Which Garand to order from CMP?

[Kelton]

Finally got my 03FFL and COE, and I'm ready to take a chance on a CMP Garand. At the moment, I see four options ranging from $650 to $1080 (excluding the sniper versions).

I am not planning to start a collection (at the moment...), I just want to own a piece of US history and have something that I can shoot at least a few times.

Any reason not to go with the cheapest option, the $650 Field Grade "Luck of the draw for Springfield or Harrington & Richardson"?

Would the $750 Service Grade be worth the additional $100 and the wait (says 2-4 months).

Thanks CG friends!

[Ora Serrata]

Field grade should be fine if you're not planning to compete with it and don't plan on shooting it a whole lot. It'll be more worn out and prolly have more mismatched replacement parts. But it will still be a decent shooter.

[Tere_Hanges]

I'd just go with a Service Grade. Thats what all mine have been. BTW you arent taking a chance with a CMP garand and having an 03+COE doesnt do anything for you. It still needs to go through a dealer and you will have to pay their fee. The 03+COE only allows you to cash and carry C&R longguns from a private party in CA or if you physically travel out of state and transport C&R guns back in yourself. Otherwise importing all firearms must go through a dealer now.

The last batch of rifles I ordered included a really accurate HRA LEAD rebuild with a birch replacement stock that had the little red LEAD stamp under the grip. Quite a steal for $750.

I think the service grades are well worth the extra $100 over the field grades. I might go field grade if I could inspect it first like if I was buying it at one of the CMP stores.

[Kelton]

Thanks for the input.

Pardon my ignorance, but what's an "HRA LEAD" rebuild?

With a field grade, is it more likely that the stock is vintage, even if it is not in great condition? I kind of like the battle-worn look of some of the Garands I've seen on the racks at LGS's.

[Ora Serrata]

LEAD = Letterkenny Army Depot. They rebuilt Garands in the 60's and early 70's.

I could be wrong, but I think you'd have a better chance at getting GI wood with a service grade as they are in better shape. With the Field grades being in worse shape the word is likely to have had handguards or whole stocks replaced rather than releasing them with wood that's falling apart.

My CMP Garland is a Special Grade which came with new CMP wood. It's great, but I would like to add a GI wood one to the collection too.

[Ora Serrata]

Oh BTW. If I were getting another one right now I'd get the Service Grade. To me it's worth the extra $100.

[Jess B. Guy]

A mild correction - having just received 4 Garands directly from CMP - using my 03 and COE. California doesn't prohibit this, but I must send in the Curio and Relic DROS paperwork on each.

You must provide a copy of the dealer’s license with your order form. Rifle shipments to CA must be made to a State licensed dealer or may be made to individual homes, providing that a CA Certificate of Eligibility and a Curio and Relic License are provided.

[beerman]

I'd go service grade if I was you. Chances of getting a much nicer rifle is worth 4100 in the long run. Wait time? who cares..lots of us here remember waiting a year for our "once in a lifetime" guns to come from the old DCM (well OK , some of us old timers) Trust me, they're worth the wait.

[joefrank64k]

I just picked up a Field Grade and I’m happy with it. I sticky-noted for USGI wood and Springfield Armory. Ended up with late WWII-dated receiver and a rifle with good, honest wear. The action is butter-smooth.

Starting at post #7 here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1428917

[Garandimal]

Finally got my 03FFL and COE, and I'm ready to take a chance on a CMP Garand. At the moment, I see four options ranging from $650 to $1080 (excluding the sniper versions).

I am not planning to start a collection (at the moment...), I just want to own a piece of US history and have something that I can shoot at least a few times.

Any reason not to go with the cheapest option, the $650 Field Grade "Luck of the draw for Springfield or Harrington & Richardson"?

Would the $750 Service Grade be worth the additional $100 and the wait (says 2-4 months).

Thanks CG friends!

Two trains of thought.

1. - In the past, the Service Grades have been well worth the extra $100. Better condition, better Bbl. numbers (TE/ME). All I ever ordered and was never disappointed.

2. - Get the Field grade, shoot the piss out of it, and then re-Bbl. it with a new Criterion Bbl. in either 30-06 or .308. for a coupla hundred dollars.




GR

[Madmox]

I'd just go with a Service Grade. Thats what all mine have been. BTW you arent taking a chance with a CMP garand and having an 03+COE doesnt do anything for you. It still needs to go through a dealer and you will have to pay their fee. The 03+COE only allows you to cash and carry C&R longguns from a private party in CA or if you physically travel out of state and transport C&R guns back in yourself. Otherwise importing all firearms must go through a dealer now.

The last batch of rifles I ordered included a really accurate HRA LEAD rebuild with a birch replacement stock that had the little red LEAD stamp under the grip. Quite a steal for $750.

I think the service grades are well worth the extra $100 over the field grades. I might go field grade if I could inspect it first like if I was buying it at one of the CMP stores.

[Tere_Hanges]

Its been debated to ad naseum here. It is not really clear either way. Definitely not "untrue".

[Mayor McRifle]

If you want a great rifle to shoot, get a Special Grade (RM1SPECIAL). I have two. It's almost like buying a new M1. If you want a rifle more as a collector's piece, get a Service Grade.

[Enfield47]

For your first Garand, go with the service grade. It's worth the few extra dollars and you can always pick up a field grade later. Just based on what I've seen, the GI wood seems more likely on a field grade, but depending on the stock's condition you might prefer a CMP stock.

[mievil]

Its been debated to ad naseum here. It is not really clear either way. Definitely not "untrue".

My last 6 have been delivered to the door, with COE, and 03FFL......At different times. CMP is well versed in the rules.

To the OP, I just got a peach of a SG. WW2 receiver, with original barrel, USGI stock, honestly worth way more than what I paid. I,ve never been done wrong with an SG order. Gave got 2 questionable FGs (not outside grading, but not fantastic). I would spend the extra money. If you weren't worried about specifics, buy a FG. If you wanted nicer, pay for SG. If you want something specific, buy from a PP, not through CMP crapshoot. All that being said, my crapshoot has been nice.