What to look for when buying an M1 Garand?

[AK all day]

Exactly what the title says. I'm looking into buying an M1 Garand in the near future, and would like to get any information i can about what to look for. Is there a specific manufacturer that's better than another? I have heard that CMP is the place to be, but is there any other good places to look to buy one? Thanks

[Merc1138]

There are plenty of other places to buy them, if you like overpaying.

Just get one from CMP.

[Chaos47]

Another vote for just get it from CMP.

Decide if you want a shooter or a ww2 correct matching etc
That will dictate your grade and price

[AK all day]

I would love a WW2, but I'm thinking a shooting is bit more realistic choice, depending on the price difference. I don't know squat about M1s.

[Chaos47]

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/m1garand.htm

They explain the grades and then the prices are below.

BTW Appleseed (amongst other things) will fulfil the marksmanship componate you need to order from them

[AK all day]

M1 Garand, SA (Springfield) Service Grade
Please allow 30-60 days for delivery
*See above for grade description
$625 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle

This seems my speed.

Appleseed?

[Merc1138]

http://appleseedusa.org/

[AK all day]

Would the Appleseed program be necessary if You are current LEO?

[Merc1138]

Appleseed isn't necessary at all, it just counts as a qualification.

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm

[Chaos47]

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm

By law, the CMP can sell surplus military firearms, ammunition, parts and other items only to members of CMP affiliated clubs who are also U.S. citizens, over 18 years of age and who are legally eligible to purchase a firearm.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship: You must provide a copy of a U.S. birth certificate, passport, proof of naturalization, or any official government document that shows birth in the U.S. or states citizenship as U.S.

Proof of Age: You must provide proof of age. Usually proof of citizenship also provides proof of age. In those cases where it may not, a driver’s license is sufficient.

Membership in CMP Affiliated Organization: You must provide a copy of your current membership card or other proof of membership. This requirement cannot be waived. The CMP currently has over 2,000 affiliated organizations located in many parts of the country.

Membership in many of these organizations costs $25.00 or less and can be accomplished online. A listing of affiliated organizations can be found by clicking on our Club Search web page at http://www.odcmp.com/clubs/searchclubs.htm. If you have any difficulty in locating a club, please contact the CMP at 256-835-8455 or by emailing CMP Customer Service. We will find one for you. In addition to shooting clubs, the CMP also has several special affiliates. Membership in these organizations satisfies our requirement for purchase. These special affiliates include: Congressionally chartered veterans' organizations such as the VFW, AL, DAV, MCL, etc. U.S. Military services (active or reserves), National Guard, to include retirees. Professional 501(c)3 law enforcement organizations and associations such as the FOP, NAPO, NSA, etc.

Note: Club membership IS required for purchase of rifles, parts, and ammunition.

Club membership is NOT required for instructional publications or videos or CMP memorabilia.

Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity: You must provide proof of participation in a marksmanship related activity or otherwise show familiarity with the safe handling of firearms and range procedures. Your marksmanship related activity does not have to be with highpower rifles; it can be with smallbore rifles, pistols, air guns or shotguns. Proof of marksmanship participation can be provided by documenting any of the following:

Current or past military service.
Current or past law enforcement service
Participation in a rifle, pistol, air gun or shotgun competition (provide copy of results bulletin).
Completion of a marksmanship clinic that included live fire training (provide a copy of the certificate of completion or a statement from the instructor).
Distinguished, Instructor, or Coach status. - Concealed Carry License.
Firearms Owner Identification Cards that included live fire training. - FFL or C&R license.
Completion of a Hunter Safety Course that included live fire training.
Certification from range or club official or law enforcement officer witnessing shooting activity. A form for use in completing and certifying your range firing can be downloaded from the CMP web site at http://www.odcmp.com/competitions/fo...rksmanship.pdf
No proof of marksmanship required if over age 60. Proof of club membership and citizenship required for all ages. NOTE: Proof of marksmanship activity is not required for purchase of ammunition, parts, publications or memorabilia.

Apears LEO counts for marksmanship, looks like you still need to fulfil the "club" requirement so look into that next.

"Professional 501(c)3 law enforcement organizations and associations such as the FOP, NAPO, NSA, etc. "

[AK all day]

Okay, very cool. Thanks, I will look into it.

[phenamunan]

On a recent cross country drive, I stopped at the CMP store in Sandusky, Ohio and picked up a service grade M1. Gorgeous wood, 1+ at the throat, 2 at the muzzle. The armorer there recommended the service grades as shooters because the wood is still original, vs. the "higher" grade rifles available through CMP which have new wood.

[Moress]

Just get one from the CMP. You can rest assure you'll get a quality firearm for an unbeatable price. I got mine from them about a year ago. Best. 600 bucks. Ever. Spent!

[AK all day]

Yeah, I smiled a little when I saw I could get a service grade M1 for $650. I was expecting to be paying $1000+.

[Capybara]

I bought the Service Special HRA. FWIW, I agree with the others, the recent Greek return SGs are absolutely top notch, have not seen very many that were not impressive looking. If I had it to do all over again, I would have bought a SG over my Special, even though my Special is amazing and I love it.