View Full Version : help me buy my first m1 garand
i want to buy my first m1 garand, ive always wanted one and now i have funds. im looking to spend 600-800 on it and i dont know how to find a good one. i was thinking of buying one at upcoming vallejo gun show as i always see them there but i dont know what to look for. i appreciate the help....
brianm767
03-13-2012, 1:14 PM
Well apparently you have not heard of the CMP, Civilian Marksmanship Program.
http://www.thecmp.org/
Sales http://www.thecmp.org/sales.htm
Most folks go for a service grade Garand, you complete the requirements (easy) and you will have it shipped right to your door step.
You can also check out thier forums and every thing you ever wanted to know about Garands can be found there, and about the procedures for purchaseing, these requirements are also on the CMP main site.
http://forums.thecmp.org/
sounds like a lot of work, but if its worth it over buying one at the gun show then i will do it. they can ship it to my door? even in california?
dust feeder
03-13-2012, 4:08 PM
A little of topic, but what kind of accuracy are people seeing out of those service grade garlands.
Gatordev
03-13-2012, 4:16 PM
sounds like a lot of work, but if its worth it over buying one at the gun show then i will do it. they can ship it to my door? even in california?
It's really not that much work, and yes, they ship it to your door in CA (or anywhere). It's part of how they are legally set up. You don't have to go through a FFL. The Service Grades that are coming out of the CMP continue to be in great shape, based on what I've read over at the CMP forums.
I have two (other) grades (Field and Correct) and they're a great piece of history.
Lagduf
03-13-2012, 5:13 PM
Get a Garand through the CMP.
It's easy.
It's worth it.
I just got my first Garand last week.
I love it.
Capybara
03-13-2012, 5:38 PM
I joined the Garand Collectors Association. That is one box checked. But trying to get local indoor ranges to sign off on the shooting qualification has been challenging. I would love to go to an outdoor range on a Saturday and do it there but have been too busy.
Definitely buying my first M1 through the CMP as soon as I can get someone to watch me shoot 50 rounds.
Dan
OldShooter32
03-13-2012, 6:08 PM
I have two: one I got in 1968 from the DCM ($97.50 delivered) and a select from CMP last year ($1,100) and they are both great. They both shoot well. Never met anyone who was disappointed. Hit a weekend NMC and shoot 50 for record...fun and qualifies!
it sounds like CMP is the way to go over gun show...
Red Devil
03-13-2012, 7:06 PM
sounds like a lot of work, but if its worth it over buying one at the gun show then i will do it. they can ship it to my door? even in california?
Yep... about as much trouble as gettin' the underwear off a drunken co-ed... :smilielol5:
Is CMP eligibility that difficult? No more excuses. (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=245008)
As for the Service Grade Garands...?
...these ARE the Good-ol'-Days.
They are like new.
P.S. The Soviet Province of LeftCoastistan thinks they're antique brass lamps...
...delivered to your doorstep.
Lagduf
03-13-2012, 7:11 PM
I joined the Garand Collectors Association. That is one box checked. But trying to get local indoor ranges to sign off on the shooting qualification has been challenging. I would love to go to an outdoor range on a Saturday and do it there but have been too busy.
Definitely buying my first M1 through the CMP as soon as I can get someone to watch me shoot 50 rounds.
Dan
Get your FFL03 C&R License from the ATF. It fulfills the shooting requirement for the CMP.
Plus a C&R is just a great thing to have anyway, especially in CA.
brianm767
03-13-2012, 7:12 PM
I joined the Garand Collectors Association. That is one box checked. But trying to get local indoor ranges to sign off on the shooting qualification has been challenging. I would love to go to an outdoor range on a Saturday and do it there but have been too busy.
Definitely buying my first M1 through the CMP as soon as I can get someone to watch me shoot 50 rounds.
Dan
Do you know any cops? They can also sign you off. Seems like every one knows some one who knows a cop.
kendog4570
03-13-2012, 7:18 PM
i want to buy my first m1 garand, ive always wanted one and now i have funds. im looking to spend 600-800 on it and i dont know how to find a good one. i was thinking of buying one at upcoming vallejo gun show as i always see them there but i dont know what to look for. i appreciate the help....
This is all you need to know about the M1...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irCqA4lcgoE&feature=related
:)
tonyxcom
03-13-2012, 8:26 PM
Can you complete all the requirements and send in the paperwork for them to have on file? I know a LEO, GSSF is an affiliated club, there is a UPS Store with a Notary down the street, so that part is a cake walk for me.
But my money is tied up in other projects till at least Nov.
well the next question in springfield armory or hra?
