI furniture - Get both, mix and match, and then sell off the Frankenfield Grade to a happy buyer who does not, or refuses to qualify. The M1 rifle doesn't care.

Win/Win.

This is a CMP Service Grade from the Greek Returns, and a top-of-the-mark draw.

WP_20180617_12_11_19_Pro.1-crop.jpg ​

​


GR
 
Garandimal said:
Their M1 Rifles are the best deal around, they are graded, and they are backed by the CMP's no-hassle warranty: If your rifle's not right - they will make it so.
Click to expand...
And I can attest that they will! ~1 year after receiving my nearly 70 year old rifle, CMP replaced a cylinder and op-rod, for free.
 
edwardware said:
And I can attest that they will! ~1 year after receiving my nearly 70 year old rifle, CMP replaced a cylinder and op-rod, for free.
Click to expand...

Yep, and that would have set you back the acquisition cost of the rifle.

Had one come out w/ the Op-rod tab broken off.

E-mailed the mother ship/CS a photo, shipped Op-rod (gratis), received replacement Ten days later (gratis).

CMP...

This was also a Service Grade:

But it's full of Winchester parts, the Receiver is a late '43, and the Bbl is '44 and gauges ME=3, TE=4.




GR
 
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I want the history but even more want a shooter. I got a service grade that came with a NOS stock and barrel. Essentially it's a new rifle for less than a $1,000. (The receiver was, of course, checked over. CMP does great work.) If you want one that looks like it has been in battle, go for a lesser grade. It will still shoot but maybe not as accurately as a service grade.

Jeff
 
BullRunBear said:
I want the history but even more want a shooter. I got a service grade that came with a NOS stock and barrel. Essentially it's a new rifle for less than a $1,000. (The receiver was, of course, checked over. CMP does great work.) If you want one that looks like it has been in battle, go for a lesser grade. It will still shoot but maybe not as accurately as a service grade.

Jeff
Click to expand...

The Service Grade Greek Returns, in the chocolate birch stocks, were like new. Just incredible.

DSCN1832_1024_cropped.jpg



​
GR
 
Seems like we're in a sellers market for Garands (a most everything else that shoots!) right now, so either wait a bit and hope that prices dip, or just deal with the sticker shock. Right now my local shops that have Garands are priced between $1500-2000. If you have $1900 and the rifle is functional, unpitted and has a good bore and throat, that's not a horrible deal these days. Personally, assuming my gun budget was that flush, I would only pay that sort of money for a Garand after first physically disassembling and inspecting the rifle.

If you decide to go the CMP route and don't currently shoot competitively, the cheap way to qualify for CMP purchasing is to join the Garand Collectors Association for $25/year. I joined last year to use CMP's Custom Shop services, then renewed to keep getting their magazine. BTW, there are rifle classifieds in the back of the member journal.

When you say you want a rifle that looks like it came from WWII, keep in mind that a mix of later replacement parts and a degree of pitting may be present on lower-cost, luck-of-the-draw CMP grades. If that's an issue, perhaps an in-person visit to either of CMP's stores to inspect before buying is worth considering. They're going on appointments only right now: https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/cmp-stores/
 
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I got mine back in the '80s for $165, including shipping. It turned out to be an H&R manufactured about 1956, with all the latest bells and whistles. It had a plain walnut stock and a tiger-stripped upper handguard. Someone suggested I get another handguard to match the rest of the stock. Nope -- I like her in as-issued condition.
 
I've bought several Service Grades from CMP and none of them were a disappointment. The best shooter I got from CMP is a Field Grade I picked out at the North Store. WW2 SA receiver, Danish VAR barrel measuring a 2 at each end, and mostly Beretta parts. The all walnut wood cleaned up well with no major battle scars.
 
Welcome to THR, pad9301977! :)

As already suggested, I would advise that you start your search (and M1 education) online with The CMP.

Along with other items (ammo, parts, tools, books and other types of firearms), I purchased 15 M1s from them from 2003-05.

Here are 7 of the 8 that still reside, easily accessible, in my gunsafes. The remaining 7 are in VCI bags in long-term storage.

2v2uKsdCgxAW38L.jpg

Good Luck and welcome to our shared Condition! :D
 
 
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BullRunBear said:
I want the history but even more want a shooter. I got a service grade that came with a NOS stock and barrel. Essentially it's a new rifle for less than a $1,000. (The receiver was, of course, checked over. CMP does great work.) If you want one that looks like it has been in battle, go for a lesser grade. It will still shoot but maybe not as accurately as a service grade.

Jeff
Click to expand...
Alternatively, get a service grade with whatever stock it comes with (you can request GI wood and they might oblige you, particularly if you specify you want one that’s beat up), and if it comes with new wood you can work on getting an appropriately abused stock later. But the guts will be in better shape than a field grade.

and yes, $1900 is WAY too much for a Rack grade mixmaster. Or even a nice special grade with new walnut, barrel, and park.
 
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