What to look for in a a Garand?

[metalhead357]

Well, before we go any further, do you already meet the requirements to purchase a Garand?

Very well asked~ and needs to be answered! Its all a moot point if he aint turned in his paperwork! He wont be able to cash & carry (he will be able to choose- but the gun will go back to Ohio until he does the paperwork).

[phish]

^ He has, couple of posts up.

I think the CMP will have "Number One" at their table this weekend:

"You didn't turn in any paperwork. No paperwork, no Garand...."

[30Cal]

Haven't ever seen one with a "cardboard tube" in the barrel.

The condition of the original finish is EVERYTHING when it comes to valuable firearms.

The North Store was pretty unspectacular this week at Camp Perry. I'm guessing Reno will be along the same lines. They had 1903's, drill rifles, 1917's, some Greek Winchesters, woodless Danes (generally in what I'd call poor condition) but mostly Field Grade Greeks. Zero Collector or Correct Grades.

I picked up a pair of Field Grades that slipped by the inspectors--should have been Service Grade rifles. Both were 3 at the breech and 2 at the muzzle. A 5.4mil SA with original finish and barrel, correct with the exception of a brand new HRA trigger group and a very grimy stock. The 2nd was a 5.8mil repark mixmaster with a nice stock. Lots of cosmoline on those Greeks. Both should make for good shooters. My dad stole one out from under my nose which was new above the buttstock (but I wouldn't expect to find one like that at Reno).



When you're cruising the racks, look firstly at the muzzle end. The condition of the bore itself isn't all important. Even well worn rifling will generally shoot just fine if the muzzle is decent. Don't put too much stock on the muzzle gage--the GI steel segmented cleaning rod will often wear the muzzle out of round--it might gage fine but still be unservicible. Be wary of recrowned muzzles--it's usually done for a good reason and all the ones I checked at the North Store swallowed the muzzle gage up to the hilt. The number of rifles that gaged below a 3 were few and far between.

If you're not on-file with the CMP, you'll need to bring proof of marksmanship, proof of membership in a CMP affiliated club and proof of citizenship (driver's licence doesn't cut it).

Ty

[stevie]

My DCM Garand also came with the tube, mine was a rebuild, so do not consider a tube in the BBL as new.

[tweaker]

Thanks Ty(and Stevie), took awhile to get a real answer. Glad you mentioned the proof of citizenship, I would have gone without passport.
Im not gonna talk about the board nannies worried about whether I qualified to ask the question.

[EBWhite]

I'm headed to the show too. i got everything but my crpa member card has not showed up yet. CMP on the phone said thats fine and i could send proof in later before they ship the rifle....

[Trempel]

I could never understand people purchasing firearms for investment purposes. What is the rate of return on a firearm investment?

Saying that it's an investment keeps my wife from rolling her eyes every time I buy a gun. My current argument: "Your $500 pair of shoes/handbag will be worth squat in a few years. My guns will be worth at least what I payed for them."
That might not be 100% accurate, but it's true.