NewbieDave
03-13-2012, 8:51 PM
Russt,
If you want a shooter, get the HRA. Those were produced mainly during the Korean War and have seen less usage. Most people get Springfield hoping for a WW2 rifle... but most SA I've seen has lot more wear-n-tear. Still a great shooter... but HRA will net you a better looking Garand. With SG, don't expect old wood... you will get new wood.
Tonyxcom,
I would put an order in for the rifle and send it all in. CMP is backed up with orders and turn around is 60-90 days depending on what you order. You always have the option to cancel the order once it makes it out of the mail bins and into selection process. I would say throw your paperwork in there... never know these days if CMP will up the price. If you have paperwork in the pipeline...they will honor that price.
Gatordev
03-14-2012, 3:41 PM
Tonyxcom,
I would put an order in for the rifle and send it all in. CMP is backed up with orders and turn around is 60-90 days depending on what you order. You always have the option to cancel the order once it makes it out of the mail bins and into selection process. I would say throw your paperwork in there... never know these days if CMP will up the price. If you have paperwork in the pipeline...they will honor that price.
Good advice, but just as a correction... Time from mailbox to delivery is going about 35 days right now. Well, as of about 38 days ago. But based off the delivery thread over at CMP (and my personal experience last week), it's about 35 days. SG seem to take that. Correct Grades are a day or 3 longer.
brianm767
03-14-2012, 4:35 PM
well the next question in springfield armory or hra?
If I only planned on getting one Garand, personally I would get a SA, just because it's the original, and you might get a WWII receiver but on a WWII rifle it's almost guaranteed the barrel will be a replacement,
but it is also the most common, if you plan on getting more than one, I'd start with a HRA, since they are less numerous, and many of the HRA's coming out now are reported to be some of the nicest service grades yet, some look to be unfired and better chance of GI wood, will probably have original barrel also. but with either, there is no guarantee on what you will get other than what the grading guarantees.
Mine is a 1954 SA with original barrel, but replacement Birch wood, but it is beautiful. I would love to get a HRA or WWII Winchester or SA next, trust me you won't stop at one.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b116/brianm767/IMGP6803.jpg
elsolo
03-14-2012, 9:28 PM
I was thinking about selling mine, threads like this change my mind.
brianm767
03-14-2012, 9:32 PM
I was thinking about selling mine, threads like this change my mind.
Don't do it!
elsolo
03-14-2012, 9:36 PM
Don't do it!
that's my current plan, keep it in the family at least
tonyxcom
03-14-2012, 10:56 PM
I was just talking to my Dad last week about the one he bought in '86. I was only 10 or 11 at the time but can still remember how excited he was when he showed it to me and my brother.
Its a post war SA. He paid a total of $165 for it. $94.30 for the rifle and the rest in shipping, admin, rehab and other fees.
gotshotgun?
03-15-2012, 7:31 AM
Rehab?
These are great rifles that instantly appreciate in value when they hit your doorstep. Buy many.
And as always, one way to fill the "Marksmanship or Other Firearms Related Activity" requirement is with a HSC. Most of us have one already - if so you don't need to get a C&R or find a LEO or enter a competition or whatever the other options are. (You should get a C&R and enter a competition ANYWAY, but don't let your Garand wait for it).
Manolito
03-15-2012, 9:13 AM
Quick question has anybody found a good source for EnBloc clips for the rifle and is there commercial grade ammunition made for the M-1 so no damage will occur?
Thanks
Bill
Red Devil
03-15-2012, 10:38 AM
If I only planned on getting one Garand, personally I would get a SA, just because it's the original, and you might get a WWII receiver but on a WWII rifle it's almost guaranteed the barrel will be a replacement,
but it is also the most common, if you plan on getting more than one, I'd start with a HRA, since they are less numerous, and many of the HRA's coming out now are reported to be some of the nicest service grades yet, some look to be unfired and better chance of GI wood, will probably have original barrel also. but with either, there is no guarantee on what you will get other than what the grading guarantees.
Mine is a 1954 SA with original barrel, but replacement Birch wood, but it is beautiful. I would love to get a HRA or WWII Winchester or SA next, trust me you won't stop at one.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b116/brianm767/IMGP6803.jpg
Like your stock finish, Brian...
...What did ya do to it?
Have a pair of birch SGs (5.4M & 5.8M w/ MW1/TE2 original Bbls.) that need somethin'...
Thanks.
Sheepdog1968
03-15-2012, 11:29 AM
If you can save up another $1K, u can get one from MilTec that will provide you with a shooter that is as good if not better than the day it rolled out of the factory originally. MilTec provides a lifetime warrenty. Common to have theirs shoot around 1 MOA.
Eljay
03-15-2012, 11:55 AM
Quick question has anybody found a good source for EnBloc clips for the rifle and is there commercial grade ammunition made for the M-1 so no damage will occur?
