[heypete]

Greetings all,

Ever since I put the new cabinet (can't afford, nor can the floor support a safe), I've been looking to fill it with more goodies than I presently have. As such, I've been considering the Garand.

As I have a fair amount of M2 Ball .30-06 and handload my own as well, ammo's no problem.

How difficult is the procedure for buying a Garand from the CMP? Are the rifles (the "service grade", or possibly the Greeks...I don't know enough about either to make any sort of determination -- advice?) generally of good quality, or are there some really nasty ones?

I'd like to preserve historical value, but if the stock is in really bad condition, I'll replace it with a historically-correct wood stock that is refinished to a brilliant shine and whatnot. Gotta keep it looking good -- old, stained, and worn-out wood doesn't do this fine rifle justice. More than likely, I won't do any metal work on it unless absolutely necessary.

What should I expect from the CMP prior to the purchase? What sort of documents need to be filled out?

Cheers!

[fredcwdoc]

The CMP website and printable application explains the process for getting a rifle and the documents you need.

Right now USGI orders are not being excepted so Greeks are your only choice. I have gotten both RG's and SG Greeks and have been really happy with them. I have USGI also and if you put them side by side you would not see any difference. Some Greeks mostly RG's are coming with poor wood. The wood can be found at numerous websites and is easy to replace. SARCO, Dougs stockpile, are a couple that come to mind.

As far as what to expect, it can be a grab bag. Greek rackers are a mix of old and new and could be SA or HRA parts. All three HRA SG's, and the HRA RG's I received were 100% HRA parts. Even the USGI's I ordered were a mix of SA, IHC, and WRA parts. I consider that a bonus by the way! Email me and I'll send you some photos. fredcwdoc@comcast.net

[ocabj]

Don't wait. Buy now.

I lagged for the longest time to order my first Garand from the CMP. When the price increase hit and the word went out that USGI Service Grades have dried up, I ordered two (one received, one in transit and here tomorrow). Since the USGI SGs are gone, that means the Greek SGs will dry up next, leaving the field and rack grades (not to mention collector and correct) and who knows how long those will last.

That said, read the CMP rifle sales eligibility requirements:

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/eligibility_requirements.htm

[jefnvk]

Not hard at all. I needed a birth certificate (citizenship and age), club membership, and pistol permit (marksmanship proof, even though no marksmanship was required to get it :rolleyes: ). Got me a beautiful USGI rack, TE of 3 and MW of 1.5, and a beautiful Greek rack, with a TE of 3 and a MW of 1. Sad I sold the Greek right before I heard about the running out.

I'll second the BUY NOW. Greek service grade, if you absolutely want a shootable, or rack from either source if you wanna bet and save some money. The only problem the Greeks is that some have replacement stocks. The racks are for the most part rough, at least they were at the store. Out of the hundred or more I sorted through on two occasions, only about 7 or 8 I would consider buying.

[heypete]

Hmm. Interesting.

There appears to be a wide range of types of Garands available for sale.

Is there any particular reason why one should choose a Springfield Armory (not currently available) over a Harrington & Richardson Garand? Is there any significant difference between the USGI ones and the Greek ones?

If the stock is in poor condition, I'll gladly get a new one and have it finished well. I just don't want to get some Garand receiver with Greek stamps all over it and otherwise defaced.

They have collector grade H&R Garands, but they're $1,400 and I'm not willing to spend that much. I might be willing to spend the $850 on the "Correct" grade because it has the matching parts, but since I'm not an avid collector (amatuer maybe, but not concerned about little stuff like that) it doesn't make much sense to spend that much.

The service grade H&Rs are $50 more than the Springfield Armory ones. Again, should one have a preference over the other?

Just want to make sure I make a wise choice and get a decent rifle. Sorry for all the questions. :)

[ocabj]

Quote from http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm

Greek Issue Rifles are the same as USGI Garand rifles, except that these rifles were loaned to the Greek Government and later returned to the U.S. Army. These rifles have all USGI parts but stocks and handguards may be either Walnut, Birch, Beech, or other European wood. Rifles do not have import marks.

