So I went a little Garand crazy today... (now with PICS!)

[SFSig]

...and bought FOUR Garands!

Getting a Garand has been a long time coming, but I always thought I'd just start off with one... It all started with getting my C&R, then reading about how great the current crop of Service Grade Garands are and then realizing I was only a Garand Collectors Association membership away from being eligible to order from CMP. Well today I went to the notary and mailed off my packet. With any luck in a few weeks I'll have:

2 Springfield SG Garands
2 HRA Garands
1200 rounds of 30.06
a bunch of clips
a couple of slings

To tell the truth I only plan on keeping the best one or two... I just can't believe the FedEx package I get to unpack in a few weeks. Don't worry, pics forthcoming.

[Nitro Express!]

Ahh, it would be nice to get a Garand from the CMP.

[Capybara]

It is. Mine came in April, it was the coolest thing to have a FedEx lady just hand me my new Garand, no dealer trips. Taking it out to the range tomorrow.

[Schlyme]

I'm going to have to put a hurt on my credit card real soon with my CMP order! lol. Hope you get to enjoy real soon!

[16in50calNavalRifle]

I strongly encourage anyone with similar urges to go ahead and qualify/then buy from the CMP. I have just one HRA Garand (Service Grade), received a month ago. But it's in fantastic condition. I pondered the "WWII serial number" issue, but decided since it was definitely going to be a shooter, the best condition would be nice. I lucked out - very nice (and correct) USGI walnut stock, metal mostly in like-new condition, throat and muzzle erosion minimal.

From my experience and my browsing on the CMP forums, seems that the HRA Service Grades are mostly in outstanding condition. They are late (Korean War and after) production. Fewer of them than Springfield or Winchester, which might help on "collector value" down the road (if that matters). So an HRA might be a good choice if you're not set on a WWII serial number.

Heavy sucker. But bearing in mind the time they were introduced, a huge advance in firepower for the infantryman - and one of the few US weapons superior to that of the enemy's from the early days of WWII.

[atolax25]

Well, if you're only planning on keeping one or two, I'm sure someone would be willing to take the other two off your hands.

[ke6guj]

I need to get an H&R and Winchester so I'll have the 4-pack.

[pro-nra]

I love late 5.6-5.7 HRAs with the rounded receiver. IMO, HRAs are the best quality of the four manufacturers followed closely by post war SA, IHC, WWII SA and last WRA. Collect all five and you will not be sorry.

My advice for those contemplating on a Garand is to buy your annual limit of 12 from the CMP, sort and keep the best of the bunch and do it till they are all gone. From my experience I'm 50/50 keepers/dogs.

[Orlando]

...and bought FOUR Garands!

a couple of slings

To tell the truth I only plan on keeping the best one or two...

So I guess the paperwork you signed stating that the rifles you were purchasing were for" your own personal use" and not for resale means nothing?

[MackMan]

Just got my HRA Service Grade last week. Its in great condition with a new CMP stock

[Flintlock Tom]

For GCA members there is a Western National Shoot in October or November in Phoenix, AZ. A team from CMP comes out and sets up a display of rifles for sale. So, if you're a member head on out to Phoenix and pick out your own. I went last year and came back with a pristine H&R Service grade special. I had intended to get a Field Grade, but, with them all laid out, side-by-side, I had to upgrade to the Service Grade.
Getting four rifles at once just gives me the shivers. Well done.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Yeah, something similar happened to me a few weeks ago. Don't worry. It will happen again...

[Paulie Lugnuts]

Garands are very special guns. After seeing them in so many WWII movies, you really get a sense of history when shoot one. Push the clip in with your thumb, release the bolt, give it a smack to get it all the way forward. Pop off 8 rounds and hear the ping We got ours at CMP in Alabama. If you're ever near there stop in.

[bombadillo]

Man, do you remember that 3k you borrowed from me a few years ago I really need that back now.......

[t0kie]

Nice, you'll love it!
No matter how many times I have shot mine, it still makes me smile everytime I hear the "ping" after the 8th round fired