CMP Rackgrade Garands

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mtnbkr

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Are the rackgrade Garands that bad? I ask because I'd like to get a Garand "just to have", but I don't know if I want to spend the extra money for a Service Grade model. I don't mind if it's not perfect cosmetically or if it won't hold moa. However, I don't want a pitted, rusted, and otherwise unusable gun or one that can't hold at least 3" or so at 100yds.

I'm not a Garand fanatic, it's just another rifle to me, but I recognize that they're collectable with a history. I'd like to add one or more to my collection for my daughter and any future kids.

Chris
 
I'd like to add one or more to my collection for my daughter and any future kids.
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Get the Service Grade then. USGI $500.00 Greek $450.00
It may be a rifle you, but your kids may feel differently.

The chances of your getting a really good Rack Grade M1 is slim, unless you can cherry pick one.

If you live close to Camp Perry or Anniston AL, then you can pick your own rifle. If you order one, they pick it for you.

The three M1's I purchased at Camp Perry, all had new barrels. All three will hold 2" or better at 100 yards.
 
Just to add.

I am not a rack grade snob, but I just couldn't find a good one at the CMP store.

Most I looked at would swallow a muzzle gauge right up.
 
Don't buy the Rack Grade just to save a few bucks. The cost savings isn't worth it for what you'll get. For a shooter, you'll be MUCH happier with a US or Greek Service Grade.

In my mind, the ONLY reason to buy a Rack Grade is for a rifle that you plan to rebarrel. It makes a great starter kit for a match rifle project or a conversion to .308. Other than that, avoid the Rack Grades.
 
Two questions:

Is there any difference between the Greek and USGI versions as far as expected condition?

How hard is it to rebarrel a garand? Is it a gunsmithing proposition like a bolt rifle or a drop in like my 10/22 (not the best comparison, but you get my idea)? I like working on my guns and the idea of a project gun that's not too hard to work on is attractive.

Good info so far. Thanks!

Chris
 
The USGI was issued to American GI's, then kept in the US after service.
The Greek M1's are the same, except they were lent to Greece after the war.
Although, the Greeks did replace some of the stocks.

The CMP repatriated them and they are not import marked.


To rebarrel one, it is best to have a Gunsmith that is familiar with the M1 do it.
I had thought about buying a Greek RG gun, and sending it to Fulton, but found a super SG instead.
 
If you are only going to have one or two Garands rebarreled, have a gunsmith do it. If you are going to be building up a bunch of Garands, then it's probably worth the investment in a barrel wrench and the other tools you'll need.
 
Just to be different, I ordered a RG Winchester in Dec 03. I just wanted a Winchester. I got one marked finish. It had a small spot of discoloration on the heel. The rifle had a Brand new (as in not worn) LMR barrel that will out shoot my SG. It also had more park than my Springfield SG. That said, I was REAL lucky. Get a SG for a first.
 
MY recent rack grade cosmetically was as good or better than my last service grade .The barrel on my rack grade is definitely going to need replacement. I was planning on converting a Garand to 308 so the rack grade seemed like a good gun to start with.
 
So if you get a rack grade piece with a TE of 4 or 5, about how many rounds would the barrel survive before it should be replaced? Is there an inherent danger in shooting the worn barrel? Or just shotgun accuracy?
 
Get a Service Grade if you can, they are the best deal going out there. I have one and am very pleased with it.

If you want to get a Rack Grade, get one of the Greek Rack Grade's for $295.00, then get it re-barreled (for about $200.00).
 
I was fortunate to get one of the Springfield Service Grade Danish Issue rifles with a VAR barrel. The barrel was in excellent shape with a TE of 2 and although the stock is in pretty poor condition, it is very accurate with <3" groups at 100 yds off a sandbag.

If you can work it, the best way is to go to Camp Perry OH where you can select your own rifle. They have staff who can help with your selection and it just has to be fun to be able to stroll around the racks full of M1's. You just take the paperwork with you and bring a credit card.
 
So if you get a rack grade piece with a TE of 4 or 5, about how many rounds would the barrel survive before it should be replaced? Is there an inherent danger in shooting the worn barrel? Or just shotgun accuracy?
Click to expand...

The problem is that in edition to a high TE, Rack Grade guns may also have excessive wear or damage on the muzzle. This destroys accuracy.

While it's possible to get a good rack grade gun, your odds are much better with a service grade. By a "good" rack grade, I mean one that still shoots OK, even with a high TE, but that doesn't have excessive muzzle wear or damage or any other problems.

For reference, the maximum TE for a gun to be sent overeases into combat was 5. At 8 the gun was unservicable and was to be rebarreled.
 
I'm sure its already passed but what are the dates for Camp Perry?
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Do you mean for the Springfield, and the Garand match?

The Springfield match was on the 6th of this month, and the Garand match was on the 7th.
 
Is that the big "Camp Perry" Matches held each year or are there matches all year long?
 
They hold the National Matches once a year. I think the CMP matches last only a week, but the NRA match are a lot longer.

I am not sure, but I think the regular matches last for 2 months.

The ORPA (Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association) holds several shoots there also.

Camp Perry
 
The CMP store at Camp Perry is open all year round, not just during the matches. Go to www.odcmp.com for more info.

If you plan on going, call first and see if the selection is picked over or if they've just received a shipment. Try to go close to when they get more guns in, in order to have a few more to look at.
 
I've got three CMP Garands, one is a WRA Rack Grade. It is almost as accurate as my Dane VAR, but the finish on the WRA is worn, and the bore is a bit frosty.
I'd say, go Service Grade, for the first one anyways.:cool:
 
Other than historical background, is there any difference between the Greek and USGI service grade garands? They're both going to be in roughly the same shape and functionality, right? Or is the USGI a safer bet?

Chris
 
The Greek Garands went to Greece as "Lend - Lease" aid and were returned when the Greeks no longer needed them. (Imagine that, we lent them out, and they came back!)

The Greek guns are the same basic gun as the US Service Grade, but on the ones I've seen, the wood is rougher. They also may have Greek done repairs on the wood.

Personally, if I was only going to buy one CMP Garand, I'd go with the US Service Grade. For the money, I think you have the best chance of getting a nice rifle.
 
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