[Hard Call]

Gentlemen,

Approximately one week ago, I was days away from buying my first firearm - a handgun. My research had been exhaustive. I had been to a myriad of LGSs, handling every possible candidate. I had decided on a model, size, and caliber after weeks of reading reviews, making pros & cons lists, and personal budgeting.

Yes, I was ready.

I was excited.

I was utterly unprepared for what happened next.

Struggling to stay awake during the late night hours on a staff duty shift, I found myself thumbing through an old issue of American Rifleman. An ad caught my eye. It was for something called the Civilian Marksmanship Program, and pictured front and center was a gorgeous looking M1 Garand.

So here I am, one week of frenzied research later and ready to inexplicably pull the trigger on a CMP SA Service Grade. The handgun and rational thought forgotten. Were it any other firearm, I wouldn't be doing this. The opportunity to own the same rifle that both of my grandfathers carried through the Pacific is far too strong of an influence.

Having said this, I'd like to fire off a few questions for you Garand owners before I blunder ahead.


The intent is for this rifle to be a shooter. I don't care about collector-grade quality, all period-correct parts, or WW2 vintage. I want it to function well, reliably, and be able to maintain combat accuracy out to 300m. Yes, I'd prefer that it look nice, but it doesn't have to look immaculate or brand new. With that in mind, will a standard Service Grade suffice, or is the Service Grade Special really worth the extra three hundred-odd dollars?


I've read that when you place an order for one of these rifles, you can "sticky-note" in a request for certain things (within reason). If I wanted to communicate that I had a strong preference for the aforementioned "shooter" characteristics, what could I ask for without overly-inconveniencing the guys at the CMP? Unfortunately, a trip to the South Store is not going to be possible for me.


I realize that the rifle is probably going to arrive Han Solo-style in a solid block of cosmoline. What cleaning products do you all recommend for the wooden furniture and metal components? Any preference on oil/grease for after the cleaning is done


Ammunition. I understand that this thing eats only M2 Ball, without the use of some sort of modified gas plug for modern cartridges. The only reliable source that I can find is from the CMP at $110+ per order. I'm not very familiar with pricing for .30-06, so is that a decent deal? I'm a little worried about keeping it fed in the long-term.


Slamfires. I had no idea about this issue prior to looking into Garands. While I gather that they're fairly rare when using the right kind of ammunition, the thought of it occurring is somewhat unnerving for a new gun owner. I suppose this just comes with the territory of mil-surp semi-autos?

None of this will necessarily prevent me from buying the rifle, of course, but given that it'll be my first, I'd like to find out as much as I can.

Thanks for taking the time to read through this, everyone. I look forward to your replies.

[firesky101]

I cannot speak for most of your questions, as I have been looking for the right time to get a garand myself. The one I can answer is the M2 ball is a good price for '06 and you get a cool ammo can.

[Double Vision]

You will get a ton of excellent advice here on Garands. I would also suggest you look in the CMP forums. In any event, the CMP is the way to go when buying a Garand.

Here is my 2 cents:

1. I went with the Springfield Special. More pricey than a service grade, but it is a beauty and I love it. It shoot great. You may get a nice service grade from the CMP but if I was going that route I would want to hand-pick one from the north or south store.

2. That may be.

3. I think I used kerosene on cosmoline in the past. If you need to treat the wood, PURE tung oil works nicely. A good quality gun grease in the right spots works wonders on the moving parts.

4. I buy my Garand ammo from the CMP only. Compared to commercial, it's a steal. Buy lots of it, and a bunch of clips.

5. I have not encountered a slam fire.

Best wishes and good luck. You will not regret buying and shooting a good CMP Garand. :)

But go buy the handgun anyway. You may want a nice 1911 to go with your Garand. ;)

[az_imuth]

Service Grade. I think that most people are very happy with the service grade M1's they receive from CMP and the vast majority of these rifles should easily meet your criteria in question #1. Ask for the highest serial no. available in either SA or HRA.:)

Sticky notes. My feeling is that a lot of people who receive what they requested on sticky notes just "got lucky". I could be way off, but that's my feeling for the most part. I do believe CMP may try to honor a serial no. range if you request it simply because that wouldn't require pulling the rifle and examining it like many of the other requests would require. In your case, asking for a "good shooter" may be ignored since the service grade is supposed to be the "good shooter" grade by definition.

Cosmoline. Some come with a lifetime supply of Cosmoline while others are clean as a whistle. Wipe down all the metal parts with your favorite solvent while your wood sits out in the sun in a black plastic bag. Pull the wood out on occasion and wipe it down. Repeat until it's tolerable. First time you shoot it much the Cosmoline will likely ooze out some more, but should get better and better over time.

Ammo. Buy from CMP...as much as you can, as often as you can.

Slamfires. Own several Garands and have been shooting them for a number of years, but have never experienced or seen a slamfire occur. Stick with M2 ball ammo and you're probably more likely to get hit by a meteor.

[subdude]

First, welcome to the addiction. By all means, check out the CMP forums, you'll learn LOTS there.

