[45Badger]

I'm starting to feel feverish. Eyesight's getting bleary. Sure sign it's getting time to buy a gun. I've been ogling M1 Garands at shows. Aside from cosmetic appeal, what (and how) should I be looking for in a quality peice.

I plan on shooting it. I don't know enough and at this point don't care that it is "original", but I would like a "correct" gun, preferably without import marks.

What is price range for correct guns in fine+ condition? Where and how do I start the search? Seems to me that there is a wide range of asking prices on a wide range of quality. I don't want to spend $1000 on a $600 gun.

All advice and insight appreciated. Thanks!

[PerfectGlock]

Don't buy one- you'll get Garanditis. And then, you'll need another Garand. And another. Just one more...and then another. You'll go broke buying Garands of different histories, WWII, Korea, Danish, Lend-Lease British Garands, and then you'll look for the other copies and WWII semi-autos. Hakims, G43s, maybe even the Japanese Garand:eek: !

That said, the best place to start the addiction is the CMP:D

It will take jumping through many hoops, but in the end, you've got access to 1903's, .22 trainers, and more US Military surplus rifle parts and accessories.

Whatever you do, don't buy a Century Garands, they are POSs. The new Springfield Armory M1s are nice, but the quality isn't as good as the USGI models and they don't have the history.

That's all I can think of at this moment.

Oh yeah, here's the link to the CMP:

www.odcmp.com
-or-
www.odcmp.org

Enjoy

[3 gun]

I'll second the CMP, stay away from copies post. The best thing to do is get one of the Scott Duff books on the M1 Garand and do some homework if you must buy at a show/shop. Stick to USGI receivers based rifles and have fun!

[Bostonterrier97]

Best way to get a Garand for your Money is through the CMP.

[Kahr carrier]

CMP-Civilian Markmanship Program ,Is a great way to get a Garand an its even fun ,You have to shoot in one High power Match.:)

[dude]

......nothing wrong with Century Garands, I used one as a 'kit' to build a nice .308 shooter

[Marshall]

Starting to need a Garand...

I just love the way this thread is titled! It tells all, you don't even need to read the rest! :D

[Sleeping Dog]

As long as you're only "starting" to need a Garand, there's still time to work on the Civilian Marksmanship Program (http://www.odcmp.com) requirements, like getting into a qualifying shooting event.

When you actually need one, you'll have that hoop already jumped through. :)

Regards.

[Steve in PA]

I'll throw in my vote for CMP. Recently received a USGI SA/SG from them and I am quite pleased!!!!! Just wish the weather would break so I can go out and shoot it!!!!!

[Blackcloud6]

Get Service Grade M1 from CMP. It will shoot well and last a long time. Be careful though they're like Lays potato chips. I only wanted one and now have 5 with two more on order.

[jacks308]

Kinda tuff to get an all "correct gun" without spending a lot more than $600 . If economy is on yer mind ya better steer a wide berth around M1 in general . They'll run ya to the po house !!

Jack

[45Badger]

I don't mind spending the money, I just don't know what to spend it on.

I'm happy to spend the grand+ on a Garand, but I don't want to spend it on a gun worth $600. Beyond appearance, I don't know the difference between a $600, $1000, or $1600 Garand.

I'll go the CMP route, but I probably am going to end up wanting a nicer gun. Thanks all.

[ScottsGT]

It'a real bad sickness, with only one cure. A Garand. I had it REAL bad last month. I got my inoculation through the CMP. Found out that the CWP shooting test I took quailfies, along with joining the GCA. $419 later, I have a 1944 Springfield. Now I'm in for another $300 for a new stock and a repark. She'll be out of the shop on friday. Cannot wait!

[Blackcloud6]

BTW, a CMP Garand is a "correct" gun. It is in the configuration that it was in when it left military service.

There are relatively very few "correct" WWII guns out or guns that have all the original parts on it when it left the factory. The Garand was designed to have interchangable parts.

There are many 'restored" guns out there where people have swapped out parts to have all the same manufacturer parts on the guns, even to the point of ensuring they were the right part for time frame that the gun was manufactured. However, are these really correct? The gun as it comes out of CMP is more correct in my opinion.

Also, if one has restored the to "manufacturer correct" did the person properly check headspace and other alignments, etc?

There's a good post about this over at Culver's Shooting Page.

I still say, your best bet is to go with a CMP gun. It should have been checked and test fired by CMP before it shipped. Unless you really know what your looking at gun shows, you might be buying and unsafe or worn out gun.

[BobP]

I just bought a new Springfield. I can't explain how it happened. I've never even fired one. I was in the local gun store browsing for a Glock for my wife, saw the Garand, hefted it, let my 13 / 18 yr. old sons do the same, and had to have it. Impulsive? Yeah. Regrets? None. I've also been told to go the CMP route and will do so for my next one.

[3 gun]

I'm so happy with my CMP rifle I plan on getting another. I just saw on their web page they have rifles at the North Store (Camp Perry). Membership in the USPSA is also a way to earn competition credit for the program. A rack grade rifle would be a great way to get a solid rifle for rebuilding at a lot less than $600. Or you can also get stripped receivers for around $250 and have the rifle built to exactly what you want.

The CMP program is without question the best place for a non expert on the M1 to get a good rifle.

[Chipperman]

"Starting to need a Garand... "

You've Always needed one, you're just beginning to realize it now. :evil:

[45Badger]

Picked it up today at gun club's annual gunshow.

CMP gun, shipped in 1997. All Springfield, TE measures 2-2.5, bore bright, rifling crisp, muzzle looks clean/nice. I can't wait to shoot it!

Serial # 9708XX. Anybody know when it was made?

Has neat trigger group. Trigger guard has a "hole" at rear. Part looks milled vs stamped. Also rear sight has a bar across the windage adjustment dial, kind of a lock? Some folks at show said these were early features. Anybody know or confirm?

Anyway, I love it. :)

[telewinz]

I had a Garand 15 years ago and got rid of it. In the last year I got another Garand because I missed my first one. Problem is I have gotten several other "battle rifles" since and the Garand has lost alot of it's luster in comparison. Dare I say it :what: I'd take an FN49, an FAL, or a Romak 3 anytime, any day of the week instead of the Garand.:evil:

[Tom J.]

45 Badger:
Your rifle was made in Nov.1942.The lock bar windage knob and milled trigger guard are early features and correct for that serial number range. Enjoy your new rifle!

[45Badger]

And it SHOOTS! Range was very crowded this morning (first nice day oin 6 months!), so I was only able to get on 50 yard targets.

First 8 rounds of surplus (Danish, I think) produced 7 in 1.25", with one flyer about 3" north of group. For a 1942 gun, I'm very pleased:D

[aerod1]

I have a CMP Garand. I don't think you will be disappointed. Go after it!
Jim Hall

[Gewehr98]

"Starting to need ANOTHER Garand" ;)

Go for it! ( I did)

http://mauser98.com/stack9.jpg

[DVDTracker]

Crap! After seeing that picture, I may need to buy two more CMP Garands so I can use the stacking swivels. :)

Memorable moments in my personal shooting history... Taking my first CMP Garand out to the range, loading a clip, taking aim at the 50yd target and putting the very first shot in the 10-ring.

Garands turn ammo into noise & smiles. :)