Musings on CMP Garand

[Eightball]

I've been thinking--just how hard is it/how much time does it take to do the things required to be eligible for CMP Garands (in Louisville, especially? Any Louisvillians, please PM me). But, that's not the purpose for this thread. Now that I'm actually 18 (as of friday--wheee ), I've toyed with the notion of purchasing an M1 from the CMP. I keep hearing about all the different grades and stuff (bore erosion numbers and the like), and I have checked their website, but I'm still debating things. If I got an M1, odds are I wouldn't want it for a collector's piece, but rather something to shoot (or take if SHTF, but that's a given), so "pristine" condition to me isn't that important, just so long as it works, and doesn't explode on me. But, my budget is ususally limited, and the CMP supply is dwindling, so I am aware that I'd need to make a purchase soon. So, should I get some oddball grade/country M1, and hope for the best, or should I get an M1 less wood and send it off to a place like this to get it refinished and everything (everything includes my next point)? Now, another question--if I got one, I would really want to switch it to .308 (since 2 of my rifles already are .308, and ammo commonality=good). Other than the wanton cries of "historical heresy" for doing so, are there any reasons why I shouldn't switch the calibre? If I used the link above, one of the cheaper packages (which would take me a while to save up to and get, due to my $$$ supply) would get me a fresh stock, refinished parts, and a new barrel in .308 or .30-06 (hence my switching calibre question). Alright, I think my ramblings should stop, so does anyone have any questions/comments/rants against .308 they'd like to share? I'm open to suggestions.

 

[ocabj]

I used my C&R license, which I already had, and membership in the Garand Collectors Association, so I didn't take much time for me to meet all the eligibility requirements.

Get the service grade. It will be a shooter grade barrel.

As far as DGR, Dean has one of my Garands right now. I sent him a my 1944 Springfield Armory field grade that I restored to all correct parts (except barrel and stock) for a repark, rebarrel, and new extra fancy walnut stock. I hope to get it back sometime next month.

I'd stick with the .30-06, but if you want .308 there's nothing stopping you. You'll need to get it rebarrelled. If you want to go with DGR for a .308 rebarrel and new stock, then you may as well get a rack grade or a Danish less wood (if you don't mind non-USGI parts). As far as which package deal you were looking at earlier, I don't think the "mini" rebuild packages include a new barrel, so expect to pay $800 or so for a DGR package. Note that you should expect to pay more than the set price because a lot of times, the smith you send it to will find a part that is out of spec that will need to be replaced. Usually it will be the oprod or the gas cylinder.

 

[HankB]

It was little problem for me . . . I was already a member of the Texas State Rifle Association (member of a CMP-affiliated group), had a TX CHL (proof of marksmanship activity) and had a US passport (proof of US citizenship.) Filled out form & got signature notarized, included photocopies of documents mentioned above, wrote check, and mailed. Two weeks later received rifle.

I was seriously contemplating getting a .308 Tanker conversion done, but the rifle I received was so nice, I just couldn't see chopping it up. (Plus, I gather there's only a couple of guys who can do .308 Tankers without messing up the reliability . . . and I'm not sure who they are.)

 

[Dienekes]

When I got my first one circa 1985 there were a lot of requirements to meet and you had to really want an M1 to get all the proper punches on your ticket--and then wait about 10 months for the rifle after submitting the request. True, the price was only $165 but you really worked for it! As things stand today it's a piece of cake.

I now have just about enough to outfit a rifle squad, all in .30-06. I would like to build up a .308 as I have heard nothing but good about them and the brass is a little cheaper and easier to come by, but can't really justify it as the '06s perform so well. Maybe someday anyway.

I would tend to go for a woodless Greek if you are going to build up a .308. The barrel will probably be somewhat grungy so no loss in pulling it. If decent you are just that much ahead in trading stock. A decent piece of wood will cost you, so no sense paying for abused lumber. But what a fun project! Good references are the Kuhnhausen book and Walt Kulek's guide.

Just talking about it makes me wonder if I ought to do it anyway. I have already worked two rifles up to match grade and the tools to do another rebarrelling job--what the heck, it's only money.

 

[Sunray]

"...the CMP supply is dwindling..." No it isn't. They have lots of stock. At your age, you'll have to join the National Guard or a CMP affiliate, but shoot the matches anyway. Most clubs will have a loaner rifle and you'll meet some great people.

 

[jefnvk]

"...the CMP supply is dwindling..." No it isn't.

Yeah, it is. Even those at the store said so, as I bought yet another one today. No more US Service grades. The only way to get a decent field at the store is to grab the ones they bring out when one is sold. Most field and racks have well past 3 muzzles.

It isn't hard at all. I was already in the computer, but I walked in, picked my gun, got in line, and handed over some hard earned money. This is a late 44 production, with original barrel, US field grade Springfield 2 muzzle and 2.5 throat. It was one that was brought out from the back, I was lucky enough to grab it first.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

The paperwork was no problem for me.

I enjoyed benefiting from my service in the USAF by submitting my DD214 as part of the paperwork. That is one of the reasons I was attracted to the CMP. Now I don't know whether I want to wait 4 more months for the 60+ benefit or not.... Naw. Moot anyway with USAF service.

Sometimes the pendulum of luck swings your way. I got a USGI SA Field grade that has me very excited and wanting to learn to shoot rifles well enough to be able to determine just how good this rifle is. I'm guessing close to 1 MOA accuracy. Not bad for $375 and my DD214.

Seriously, I will have to admit I had problems with the amount of information requested. For that reason I sent a cashier's check rather than personal check or credit card. Wide open to identiy theft.

 

[Hacker15E]

If you are interested in rebarreling to .308 anyway, I recommend one of the $325 Danish or Greek issue Rack Grades.

If you request with your order one which is specifically rack-grade for bore (or muzzle/throat erosion), there is a good chance that the rest of the rifle will be in good condition.

The stocks on rack grades generally need some kind of TLC, but a weekend steaming out dents and stripping oil from your stock with Murphy's Oil Soap is a small price to pay for a nice rifle in the end.

 

[30Cal]

I've put together CMP packages in under a half hour. But I think it would be good to shoot the match at Ft Knox and if nothing else get aquainted w/ the rifle.

If you plan of rebarrelling, go with a rack or field grade.

Ty