The CMP service grades are pretty much gonna be great shooters, and look decent. Last time I was at the South Store, they had quite a few that were quite nice. If you yellow sticky note the order, they will indeed try to accommodate. I'd ask for low numbers on the throat and muzzle erosion gauges first, then your choice of new or vintage wood.

The SG special is nice if you want a pristine rifle for a collection. I like mine to have a little character. ;)

Mineral Spirits melts cosmoline pretty nicely. I really wouldn't expect to have to clean it TOO much, the ones I've seen / received have been pretty clean.

Greek surplus HXP from the CMP is a bargain. Budget for lots of it.

Slam fires are generally caused by either soft cup primers, or primers not seated fully. MilSurp ammo will pretty much eliminate this, as they use harder primer cups.

Buy it. You won't regret it, and you'll never get one cheaper. And believe me, the "ping" is VERY addictive......

[UplandRifle]

As said, the CMP forums have just about any kind of information you want on the M-1. In addition to shooting-related information, there are a lot of threads related to correct/incorrect parts and collector-related material--interesting reading, if you get the desire to learn the nuances of Garand history and production.

1. Mail order service grades are usually good-to-go based on my experience and looking at other buyers' feedback on the CMP forums. The service grade specials are really nice rifles; probably worth the extra money if you really want a shooter, but I don't think you can go wrong with a service grade for the most part.

2. Sticky notes--luck of the draw.

3. Just about any solvent you have will take care of the metal. Putting the stock in a garbage bag out in the sun for a few hours a day for a few days will take care of the deep-seated cosmoline--just take it out and wipe the excreted cosmoline off after each day. After it's all out, the CMP forums have some good how-to's on different finishes to put on the stock.

4. Ammo: M2 ball, as much as you can from the CMP. The Greek stuff has been shooting well for me and I have yet to uncover a corroded round out of about the 900 I've shot so far.

5. Slamfires--haven't seen one yet in mine or anyone else's.

[dogrunner]

Hardcall. Given your criteria I most strongly suggest you take a good look at the Service Grade Special.......#RM1SASSP.....go currently for 950.

I picked one up at the North Store last August. Metal is pristine, flawless bore and finish. Apparently it'd never been fired. Wood is CMP cartouched and not original.......but you gotta look close to tell. With the correct stock it'd be an as new correct grade rifle.

I had picked up a very good cond. H&R on that trip, had the office hold it while I looked around, that's when I found the rifle I bought. That H&R had a lot more collector appeal......all original except for a few minor parts, all the correct cartouches et al, but I was looking for a shooter just as you are. I'm happy to say that my choice will hold three under a dime at a friend's 50 yard range!

Now if the wife hadn't been with me I'd have bit the bullet and taken both, but the aspect of having to endure a thousand mile trip with her after that was a bit more than I wanted to chance!

[mm1ut1]

If you intend to shoot in a Garand match and want to be competetive I'd post an ad at your local gun club. I've had several CMP service grade rifles that shot 8" groups at 100 yards. Others shot much better. Pretty much luck of the draw. Buying locally and having a chance to shoot it at the range might be worth the extra bucks to you.
Hornady sells 30-06 ammo for Garands. Shoots better than milsurp for most rifles. It's about $1.00/round.
Garands are really fun to shoot ! You'll probably end up buying more than 1 !

[james layman]

I only met one person that had a slamfire. He was told the rifle was .308. It was 30-06. The first round chambered, and click. Tried to chamber round 2. The round set off an explosion. He was badly injured. Murphy happens.

[chevyman097]

For 35 bucks you should be good to go to shoot whatever ammo you want according to this.

http://www.garandgear.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=75&category_id=33&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53&vmcchk=1&Itemid=109

Im rather new to garands too but I picked one up and have shot a few different brands of ammo and havnt noticed a problem with it.

I asked about it here shortly after getting my garand but didnt get much feedback. Maybe some more folks will chime in here.

I still stay away from the hornady and high perfomance stuff until I know more about it.

[TenDriver]

I just bought a service grade SA this week. High serial number and it shows very little wear. I played hookie from work and went to the south store. A helpful customer there helped me take down 4 rifles at the counter, all SA's. They were all mostly SA parts except for the bolts. Mostly original barrels, some had H&R trigger groups and all had H&R bolts. Plenty were in new CMP wood and aren't slathered in cosmolene. Mine has plenty on the metal.

I posted pics on a thread I started. My rifle seemed like a good representative of the SA's. They are nice.

[USSR]

The intent is for this rifle to be a shooter. I don't care about collector-grade quality, all period-correct parts, or WW2 vintage. I want it to function well, reliably, and be able to maintain combat accuracy out to 300m. Yes, I'd prefer that it look nice, but it doesn't have to look immaculate or brand new. With that in mind, will a standard Service Grade suffice, or is the Service Grade Special really worth the extra three hundred-odd dollars?


A Service Grade will serve you just fine. I have several of them, and they are both reliable and accurate. Save the $$$ difference between a Service Grade and the Service Grade Special, and spend it on the HXP ammo that the CMP sells.

