Received My First Garand

[Mals9]

It showed up Monday, exactly 3 weeks after I dropped my order with the CMP in the mail. How is that for service.
Here are the particulars:
Springfield Armory receiver - 1944
Re-barreled with HRA in 1952, gauges 2 at the throat and 1 at the muzzle
HRA trigger group
Post WWII rear sight
Showed up in a hard side case, nice surprise.


It showed up with a new CMP birch stock stained brown with not finish. I am a little disappointed in that I did not get get a GI stock with character. The stock does not fit the butt plate very well and it is just not what I expected. When I ordered my only request was to get a WWII serial number. I did not receive any instructions or user manual or paper work of any kind, is that normal? Has anyone else gotten something similar?
Don't get me wrong I am thrilled to have it and have 192 rounds of M2 ball waiting to go.

Mals

 

[SaxonPig]

Another nice Garand from the CMP. Seems like everybody gets a nice one... except me. Mine was much crappier than I anticipated.

 

[Mals9]

This one is in great shape. the receiver and internals look new. The only signs of wear are on the sight and gas cylinder.

Mals

 

[benzy2]

Looks like you got a shooter for sure. Should make a good range rifle. Honestly, if you want something specific, its much better to go in person, even if the drive is long.

 

[FlyinBryan]

wow. its very nice. if you are talking about how the wood is a little bigger than the butt plate its normal for new birch.

its gonna be accurate with 2 t.e. and 1 m.w. ,, thats pretty close to what a new barrel measures.

i see you got a stamped trigger gaurd (its the one serious high power competitors prefer)

it looks and measures more like a service grade special than a standard service grade.

edit, i think you should have got a certificate (proof its a true cmp rifle, this matters) and a manual. give them a call.

 

[USSR]

Ya done good with a low TE and MW barrel. Much easier to replace a stock than a barrel. Oh, and you got that right - Your "First" Garand.

Don

 

[Bluehawk]

Looks to me like you received an excellent rifle!!!!!! There is a DCM printed operating/safety booklet that's supposed to accompany your rifle.

 

[12guagecody]

I've really been wanting to order one from cmp, do you have to be an active member of a gun club to get one?

 

[Trebor]

What grade did you order? I suspect Service Grade, but if you could confirm that would be cool.

You got a great rifle there, btw. One of the nicer Service Grades (if that's what it is) that I've heard of in awhile.

You are actually better off with that new stock. With the great muzzle and throat on that rifle it has real potential to shoot very well. That new stock is likely better for shooting then an old stock as the wood around the trigger group hasn't been compressed from years of storage with the trigger group in the rifle.

You should have received the "M-1 Read This First" manual. If it's not under the foam, call the CMP and tell them you didn't get the manual. I'm sure they'll send one out to you.

In the meantime here are some recent articles I wrote on the M-1 Garand.

Tips and tricks for the M-1 Garand

M-1 Garand tips and tricks: Part 2 - Cleaning, lubrication, ammo & spare parts

M-1 Garand tips and tricks: Part 3 - Malfunctions and accuracy improvements

(Covers loading the clips, the CMP manual, and "The tragedy of M-1 thumb"

 

[Trebor]

I've really been wanting to order one from cmp, do you have to be an active member of a gun club to get one?

You have to be a member of an "affilated club." The club doesn't have to have a range or anything though. The Garand Collector's Association is only $25 and counts. No physical range, but a nice newsletter.

You also have to show "Proof of marksmanship activity." That's MUCH easier than it used to be though and a whole bunch of stuff qualifies.

Here's the CMP page to see for yourself: www.odcmp.com

And here's a couple articles I wrote about buying Garands from the CMP if you need more info.

How to purchase a M-1 Garand from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)

A look at the best CMP M-1 Garand choices available

 

[Mals9]

Thanks for the links Trebor, I read those before I ordered. After reading your articles that cinched the deal on the purchase of a Service Grade and your information on the "Garand thumb" has been quite helpful. I almost got bit at a gun show, now I can close the action with no problems. I did find the manual under the foam, I never thought to look there.
Thanks

Mals

 

[Tim the student]

Congrats on the Garand. It looks great, and will surely shoot well.

I have some GI wood with plenty of character marks I'll sell you. But, its a GAW (which I think may be correct for you, but I'd have to check), and I'd want to make some money to part with it.

Guys on the CMP forums sell stocks all the time too.

 

[FMJMIKE]

Nice...........Now find some walnut for that baby.............

 

[Col. Plink]

Congrats! Now get a sling and get crackin'!

 

[Mals9]

Col. I have a standard GI sling on it now and am trying to find a chance to get the range. It's soccer season and my weekends are busy. I'll report back on performance.

Mals

 

[Tim the student]

I'll report back on performance.

Good, we are looking forward to it!