First 1 (or 2) M1 Garands

[jkchan83]

I have always wanted an M1 Garand, if only for the history behind the rifle (and especially in WWII). I recently discovered Calguns for info and the CMP as a source for M1's. Before, I wanted one to collect, but I recently got the idea that I would like to shoot an M1. So, I was thinking about buying 2 rifles from the CMP.

1 SA Service Grade - requesting a receiver from WWII, if possible.
1 HRA Service Grade - requesting a shooter with no museum pieces to break/de-value.

I know that Correct Grade rifles are the ones that are all parts from the same time period, but I can settle for just a receiver that is older than the other parts.

Does this sound like a request that the CMP would be able to fulfill? What do you think of my plan? Thanks.

[postal16]

when ordering from CMP you can always make a request for WWII or Korea era serial numbers, and they will do their best.

on the HRA service grade jusr get the service grade and don't worry, all service grades are great shooters, not museum peices

[ke6guj]

postal16 covered it.

I'd suggest that you place an order for some ammo at the same time. Ammo has been flying of the shelves at the CMP like its going out of style. In fact, they just stopped taking orders for LC ammo because they have just enough left to fill the back orders.

[cmichini]

You don't really need to get 2, but you'll end up doing it anyway.

As the other posters said, when the CMP selects rifles they have a crate they are working on so there a relatively small number at hand when matchinga rifle to an order. However, if there is a post it or other note on the order with an 'if you see one near my order, I'd love a ....", the great folks there will make an effort to accomodate. This will probably be relevant for the SA.

So put on a note, they won't be insulted and you could get lucky.

The HRA may very well come nearly complete. Don't worry, shoot it. If you take care of it, it's going to outlive you and possibly your progeny. I have an HRA service grade that is nearly all correct except for the Op rod (correct time period, but SA). I think it might be original. It gets to go out and play as much as the other garands (except for the .308 build up) and it's not going to wear out.

Go for SG's on both and you'll be set for life, except for the disease of continually wanting more.

Good luck.

[ke6guj]

You don't really need to get 2, but you'll end up doing it anyway.

if you're not careful, you'll end up with 3 so that you can properly use the stacking swivels

[TomHynes]

For a shooter, get a rack grade, then spend the difference on ammo. I am very happy with mine.

[thefifthspeed]

For a shooter, get a rack grade, then spend the difference on ammo. I am very happy with mine.

Racks are a big roll of the dice. The 3 I've bought I got 1 good 1 and two sewer pipes. A friend of mine picked up a few RG carbines and they ranged from MW of 1.5 - 4

[mur]

I agree the FG's are a crap shoot, I'd stick with the SG.

and like others have said,
If you are set on a WWII Era, you can always write a note
and tell them to put it on hold until a WWII becomes available.
That way you will be assured of one.

and Yes, Garands will multiply faster than rabbits

[CSDGuy]

I have a nice post Korea Garand that's likely either a NM build or a unit level match build. Either way, it shoots really well. One of these days, I'll feed it Garand-Safe match ammo and see what it'll really do... I suspect that it would be better with that than the standard M2 diet I've been giving it.

[kj]

If you are looking for a WWII era serial number, you might want to consider a rack or field grade SA. I think most of the service grades tend to be post war. I have seen lots of service grades lately that are in the 5M (post war) serial number range.

[jkchan83]

Everyone, thanks for the input. I'm feeling much more comfortable with the idea of requesting a specific era for the SA.

If you are looking for a WWII era serial number, you might want to consider a rack or field grade SA. I think most of the service grades tend to be post war. I have seen lots of service grades lately that are in the 5M (post war) serial number range.

kj brings up an interesting point: should I get a service grade HRA shooter and settle for a lower grade (rack or field) SA "museum" piece? The SA will probably not get shot, just kept for historical purposes. Would a lower grade for that purpose be smart? Or would it be better to do what mur said and just ask CMP to put a hold until a WWII service grade rifle becomes available?

[Nodda Duma]

Everyone, thanks for the input. I'm feeling much more comfortable with the idea of requesting a specific era for the SA.



kj brings up an interesting point: should I get a service grade HRA shooter and settle for a lower grade (rack or field) SA "museum" piece? The SA will probably not get shot, just kept for historical purposes. Would a lower grade for that purpose be smart? Or would it be better to do what mur said and just ask CMP to put a hold until a WWII service grade rifle becomes available?

FYI, you are not going to devalue or wear out an M1 Garand by shooting it (unless you put 10k+ rounds through it). The value of these rifles are just going to go up and up. However, if you want to get a "museum" piece that you will never shoot, the CMP is not the place to look. The rifles that come from there are in very good shape, but they are meant to be taken out to the range and shot.

If you want a collector's Garand, then you will need to look on Gunbroker or similar for something like an all-matching rifle or pre-war mint or something like that. They can be found, but they will be pricey. If by museum piece you simply want a POS to look at that is never going to shoot worth a darn, well that I don't understand. Just get two good service grade shooters, and simply use one of them as your main gun and store the other in your safe.

-Jason

[jkchan83]

@Nodda Duma: Thanks for the advice. I decided to order 2 M1's from CMP, as I originally planned. However, given your suggestion, I'll probably take both out to shoot.

On a side note, does the C&R forum have a CMP wait support group like the handgun and rifle guys? I just sent my forms in to the CMP on Sat. 2/28, so I figure I'll receive my guns in June. What do you think of my estimate?

-Jason (yes, another one)

[Cato]

That's exactly what I ordered from CMP about two years ago. The Springfield (top) came in good shape and is "broken in" but far from worn out. The HR came looking brand new; the stock was dirty but I had already planned to replace it with a CMP Boyds stock. Both are great shooters. I also bought 2K rounds of Lake City Ammo from since you can't beat the price and quality anywhere. If you order today, there is a big back log of orders, so get ready to wait, but its worth it!

Here are my tools of liberty...

[jkchan83]

@Cato: Those are beauties. I'll post pics when I get a chance (i.e. when they get here and I'm done ogling/fondling them).