I've read that when you place an order for one of these rifles, you can "sticky-note" in a request for certain things (within reason). If I wanted to communicate that I had a strong preference for the aforementioned "shooter" characteristics, what could I ask for without overly-inconveniencing the guys at the CMP? Unfortunately, a trip to the South Store is not going to be possible for me.

Things like "USGI walnut wood" or "a low muzzle wear reading" are things that can readily be seen by the person selecting your Garand, and you would have a much better chance of your request being realized than something more specific.

I realize that the rifle is probably going to arrive Han Solo-style in a solid block of cosmoline. What cleaning products do you all recommend for the wooden furniture and metal components? Any preference on oil/grease for after the cleaning is done

First, the current Garands are predominately returns from Greece. While a lot of guys are calling it cosmoline, it is not. The Greeks used grease, and turpentine or mineral spirits will work well in removing it.

Ammunition. I understand that this thing eats only M2 Ball, without the use of some sort of modified gas plug for modern cartridges. The only reliable source that I can find is from the CMP at $110+ per order. I'm not very familiar with pricing for .30-06, so is that a decent deal? I'm a little worried about keeping it fed in the long-term.

The Greek HXP ammo being sold through the CMP is the best deal going. It is good ammo, and much cheaper than anything you will find commercially. It is good for reloading, and if you don't reload, you can easily sell the fired brass to others who do, and offset your cost.

Slamfires. I had no idea about this issue prior to looking into Garands. While I gather that they're fairly rare when using the right kind of ammunition, the thought of it occurring is somewhat unnerving for a new gun owner. I suppose this just comes with the territory of mil-surp semi-autos?


While slamfires can happen with a defective rifle, it is primarily a concern for reloaders. If you reload, uniform your primer pockets to the correct depth, fully seat your primers, and don't use Federal primers. Hope that helps.

Don

[ol' scratch]

Gentlemen,

Approximately one week ago, I was days away from buying my first firearm - a handgun. My research had been exhaustive. I had been to a myriad of LGSs, handling every possible candidate. I had decided on a model, size, and caliber after weeks of reading reviews, making pros & cons lists, and personal budgeting.

Yes, I was ready.

I was excited.

I was utterly unprepared for what happened next.

Struggling to stay awake during the late night hours on a staff duty shift, I found myself thumbing through an old issue of American Rifleman. An ad caught my eye. It was for something called the Civilian Marksmanship Program, and pictured front and center was a gorgeous looking M1 Garand.

So here I am, one week of frenzied research later and ready to inexplicably pull the trigger on a CMP SA Service Grade. The handgun and rational thought forgotten. Were it any other firearm, I wouldn't be doing this. The opportunity to own the same rifle that both of my grandfathers carried through the Pacific is far too strong of an influence.

Having said this, I'd like to fire off a few questions for you Garand owners before I blunder ahead.


The intent is for this rifle to be a shooter. I don't care about collector-grade quality, all period-correct parts, or WW2 vintage. I want it to function well, reliably, and be able to maintain combat accuracy out to 300m. Yes, I'd prefer that it look nice, but it doesn't have to look immaculate or brand new. With that in mind, will a standard Service Grade suffice, or is the Service Grade Special really worth the extra three hundred-odd dollars?


I've read that when you place an order for one of these rifles, you can "sticky-note" in a request for certain things (within reason). If I wanted to communicate that I had a strong preference for the aforementioned "shooter" characteristics, what could I ask for without overly-inconveniencing the guys at the CMP? Unfortunately, a trip to the South Store is not going to be possible for me.


I realize that the rifle is probably going to arrive Han Solo-style in a solid block of cosmoline. What cleaning products do you all recommend for the wooden furniture and metal components? Any preference on oil/grease for after the cleaning is done


Ammunition. I understand that this thing eats only M2 Ball, without the use of some sort of modified gas plug for modern cartridges. The only reliable source that I can find is from the CMP at $110+ per order. I'm not very familiar with pricing for .30-06, so is that a decent deal? I'm a little worried about keeping it fed in the long-term.


Slamfires. I had no idea about this issue prior to looking into Garands. While I gather that they're fairly rare when using the right kind of ammunition, the thought of it occurring is somewhat unnerving for a new gun owner. I suppose this just comes with the territory of mil-surp semi-autos?

None of this will necessarily prevent me from buying the rifle, of course, but given that it'll be my first, I'd like to find out as much as I can.

Thanks for taking the time to read through this, everyone. I look forward to your replies.


First off...Congrats! I love my M1 Garands. I have two service grades and a special-a Winchester, a WWII Springfield and one service special I made correct with a stock swap, it is an H & R.

First answer..Get the standard service grade Garand. I have only one service special and it is as nice mechanically as my service grade, just with all matching HRA parts.

Second...If you just want a shooter, I wouldn't worry about a sticky. Most guys put a sticky on the rifle to ask for a WWII serial number. In the service grade area, they should all be good shooters.

Third...Cosmoline. I wipe off the heaviest globs with a rag and then clean with acetone. I have used a hair dryer heat to melt it off in the past too. Use BLO or Tung Oil to finish the stock. I use USGI grease, but only because I got it cheap. I have used Moly in the past with good results. Just make sure you use grease. M1's like their grease.