Thanks
Bill
The CMP sells both surplus and commercial ammo that will work. There are some people selling enblocs and hopefully somebody will post a link, or people sell the ones that used to come with some of the surplus ammo. I know I have a big bag of them I should probably unload on somebody. ;-)
cabinetguy
03-15-2012, 12:04 PM
if you want a garand, go through CMP, it is the cheapest and greatest way to get one. When I get the funds, this is on my bucket list. I have yet to hear of somebody not happy with a CMP purchase, I have also seen 2 mint condition garands come out of CMP, due to their lottery like system
Roots
03-15-2012, 12:18 PM
Anyone interested in my SA M1 Garand? Receiver dates to WWII..it's in very nice condition. Barrell has been replaced and is Match Grade. It's been gone through by a pro. $1,200. PM me if serious and I'll provide pics and more information.
Hell, I won't even ask you to shoot 50 rounds first..
tonyxcom
03-15-2012, 12:32 PM
Rehab?
These are great rifles that instantly appreciate in value when they hit your doorstep. Buy many.
I'll have to ask him next chance I get what that meant. I'll try to find out where he purchased it from too, maybe that had something to do with it.
jdberger
03-15-2012, 1:17 PM
The Garands are curious things. There are millions of them floating around and prices steadily increase on them. Owners rarely sell them. Even if they don't shoot them any longer, they hang onto them for a rainy day.
Buy one. Get it from the CMP (they're good folks). Then buy another.
And grab a couple thousand rounds of HXP to feed it.
brianm767
03-15-2012, 2:55 PM
Like your stock finish, Brian...
...What did ya do to it?
Have a pair of birch SGs (5.4M & 5.8M w/ MW1/TE2 original Bbls.) that need somethin'...
Thanks.
Nothing this is how it came from CMP in 2009/2010? I keep thinking of selling it to buy a replacement Dupage Walnut stock, I just like Walnut, but I agree it is purdyy.
Gatordev
03-15-2012, 5:06 PM
Quick question has anybody found a good source for EnBloc clips for the rifle and is there commercial grade ammunition made for the M-1 so no damage will occur?
Thanks
Bill
Orion 7 has US made enblocs. It takes a few days to ship, but he's got a great reputation. As for ammo, if you shoot commerical ammo, an adjustable gas plug is recommended to prevent damage to the gun. There is some commercial M1-friendly ammo, but it's definitely more than the HXP stuff.
Capybara
03-15-2012, 9:36 PM
Are you sure about this? I thought you had to have sign off on shooting 50 rounds and a bunch of handling stuff.
If this is true, I am GTG. Can you find the link on the CMP website that says HSC is acceptable?
Dan
And as always, one way to fill the "Marksmanship or Other Firearms Related Activity" requirement is with a HSC. Most of us have one already - if so you don't need to get a C&R or find a LEO or enter a competition or whatever the other options are. (You should get a C&R and enter a competition ANYWAY, but don't let your Garand wait for it).
Are you sure about this? I thought you had to have sign off on shooting 50 rounds and a bunch of handling stuff.
If this is true, I am GTG. Can you find the link on the CMP website that says HSC is acceptable?
Dan
http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=9364&highlight=handgun+saf
Orest is the guy who runs the CMP, so he should know. Also several calguns posters have posted here that they used it, and I know one person personally who used it.
russt
03-16-2012, 10:25 AM
which gun service grade sa or hra is more likely to come with new wood as this is what i want.
Capybara
03-16-2012, 10:34 AM
Thanks Eljay! I just got my new HSC a few weeks ago, I had not bought a handgun for about 10 years. This is very good news, I am ordering as soon as I can make it to a notary.
***Update*** Finally made it to the notary this afternoon, the order form went to the CMP today, thanks to the head up on the HSC from Eljay. I went for an H&R Service Grade Special and 500 rounds of the Hornady M1 loads. I would have loved to go for the HXP but none of the three ranges I shoot at will allow me to shoot magnetic ammo. I know it won't be collectible with the new wood but I will be shooting it and I am buying it for my own personal love of what the rifle stands for and what it was used to do, not to sell it, collect it, fetish it. Now the countdown begins. I am sure I will be ordering another one this year.
Dan
http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=9364&highlight=handgun+saf
Orest is the guy who runs the CMP, so he should know. Also several calguns posters have posted here that they used it, and I know one person personally who used it.
russt
03-16-2012, 10:35 AM
ok so i just completed all requirements, notary, copy of hunters safety card and i signed up for the garand collectors association, do i need to wait for my card or can i print my membership reciept and use that as they say they send my info to CMP? im very impatient...
NewbieDave
03-16-2012, 10:42 AM
You can print the membership paper and incldue it in your package... it doesn't hurt. But CMP pulls the GCA information directly from them and gets updated membership listing to check against.
