The CMP has tons of all correct HRA's and SA's. They vary from excellent like new condition, to well used. In between there are a thousands that have lots of handling wear, but were never issued. These are late model rifles that were sent to Greece.
They also have ton's of Arsenal rebuilds.
The best of the all correct best are sold as Collector Grade. They have the most finish, least dings. And they are sold with all correct parts.
All correct rifles sold as a lesser grade have the parts mixed around. This is done when the rifles are disassembled for inspection. The guy at the bench is under direction to ensure than no lesser grade rifle leaves with all matching parts. The CMP swaps out the marked parts: bolts, operating rods, stocks, trigger guards. The amount of swapping depends. It is usually a minimum of two parts, but it can be all of the parts, in any random selection.
Really excellent condition SA/HRA stocks are laid aside, and fitted to rifles with really excellent metal finish, and sold for the premium Collector Grade.
If a rifle has a rare stock, that is laid aside. IHC, WWII correct stocks, etc. The CMP has a shortage of stocks, and is using Boyd’s stocks to finish out lesser grade rifles. Those rifles look good.
So, if you want to increase your chance of getting an all correct rifle, buy a late model SA and a HRA.
There is no guarantee that the swapped parts in your rifles will either be HRA or late model SA, (remember the rebuilds that might be on the bench at the same time) but if they are, you might be able to swap parts between rifles to get close to an all correct rifle.
Now, some are going to ask, why does the CMP do this?:
It maintains the high prices they can charge for the Collector Grade, and it ensures that no one who paid for a Collector Grade rifle can complain about having paid $350.00 more, but they don’t think it was worth it after they examined a friends all correct “Standard Grade”.
CMP deigns this, but I know people who worked there and told me what was going on. Then of course there is the evidence of those Standard Grade and Rack Grade rifles, rifles that from the finish wear have not been fired since the factory, have the correct receiver and barrel, and yet, somehow two or all of the marked parts are missing.
Ask around, how come since the Volunteers were kicked out, how many all correct standard grade, or rack grade rifles have you examined?