Fourth...Ammunition. The best price on 06' at the moment is through the CMP. The Greek ammo is good ammo and has good brass. You can shoot commercial, but as you mentioned get an adjustable gas plug. You seem to have some reservations in this area and let me put them to rest. It really is no big deal to swap out the gas plug in a Garand. You then have to 'tune' the new plug...Also not a big deal. If you are concerned regarding the avalabilty of procuring ammo for your beast, might I recommend getting into reloading? Something else to think about and lots of fun :D.

Fifth...Slam fires. I have never had one on a Garand. I think part of the problem associated with slam fires in a Garand was the combination of worn bolts and soft primers. Keep in mind that the AR 15, M 14 (M1A), SKS, AK and lots of other rifles use the same type of floating firing pin. I have personally taken sized and primed brass and let the bolt slam home on it until the primer looked as if it had fired. That was using a Remington Primer. It did not go off.

Something else to think about. Get some enblocs. They are still cheap, but not for long. Get as many as you can.

[Welding Rod]

If you want to be sure you will get a nice rifle get the SGS. If you don't mind a little bit of a gamble, go SG. Most recent reports have been that the SG rifles are in nice shape, but there is no guarantee that it will be any better than the minimum description criteria as stated by CMP.

I have not recieved a rifle from CMP with any appreciable amount of cosmoline or grease on it.

The 30-06 is easy to load for, reasonably cheap to load, and the brass is easy to hand and locate on the ground due to its large size. I would seriously consider reloading when shooting any semi-auto 308 or 30-06 rifle. They eat lots of ammo.

The Garand has several safety features designed into to it to prevent firing out of battery, provided the gun is in proper working order. However a high primer could be a problem in this or just about any other rifle for that matter. It is good to inspect any ammo for this before loading.

[stonecutter2]

1. Service grades are shooters. No need for the special, unless you want a really pristine rifle. The service grade is exactly what you should get, sounds like! My service grade looked pretty darn nice, though :) I have an HRA Service Grade. The rifle will be a mix of parts from different manufacturers and time periods. My rifle has an HRA reciever, original HRA barrel in fantastic shape - little muzzle wear or throat erosion - post-war SA trigger group (complete) and WWII era SA bolt.

2. Sticky notes aren't officially followed. Although it "never hurts to ask" as sometimes they seem to be honored (but no guarantees). I would recommend asking for a USGI stock, if possible. Some rifles come with new manufacture stocks, and well personally i like a real stock from "back then."

3. I used mineral spirits to clean cosmoline off all of my parts that would fit in a tupperware tub (the Ziploc disposable type), soaked then scrubbed with an old toothbrush. This will strip any and all grease/oil from the steel. I dried off the mineral spirits then immediately followed with a generous spraying of Rem Oil from an aerosol can, in another Ziploc tupperware tub. Then wiped with a rag.

The wood - use good ol' sunshine. Set the rifle stock on a black plastic garbage bag cut open, and let it sit in the sun. The cosmo will weep out, wipe it out occasionally. Cosmo was heated and then applied, reverse the process with heat. Don't do anything drastic, the cosmo will come out. Wipe the rifle down occasionally, until no more weeping - may take years. Bring a rag with you to the range :)

Oil/grease - aside from Rem Oil, I used Outers Rust Preventative (any good rust preventative gun oil will do), and in the buttstock of my M1, I found two old little tubs of Plastilube 130-A and a little rope used as a bore snake. So, I went to Brownell's and bought the same grease, only in a big metal tub. Wiped out the old, replaced with new. Grease only where the CMP tells you to, cover adequately but not excessively.

4. CMP M2 ball is the best deal i've found. Buy however much you can afford. Long term feeding concerns can be quelled with an adjustable gas plug, which will let you shoot commercial hunting ammo once you adjust the plug. I bought one for the day M2 ball dries up (whenever that is). It's a $30 insurance policy to let me enjoy shooting my M1 Garand forever; well worth it.

5. I have never had a slamfire. They can happen, I guess. Inspect all parts when disassembling for initial cleaning - tell CMP if something seems excessively worn/concerning. If it's bad, it will be obvious. They will likely send you a new part - they are good people. Just in case, be prepared with that first clip. If it works fine, load again and keep shootin' :)

You will never regret owning an M1 Garand, sounds like you have a personal connection to it, and they are beautiful machines. The cleaning/disassembly/assembly process really makes you appreciate what we had in WWII. They are still a devastating weapon, treat it well and with great respect.

[bryank30]

Here are my two baby's, a 1954 Springfield SG and a 1955 HRA SG. Both have new production boyd walnut stocks, and the HRA I did parkerize all metal :) Barrels were both 2 TE and 1 MW. New barrels can spec at that same amount. I"m very pleased!

[AK103K]

I have never had a slamfire. They can happen, I guess.
I have, and no guessing, they do.

They arent a normal thing, but they do happen, and trust me, its something you'd prefer to avoid.

You can help reduce the likelihood by using proper ammo, proper reloading practices(if you reload), especially those geared towards the M1, and by using either a clip or SLED when single loading.