As for M1 with new wood... ask for a Springfield (Service grade), you will get new wood for sure. Orest posted a while back that they had a lot of SG Springfield but not enough old wood to go around... since almost all collecters want old wood, so CMP was slapping new wood on the M1 to get them out the door. Orest wanted people to stop asking for old wood cause they won't get it in service grade.
That being say, you can always put in for a HRA (better finish, less wear) and sticky note on the paperwork asking for "New wood". You'll probably get it.
vacabill
03-16-2012, 10:51 AM
the GCA has already sent it to cmp or you could also send in a copy of the receipt
vacabill
03-16-2012, 10:52 AM
Orest, posted yesterday they are all sold out of SA corrects, but still have plenty SA service grades
Thanks Eljay! I just got my new HSC a few weeks ago, I had not bought a handgun for about 10 years. This is very good news, I am ordering as soon as I can make it to a notary.
Well done! Let us know how you like it in a month or so!
Capybara
03-16-2012, 9:19 PM
It's going to be the longest month or 35 days in my life. Just ordered an disassembly/assembly guide, a mess of en blocs, a WW2 replica clip belt and a sling. Can't wait to squeeze off my first M1 rounds. I have shot an '03 A3, but never an M1.
Thanks for your help Eljay.
Red Devil
03-16-2012, 11:28 PM
Nothing this is how it came from CMP in 2009/2010? I keep thinking of selling it to buy a replacement Dupage Walnut stock, I just like Walnut, but I agree it is purdyy.
No BLO/TO/Toms1/3...?
Let me know when ya want ta get rid of that ratty piece of firewood... :D
It's going to be the longest month or 35 days in my life. Just ordered an disassembly/assembly guide, a mess of en blocs, a WW2 replica clip belt and a sling. Can't wait to squeeze off my first M1 rounds. I have shot an '03 A3, but never an M1.
Thanks for your help Eljay.
No problem. The Garand doesn't kick as much as the 1903, and is a little more fun for most people at the range. You might want to get a spring pack from Orion 7 and plan on changing out the springs as you do that first strip and lube (with grease, not oil). The springs don't age as well as the rest of the metal and if they're weak they can cause weird problems.
me109g4
03-17-2012, 10:17 AM
I understand that CMP was buying op rod springs from Orion, i dont know if they replace all the op rod springs as a matter of course or if its on an "as needed" basis. Might be worth it to ask those that have recently got Garands from CMP to take a quick look and see what they have in thiers. The stainless are devoid of any finish and have that new shiney look.
sactobill
03-17-2012, 4:39 PM
I'm getting ready to order one from the CMP and had a question. If I have a C&R FFL do I still have to include a Handgun Safety Card or will the C&R FFL suffice?
Thanks!
That gets you out of the marksmanship or other firearms related activity section, but you'll still need to be a club member and prove age and citizenship.
sactobill
03-17-2012, 5:22 PM
Ok I've got the club member, proof of age and citizenship done. On the ordering instructions it listed firearm safety card then a dash and FFL.
So do I need both or just one?
Aww what the heck, I'm sending both in just in case.
Can't hurt to send everything but either one should be fine. It's basically a laundry list of examples, but it's pretty clear from Orest's forum posts they just want some evidence that you've had some contact with firearms before. It's a requirement they've watered down over the years and it mostly seems to serve now to make it a little harder for dealers to avoid limits by getting all of their cousins signed up...
well thanks everyone for all the help. i have sent my order out today for a hra service grade and 200 rounds of greek hxp. i used my hunters safety card for marksmanship. and i sent in a copy of my garand collectors association membership order confirmation in for affiliated program. hopefully it doesnt take too long to get my new toy!!! does anyone know if they email me with order status updates and when they plan on shipping it?
You'll get something that's informally called the DBU - don't bother us - email at some point. It means somebody's opened your order and entered it into the computer and shortly after you get it you'll be able to go onto the eStore and see your order in there and track its progress.
Capybara
03-19-2012, 5:25 PM
I sent in my order already on Friday, but since then, after talking to a certain Calgunner, I have decided that I do want to pick up some HXP ammo. I read the fine print and they need to have all of your info on file before they will sell you ammo? Does that sound right? So I need to wait until they have my info in their system to order HXP?
The easiest thing is to wait for the DBU, which will have login information for the eStore. At that point you should be able to place an ammo order. If your club/citizenship info isn't on file yet you'll get a notice when you try to check out - don't worry about putting in an order and having a problem later.
One quirk of the system is that once your club membership runs out if you want to order more ammo you'll need to update them, but you can email them a scan or if you're a GCA member you can just email them to please update you and they'll look you up.
Capybara
03-19-2012, 6:21 PM
Thanks Eljay, that's what I figured. Gotta get in on that sweet HXP deal while it lasts.
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