As far as Springfield Armory vs Harrington & Richardson, the Springfields are the most common Garands whereas HRAs are rarer. But, HRA Garands are post-WWII Garands made after the WWII. More likely than not, if you buy a Springfield Armory Garand it will be made in the WWII years. So if you want some history in your rifle, the SA is better. HRAs cost more simply because less exist.

While a rack grade may work for you since you are willing to go with a new stock, there is no guarantee that the barrel will be shootable. Lots of people claim they bought rack grades with good barrels, but lots of people received rack grades with bad barrels. Considering the cost of the Boyd stock set is around $80 and the price of a rack grade is around $325 for a total of $400 or so, it may be feasible to get a Service Grade while they are still available so you get a good barrel (according to the TE and MW gauges) and a decent stock.

[pdmcghinnis]

A guy I work with has ordered three this year; all service grade Greek rifles. All of them have looked great with the exception of the one he received yesterday. It looked great but the rear sight was almost rusted away! He sent it back today for a replacement.

They're a great value in rifles right now.

[ksnecktieman]

I am considering one of these too. If I get one with a bad barrel, how much do replacement barrels cost?
I will be buying it to shoot so does anyone make a good composite stock for these?

[NEtracker]

The CMP is the best deal out there. If you don't belong to an affiliated club, join the Garand Collectors Assoc. It's very inexpensive to join.
I have three USGI M1's from the CMP, two Service Grades (SA VAR & HRA), one Rack Grade (WRA). The Rack Grade has a frosty bore, worn finish, but shoots just fine. The best shooters are my SG's. My recommendation, get a Greek Service Grade for that first one. Then, if you want to roll the dice, get that Racker later.
I missed the USGI IHC boat. :(
Get those Garands, while you can! FYI, you can access the CMP forums via the CMP web site. Great info. from many customers.
Oh, and as you probably know already, M2 ball loaded to US specs will be fine, but just be sure you use the correct stuff & recipe when you load your own.

[wrench]

here are some pics of two I got in march. one is a USGI service grade, the other a greek rack.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/choppermitt/two%20garands/cmpm1rside1.jpg
the wood is walnut on both, some dings and dents, but I think the look great!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/choppermitt/two%20garands/rside1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/choppermitt/two%20garands/greekrside1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/choppermitt/two%20garands/muzzle1.jpg
I went to camp perry to pick them out, some of the rifles were very worn, others fantastic. I'm going back for more! :D

[Litefoot]

FYI,
When I ordered a service grade M1, I specifically asked for a 5 mil serial number Springfield. And that's exactly what I got! They may not be as flexible now as they were then (2 yrs ago), but the CMP folks really try to be as accomodating as possible. Their "official" policy is "all sales final" or you're stuck with what you got, but...if you ask, they'll make every effort to replace bad parts. I've never heard a bad comment about Michael Orest or CMP.

[NEtracker]

No more sticky notes, special requests! :(
Read it in the CMP forum.
(I attached a note a couple times over the past yrs myself)

[jefnvk]

Also, if you live anywhere near Ohio, I'd recommend driving to their store and pick your own out. That way, you can get a good rack, and if there are no good racks, a good service.

[Father Knows Best]

I bought two CMP Garands about a year ago: a collector grade Greek issue and a service grade USGI. Both were Springfields. The collector grade appears unissued. It's pristine and beautiful. Manufacture date is in 1954, IIRC. The stock is the original SA walnut stock, with all the correct markings. I'm trading it next week, I think, for an M1A (see other thread).

The service grade USGI was all original except for the stock, which is a RRA (Red River Arsenal) replacement. Manufacture date is June 1944 (barrel date is May 44). It's a great shooter. If I can find a correct mid-44 SA stock for it, I'll be perfectly satisfied.