[Orlando]

Get a Service Grade, enough said

[FlyinBryan]

what orlando said. speaking of orlando, why are you looking for s.a. garand #1382174? what would that be, like april or may of 1943?

[TxBobS]

I just got my first Garand and couldn't be happier. I got a Springfield service grade with 1 muzzle and 2 throat. The thing looks brand new. The stock IS new in fact. I'm attaching a few pics of it. Should be shot this weekend since my ball ammo has arrived from CMP.

I'm not saying you will get one that looks like this but I have seen more like this than not coming from the CMP lately.

[Hard Call]

Thank you all for the very informative replies. I greatly appreciate your input.

I believe that I will make my order for the standard SA Service Grade. Strange as it sounds, I'm not sure that I want it to be pristine. I think I'll enjoy putting some time into the rifle to make it shine again.

Thank you again, everyone. I feel a great deal more confident in moving forward with the purchase. Please feel free to continue the discussion - especially on cleaning products and strategies thereof.

Man, I can't get this order in fast enough.

[ol' scratch]

what orlando said. speaking of orlando, why are you looking for s.a. garand #1382174? what would that be, like april or may of 1943?
I would also like to know Orlando. Inquiring minds want to know!!!!

[DonP]

A gun is just a gun, but a Garand is your own shooting piece of history.

I have 2 so far. One is an original Springfield Armory, issued to the Fleet Marine Force in 1943, the other is a Danish loaner with a VAR re-barrel. (Yes, you can trace them by serial number)

My uncle was in the Marines in WWII (God rest his soul) and I took him shooting with my SA Garand. He actually started to weep holding one again.

Every nick and gouge on those stocks is history in your hands.

If someone told you you could buy one of the muskets from the Battle at Lexington, Concord Bridge or Cowpens for a few hundred bucks, you'd jump at it.

This is no different.

They shoot well and, with decent care, you'll hand it over to your grand kids.

Buy one while you still can for under a few thousand $$.

[FlyinBryan]

one of mine. springfield service grade built in the spring of 1944
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv162/flyinbryan_photos/Picture012.jpg

[TyGuy]

Does anyone know if the special grade comes greased up or not?

[FlyinBryan]

A gun is just a gun, but a Garand is your own shooting piece of history.

agreed. its something different. you just dont really get it until you fire one, at least i didnt.

i didnt expect it to bark downrange like it did. i was used to ar's and ak's,,,, sks's and such. totally different animal is the garand.

i didnt expect it to return to point of aim so quickly and naturally after launching a 150gr bullet at almost 3000fps like it did. its ready to hit what you want before you are ready to ask it to. it seems to seek out what you want, at any range.

i didnt expect it to recoil so comfortably. it has the perfect amount of recoil,,,, moreso than any firearm ive ever fired. it deposits the exact amount of 30-06 into my shoulder that is perfect for a very powerful rifle, and uses what i dont want to feel to reload its chamber and find zero for me back on target.

i didnt expect it to be so friigin accurate. not uncommon to fire an 8rd group @50yds you can hide with quarter. we were so freaked out by how accurate they were we tried a short lived experiment with an s&k scope mount from brownells and did this at 200yds.

(bullet was a 155g a-max. the loaded round in the target is a nosler bullet, put it there for scale)
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv162/flyinbryan_photos/Picture014-1.jpg

we ended up removing the s&k mount. it didnt look right on the rifle, and the iron sights are just too good not to have fun with, but as you can see, the m1 can shoot.

[Guy B. Meredith]

I think everything has pretty much been answered, but I'll add my observations just the same. The Garand is a real joy to shoot. I am genetically scrawny and on the senior side chronologically, but I can easily go through 80 rounds from the bench wearing no more padding on my shoulder than a light weight shirt.

1. The quality is as described at the web site but there can be quite a bit of variation within the groups. What you get through mail order is pretty much the luck of the draw. Best of all worlds is to visit the store and look at the rifles before buying. I bought two Field Grades; one is only able to hold about 4" at 100 yards, the other under 2". The Service Grade may be better yet and the Specials have new barrels.

2. Sticky notes couldn't hurt. The crew really does, I think, try to do well by their customers special request or not, but they do have limitations. Again a visit to the store is the best bet.

3. Neither of mine came with any cosmoline and were range ready out of the box. They do come from different sources over the years and some are in cosmoline. Supposedly all are test fired so I would assume some cosmoline would go during handling.

4. I use an adjustable Schuster plug (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/777146/schuster-dcm-adjustable-gas-plug-with-wrench-m1-garand-steel-parkerized) which allows control of the gas feeding from a variety of brands of ammo.

I found that I got tighter groups when using the plug to adjust for the ammo. You just open it up to the point where the bolt is not being activated and gradually tighten up until the bolt operates reliably.

The CMP ammo, both LC and Greek, attracts a magnet as the bullet is clad in mild steel rather than brass or whatever. Some ranges do not allow its use for fear of striking sparks on rocks on the range. There is some newer Greek ammo at CMP which is not listed as attracting a magnet, but I've not followed up to check that out.

