[Dionysusigma]

I'm having trouble deciding whether I should get myself a Garand. I'd love to have one for shooting, investing, bragging rights, etc. but there are so many things to consider...
1) I am but a poor college student
2) Springfield Armory is only maufacturer; MSRP is $1099.00
3) CMP sells used for $500-$575
4) They are on the list for the proposed 2004 AWB, prices will rise if ban is signed
5) Demand is high, supply is low
6) None can be imported from Korea (anywhere else?)

I asked my father for his opinion, and he said that there are so many M1s floating around in ROTC programs all over the US that if they flood the market, the value'll drop considerably...any input? Ideas? (Not to sound greedy here and only get one for the investment...they're great rifles and I love that delightful little *ping*:D )

Summary: I want one. Is it worth it?

[Andrew Wyatt]

buy one. If you regret it, you're some kind of heathen commie or something. :D

[cslinger]

you should buy me another one to add to the collection.:D

You will not regret it. Get one from CMP so you get a little history with it. You can always refinish it if you want a looker.

Truely my favorite rifle.

[Gator]

Andrew,

Yes! Everyone should have at least one! And it should be a USGI M1 Garand, the real thing, not an inferior cast copy.

Also this is the time to buy, demand is actually low and supply high now. There are many, many excellent rifles for sale right now. Check with Fulton Armory, Orion7, and The Garand Guy....all can set you up with a terrific, real USGI rifle for the same or LESS than the cost of a Springfield Armory, Inc. cast copy.

[bernie]

Why have you not gotten one yet, there are three positive responses already! They are great rifles, with good accuracy, good reliability, excellent sights, well balanced for carrying, etc... If I had to get by with one centerfire rifle, this would be it. Get a CMP rifle, USGI is almost always a good thing.

[longtom4570]

Get one I did and love it, I got mine from CMP. Contact Lane's CSP for tips on refinishing tips

[Kevlarman]

I am also but a poor college student. I received my SA SG Garand from the CMP a few weeks ago.

You can scrounge up. I don't see M1 prices hitting rock bottom in the near future.

Get one! Or several!

[Byron Quick]

Get one from CMP and never, ever part with it. Don't get the new, cast receiver Springfield...get a real one.

I had an International Harvester once. Sold it like a fool.

[Blain]

4) They are on the list for the proposed 2004 AWB, prices will rise if ban is signed

....if this law is "passed" the nation will have a lot more problems than increased rifle prices. Infact, the law is retroactive, which means that all M1s will be illegal to own. Again, that will be the least of your worries if such ban is passed. Your greatest one being "Who's side am I on for the next American revolution?"

[Coronach]

Revolutionary talk aside, get the M1. You will not regret it. CMP is the best deal going. You can (could, at least) get a dane for $100 less than a US one, which is what I did. The receiver is still US manufacture, but the danes will have replaced some other parts on it. I don't really consider this to be a problem, as my rifle is a shooter, and I don't ever plan to sell it.

Any rifle you buy from the CMP will function, though you may want to replace some parts on it sooner or later. Any way you cut it, it is still a better deal than anything else, it is a bonafide piece of history in fighting trim, and you can buy it now and shoot it while you save up to do any work on it (unlike the Orion Garands, or the Springfields, where you'll be saving forever to buy it).

Get the M1!

Mike

[4v50 Gary]

The M-1 Garand deserves a cherished place in every American home. Get the Garand.

[Phyphor]

Eat Ramen noodles for a while and buy the damned Garand already!:D

[Thunderstick]

dionysusigma,

The only thing about CMP is that you just don't just decide to buy one. I looked into recently before I bought mine. I'm not a member of a shooting club but considered joining. If I had gone that route, it would have cost me a minimum $200 to join (initiation plus membership) and you still have to shoot.

I've seen some CMP guns selling at gun shows for $650 so it's something to consider. I just bought my first M1 yesterday. It's in great shape, great barrell, and all SA parts. One advantage over CMP is that you can see the gun before you buy it.

I'm not critizing CMP. But in the short run, it's quicker to get a gun going the gun show route.

[762x51]

A rifle collection is not truly complete without an M1. Buy one as soon as funds allow. Not to mention the fact that they are a ton of fun to shoot.

[CZ-100]

Should I get a Garand


Asking that, is like asking Should I take another Breath... :what:

Of Course you should. :D

[Sven]

Get one. Living history, powerful chambering. CMP is the way to go, IMO.

[RustyHammer]

Buy .. (CMP).

[Gewehr98]

You should get at least three Garands. Then you can make use of the stacking swivel function:

http://mauser98.com/stack10.jpg

[Gator]

You should get at least three Garands. Then you can make use of the stacking swivel function:

Physician, heal thyself!

I only see two Garands in that photo!

[Gewehr98]

I was trying for three, but that middle rifle in the above stack sucked up the budget for a 3rd Garand. I figured it was ok, being a 1903A4 Springfield and all... :D

A better view:

http://mauser98.com/stack9.jpg

[Gator]

SWEEEEEEEET! :)

[ReadyontheRight]

The only thing about CMP is that you just don't just decide to buy one. I looked into recently before I bought mine. I'm not a member of a shooting club but considered joining. If I had gone that route, it would have cost me a minimum $200 to join (initiation plus membership) and you still have to shoot.

http://www.garandcollector.org/

Join the Garand Collector's Association for $25 and you are in an affiliated club. Memberships start in September, so maybe wait a month so you get a whole year's worth.

I just don't see how you can go wrong with a Garand. If you live anywhere near Camp Perry (between Toledo and Cleveland), drive there and buy one off the rack from the CMP. You need proof of citizenship, proof you've shot in a high-power match and membership in an affiliated club like GCA. They have rack-grade Danes for $375:eek: and service- grade Springfields & H&Rs for $500.

[Greg L]

Any question that starts out "Should I get" the answer is yes, the only problem is how to finance it.

Greg

[Thunderstick]

Good information, ReadyontheRight. My dad was interested in buying an M1 and is an over 60 year old veteran of the 10th Mountain Division.

Sounds like $25 for a GCA membership is the way to go!

[Azrael256]

Dude, seriously, what do I tell you every time I get the whole "Should I buy XXX gun?" question? Btw, we're going to the range when I come back up there :)