[Norton]

Spot77 and I are off to Camp Perry at 0200 on Tuesday so that I can pick up my Garand. I know it's silly to drive 14 hours round trip when I could just order it, but it was high time for a guys only road trip:D

So...help me pick my new Garand.....I'm thinking a SA service grade or maybe the Danish issue with the VAR barrel.

What should I be looking for in my new rifle? Throat erosion, muzzle wear, covered....but what else would you look for that would set one rifle apart from the other?

A full report of the trip upon our return......

[1911Ron]

No it's not silly to do a road trip, it should be required at least once in a while. Which one? The one that calls to you of course:D good wood is important, but don't be fooled by dirty or grungy wood it usally cleans up good. I like mine:D it cleaned up good.

[Kalos]

Good times. :) The VAR-barrelled Danes are all gone, sadly; what you'll have up there are SA service and rack grades, plus the collector's grade HRAs (which I wouldn't recommend if you're looking for something to shoot), '03A3s, and M1917s. Don't be afraid to talk to the staff up there--they're all helpful, friendly and knowledgable, and carry muzzle/throat erosion gauges in their pockets to double check what the tags say. And take a look at the rack grades--look for ones marked 'bore' that might have acceptable muzzle/throat readings. The ones marked 'bore' are put into rack grade for bore condition--which might just mean that someone forgot to clean 'em before putting them away for the last time. They've got cleaning rods, so you might find a real beauty for $100 less than a service grade. :) Oh, and if you don't have a good sling, pick up one of the Turner Saddlery slings they've got up there. They're actually cheaper ($5) than buying directly from Turner's website, I believe. :P

Good luck! For a little inspiration, here's my service grade... not a great pic, but I do believe her beauty shines through. :D

[Norton]

Lookin' good there Kalos!

Thanks for the input to both you and Ron. Anyone have any thoughts on the Greeks that just came in?

[echo3mike]

Kind'a bit by the Garand bug, too. The scuttlebutt on the CMP Forums (http://www.odcmp.org/forum/) has the SG Greeks with poor to respectable TE/MW's but some pretty horrific wood. Seems to be as much of a crap shoot as the US category.


FWIW,
S.

[ReadyontheRight]

I think it's very worthwhile to go there. Last year during Camp Perry they had some good examples of many of the "Sold Out" categories. They even set out a nice Winchester upon which they had just put a brand new barrel. Sadly, I had spent all my $$$.

If it's not too busy, they can also help you decide.

Have fun!