[jsalcedo]

I'm not planning on going through CMP for various reasons but I'm wondering if some of you folks could tell me what to watch for so I don't get ripped off. Or make a purchase I will regret.

Any advice is welcome particularly types of rifles, price ranges, do's and don'ts.


Thanks in advance.

[WYO]

Assuming you are looking for a WWII era Garand, buy and study Scott Duff's book on the WWII Garand before doing anything. (He has one for Korean era Garands as well.) You can order it at http://www.scott-duff.com. The book will give you a pretty good working knowledge of the various parts, and he has tables to show the pieces parts that belong on a gun made as of a particular point in time. It will give you a lot of useful information for shopping around. Probably the most important thing to be aware of is that some receivers had been cut up and were rewelded to make a receiver. It would be the ultimate rip off to get stuck with one of those. Also be wary of the ones with CAI receivers.

Another good site is http://www.jouster.com/cgi-bin/garand/garand.pl

Good luck!

[4v50 Gary]

The things you don't see is wear & tear on the parts.

[foghornl]

As WYO pointed out, LOOKOUT for re-welded receivers. Another knock-off receiver was stamped Lithgow.

Fulton Armory has some info about rewelds in their M-1 FAQ section.

www.fultonarmory.com

Add another vote for Scott Duff's books on the M-1's

[Steve in PA]

You won't get ripped off buying through CMP.

[ACP230]

There are usually Garands offered on the For Sale board at Culver's Shooting Pages (CSP) www.jouster.com.
Prices might be higher than elsewhere but I think you'd get a better rifle. The guys hanging out at CSP seem to know their stuff.