5. I've heard rumors of slamfires, but not been a witness.

[nstoolman1]

I have one. I did not purchase from CMP. That being said when you get the rifle the best advice I was given was field strip the entire rifle. Especially the bolt and clean the firing pin. Then oil/grease the proper wear points. A dirty sticking firing pin can cause a slam fire. Also unless you pay for them ahead of time invest in a good set of springs for it. Thats my .02 worth. You will love it.

[P-32]

I don't see where a sticky note would hurt. Just don't ask for better wood. I would ask for a shooter. I've had good luck with that.

Learn where to grease your new M1. Some people think they just need oil. Not true, it's grease.

Find a John C Garand match to shoot. Not only will you learn how to shoot your M1, it's a hoot.

[Orlando]

All grade of CMP Garands need detail sripeed and greased

[greyling22]

this is my garand that showed up a week or 2 ago.

service grade springfield. new birch stock. I sticky noted asking for a good barrel. metalwork appears 90% or better. Don't know how it shoots yet.

I am a little disappointed that I didn't get a more......historic stock. Anybody want to trade a new cmp birch for an old walnut one in decent shape? something alone the lines of this one http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/045/9/5/m1_garand_and_fixins_by_rcbif-d39j352.jpg

[carbine85]

Are you sure you meet the requirements to purchase from the CMP? I only ask since you mentioned it's your first firearm.
I recently bought a service grade from the CMP and couldn't be happier. The metal looks new and it gauges at 1 & 1. It came with some Greek graffiti carved in the stock but the stock refinished nicely. From what I have heard the carvings happen a lot.
The Greek ammo shoots great and it's the cheapest around.

[Warp]

I went to the South Store myself a few days ago. Not that I really know what I am looking at, but I think I looked over every service grade they had on the racks. They all looked pretty good to me. There were plenty of choices with 2+, or lower, on both erosion numbers, and several 1+/2+. Lots with new CMP stocks (great if you are after a shooter).

greyling22: Funny you should post that picture. I did a bunch of searching and reading before making the decision to drive out and pic up the rifle. Your picture was one I kept open. I decided I wanted to go find one just like that. :)

I think you will want to at least field strip the rifle to look it over and apply grease/oil where appropriate. I haven't done that yet, myself, waiting for the grease I ordered to arrive. There are a lot of choices for grease, and everybody seems to have their preference. I went with the Mobil 1 synthetic grease applicator kit offered by garandgear. http://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand/detail/33-springs-and-things/flypage/79-grease-applicator-kit?sef=hcfp

You can't beat the ammo prices straight from CMP. The HXP M2 Ball is far less $$$ than anything else I have found available at this time, and the condition seems to be much better than what the CMP warns of. (CMP seems to err on the side of caution when describing item condition, just to be safe). They also have new production Hornady ammunition for less than what you will pay anywhere else. I got a couple hundred of the 168gr match rounds in addition to 600 of the M2 ball.

You'll probably want a sling. A basic (new!) GI Web sling can be found for about $15.

Here is the one I picked out. It's a 5.8 million Springfield Service Grade.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/15d718f1.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/686b43ed.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/450e7333.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/084a6afe.jpg



And the selection they had at the store (the SA service grades on the bottom right in this pic specifically)

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/a978ebd4.jpg

[FlyinBryan]

boy that is beautiful warp.

it might interest you to know that s.a. 5.8's are often found to be excellent quality.

i have one 5.8 that is excellent, and ive heard it from others as well.

[Warp]

Good to know, good to know.

I plan to get it to an Appleseed (never been) next month. (10/22 first)

[RCArms.com]

This is a CMP Field Grade Winchester that I received last month. I've replaced the stock set on it, other than that, its as-received.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-251%20WRA%202361275/03-251A-r.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-251%20WRA%202361275/03-251-left.jpg
Album Link: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-251%20WRA%202361275/

This is a HRA Service grade as received. All HRA except for the SA stock.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-252%20HRA%205516903/03-252-R.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-252%20HRA%205516903/03-252-L.jpg
Album: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/0603/ddr223/personal/03-252%20HRA%205516903/

Ive gotten some dogs from them in the past, but I am very pleased overall with what I've received over the past 10 years.

[Auto426]

You guys are killing me here. I sent my order off to the CMP for a service grade Springfield 3 days ago. I can't wait to see what the CMP sends back, and these pictures are driving me nuts thinking of it.

I stickied the order form asking for a new stock and good barrel wear readings. Frankly having G.I. wood doesn't matter much to me since the rifle I get will probably be post war production and be a mix of different parts anyway and I just like the feel of a nice clean and new piece of wood.

Good luck with your order!

[TenDriver]

I went to the South Store and brought this service grade SA home. 5.8M serial number, everything matches except the HRA bolt and CMP stock.

We just got back from it's first trip to the range. I've shot most of the common stuff. AK's SKS, AR-15, AR-180, Mosin, leverguns, Mini-14 / -30s. There is NOTHING that compares to shooting a Garand! It is a different animal from the rest. The loud, vocal BOOM. Firm, but not harsh push. The way it feels and aims. And of course the "ping" from the clip ejecting. You will have an ear to ear smile that won't fade until well after you're home from the range.

You need a Garand.....

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll119/TenDriver/IMG_1641.jpg

[SilentStalker]

I just inherited some of these bad boys and plan on going to CMP here soon to pick me out another. Unfortunately, I know hardly nothing about these rifles. Where is the best place to learn about these things as far as maintenance and function? I really want to shoot them as well. However, I have some reservations about doing so since I do not know much about them and because they are 2x my age. I want to make sure I can shoot them safely. Would it be wise to get them checked out by a smith? Also, my carbine just says cal .30 MI so I am a little confused on what to run through it. Any help at all here would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[stonecutter2]

I just inherited some of these bad boys and plan on going to CMP here soon to pick me out another. Unfortunately, I know hardly nothing about these rifles. Where is the best place to learn about these things as far as maintenance and function? I really want to shoot them as well. However, I have some reservations about doing so since I do not know much about them and because they are 2x my age. I want to make sure I can shoot them safely. Would it be wise to get them checked out by a smith? Also, my carbine just says cal .30 MI so I am a little confused on what to run through it. Any help at all here would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
This website from the CMP lists all of the Garand's parts, as well as detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions.
http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/

Note: don't follow the rear handguard disassembly instructions. I've heard that's not the best way to take it off, that most people slide it off the barrel. In fact with my Garand I've never taken it off...I really haven't had to. I'd rather leave it be than accidentally crack it.

Go slowly and clean each part as you go.

As for function, this website has a great animation that you can really understand how the Garand does what it does internally!
http://www.garandflash.com/feeding.html

[az_imuth]

One of each...;)

http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/all4b800stc-1.jpg

[SilentStalker]

Don't you have to be member of some gun clubs to purchase a rifle from CMP? I am not a member of anything really. I would join tge NRA but I do not feel that they use the money wisely but I may join at some point. I would like to go get one of these in the next few weeks though. Is it true you have to be a member of all of this to purchase?

[Warp]

Don't you have to be member of some gun clubs to purchase a rifle from CMP? I am not a member of anything really. I would join tge NRA but I do not feel that they use the money wisely but I may join at some point. I would like to go get one of these in the next few weeks though. Is it true you have to be a member of all of this to purchase?

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

It's not difficult. Example: I just got the idea to buy a CMP Garand put into my head on Sunday. Sunday as in 6 days ago. I got online and starting reading all I could Sunday night. By Monday night I had decided to do it. On Tuesday I did what I needed to do to be eligible. On Wednesday I drove to the South Store and picked out a gun. I could have just as easily sent out an order on Wednesday. (which would have been cheaper for sure)

You can join the GCA (garand collector's association) online, release the your membership to the CMP/print your receipt, and bingo...you are a verifiable member of an affiliated organization.

The marksmanship part was most difficult for me (operating on 1 day's notice, anyway). I have never paid for a training course (have been professionally trained, but don't have paperwork on it) but fortunately I know a LEO who has shot with me before so I had him fill out the form. :)

Just read the link above. It isn't difficult. :)

[TxBobS]

Another qualifying club that advertises here is Revolutionary War Veterans Association through the Appleseed Project. http://appleseedinfo.org/join_rwva.html Lots of fun Appleseed is.

[FlyinBryan]

The marksmanship part was most difficult for me (operating on 1 day's notice, anyway). I have never paid for a training course (have been professionally trained, but don't have paperwork on it) but fortunately I know a LEO who has shot with me before so I had him fill out the form.

yep. that works.

they also accept a state concealed handgun license. i already had one so it was the easiest part of my qualifying for membership.

it was all actually very easy to be honest.

[SilentStalker]

Well, I already have the state concealed license so I guess all I need is a membership of some club like the Garand Collector's Association then, huh?

[TenDriver]

If you go to the store, don't forget proof of citizenship. Birth certificate / passport works.

[SilentStalker]

Awesome. Thanks guys. I have a passport so I will most likely just take that. Can you take one home the same day?

[Warp]

yep. that works.

they also accept a state concealed handgun license. i already had one so it was the easiest part of my qualifying for membership.

it was all actually very easy to be honest.

Now that you mention it, I have a Georgia Firearms License, but I didn't realize that would satisfy the requirement until I was actually in the store, lol, but the nice woman at the window verified that that would have worked as well. It really doesn't make much sense, to me, because GA does not require any training to get the license. I guess the CMP doesn't want to bother keeping track of what states require training for a carry license or treat them differently.

[TenDriver]

As long as there are no NICS hold ups and you qualify, you'll take your rifle home that day. If you're going to the South Store, I recommend getting it shipped home unless you're an Alabama resident. For a service grade you're looking at $44 to ship it home, or $63 in taxes if you take it. You'll get the rifle case either way. If they don't include one, ask for an empty chamber flag. The armorer that delivered mine included one and said a few of the other guys often don't. Ammo will be delivered to your car from the warehouse if you buy it.

[TxBobS]

You do get it cheaper if you have it shipped, but you will have to have an adult signature in order to receive it. Might be a consideration for some.

[Orlando]

You dont need any so called high tech gun grease. Any wheel bearing grease is overkill for the Garand.
IMO the M1 Garand Collectors Club is a much better deal than the GCA. If you join the GCA its $25 and your memebership is only good for 4 months as their membership runs Sept-Sept no matter when you join http://www.m1collectorsclub.com/
The M1 Collectors Club is $14 and runs for a full year from the day you join. No quasrterly magazine but a good cheap way of fullfilling Club Membership. Just like the GCA they will forward Club Membership details directly to CMP or you can join one of the CMP stores

[TxBobS]

I believe that grease he bought is just Mobile 1 synthetic wheel grease that you can get at the local auto parts store. Stuff works great by the way. He just bought it with an applicator kit thingy.

[Warp]

You dont need any so called high tech gun grease. Any wheel bearing grease is overkill for the Garand.
IMO the M1 Garand Collectors Club is a much better deal than the GCA. If you join the GCA its $25 and your memebership is only good for 4 months as their membership runs Sept-Sept no matter when you join http://www.m1collectorsclub.com/
The M1 Collectors Club is $14 and runs for a full year from the day you join. No quasrterly magazine but a good cheap way of fullfilling Club Membership. Just like the GCA they will forward Club Membership details directly to CMP or you can join one of the CMP stores

Perhaps so, but if you join the M1 Collector's Club how long does it take to get proof of membership to give the CMP? That was what did it for me. I joined the GCA online and had instant proof of membership for CMP.

[Orlando]

As I already stated in my post the M1 Collectors Club will send your club info directly to CMP as soon as you join, just as the GCA does
Dont get me wrong the GCA is a good way to fullfill membership portion of qualifications and their quarterly publication is nice but having to pay full price for a few months of membership I dont think is a very good deal, especially when the M1CC is $11 cheaper and you get a full year.
I would rather save $$$ and spend it on ammo

[Warp]

Seems I should have gone M1 Collector's Club. Assuming they have online signup.

Ammo is too damn expensive. Always need more money for it. :(

[CapnMac]

If you are starting out, buy the ammo in bandoliers, these will have en bloc clips included. The last Market Hall show I went to, they were selling en bloc for about 75¢ each, or 10 for $5; I've seen them mail-order as high as $1 each (which is absurd).

But, I'm biased in this, i remember when it was about 50 per dollar, and you had to take a bag-full, as nobody wanted to load them back up again. That, and I bought a nail keg once, for all of $10, and found it was chock-full. i probably still have too many, even having given them away in handfuls.

[Warp]

Who has ammo available at a good price in bandoliers, though?? What can possibly compete with the HXP from CMP that is $110, shipped, per 200?

[Nuclear]

Last time I looked, CMP doesn't have any clipped ammo available and is having a contractor produce new clips for them (the clips will be available in a couple of months).

Going to a range with an M1 Garand is a hoot! Everyone comes over to look at what you are shooting. I usually offer to let people shoot a clip through it if they want. Last time it was a guy still in college, a recent vet and an old DI who learned to shoot in the Marines with one.

[CZguy]

Going to a range with an M1 Garand is a hoot! Everyone comes over to look at what you are shooting. I usually offer to let people shoot a clip through it if they want. Last time it was a guy still in college, a recent vet and an old DI who learned to shoot in the Marines with one.

I do the same thing. :) Lots of fun conversations.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/badgerone/M1GarandHRA.jpg

[Hard Call]

Hey all,

Just thought I'd give this thread an update. I received my M1 Garand in the mail about a week ago. It has a WWII S/N, with wood and metal in great shape. The stock is almost certainly a recent replacement, might be birch, but I'm no expert. Work is keeping me from giving the rifle the attention it deserves, but I'll be giving it a thorough cleaning and inspection as soon as I'm able.

Pics below.

Date of Manufacture: September 1944
TE/MW: 2/2

Current plan is to strip the small components with a de-greaser and immediately treat with WD-40, although the rifle does not outwardly appear to be greasy or covered in cosmo. I'll probably use some Hoppe's solvent on the barrel, treat the wood with Tung Oil and Gunny Wax, and finish up with some Mobil 1 grease / Hoppe's no.9 oil for all proscribed lubrication.

Thoughts on that are welcome, of course. Thanks for supporting this thread!

[Ignition Override]

Congratulations.

My action # is 580xxxx and is the last of the SA series.
Your wood is much nicer than mine, but the friend who bought it for me found one of the best bores at Camp Perry, in July '10.

This friend has contacts inside the CMP, from his previous days on the Navy Marks. Team.
Two years ago certain guys helping out at the Camp Perry store could actually fish around, and swap components for others that certainly will never match, but result in a given rifle having all H&R, SA etc parts. That's a nice boost to the collectors' value.

[SunnySlopes]

tagged

[TenDriver]

I bought a Service Grade SA at the South Store a couple of months ago. Many were all correct except the bolt, and several in CMP wood. Almost all were TE 2, MW 1 and gauged less when checked.

I would hit the CMP forums and find someone making a trip to the store to pick one out for you. I'd volunteer but it's going to be several months before I'm in that area and my knowledge is basic at best.