At the moment, CMP is backed up in most categories of M1 Garand. Mark Johnson, COO of CMP, has stated in posts on the CMP forum:
1. when caught up on backlog of current orders, there will be rifles available in some (perhaps, most) categories
2. the stock of M1 Garands will run out in mid- to late 2017
I had the pleasure of attending the Jan. 2015 Advanced maintenance Class at CMP HQ in Anniston, AL where I had the privilege of building a "new" M1 under the guidance of the CMP Custom Shop staff from completely refurbished and reparkerized parts to my preference (more on that below). While there, I toured the facility, including the area where cases of rifles returned to the US Army and subsequently transferred to CMP under statute, are stored and opened.
The CMP does not know exactly what condition of M1s it has until those crates are actually opened and inspected by CMP armorers. Thus, the count of rifles can be projected by the number of crates and enumeration of contents on the inventory forms but the condition and grading of those rifles is unknown until inspected.
These facts suggest that an interested prospective buyer may well advantage themselves by buying from the CMP auction where the purchased rifle can be ascertained. There may well never be "correct" grade, "collector" grade, or even "service" grade rifles available again except via auction because of limited number. This may translate into substantial increases in selling price to these grades with accompanying documentation. There will certainly be some "special" grade rifles which are refurb/repark builds by CMP armorers...and the "specials" may be available in multiple grades, depending on the starting grade of the receivers.
I referred above to the AMC I attended and the rifle I built. It began life with a SA 2,222,2XX serial number (late 1944 manufacture) in excellent refurb/repark condition. I was able to select parts for it that were mostly time period correct (based on manufacturer and heat lot number) but importantly, I got type 2 lock bar rear sights, an uncut op rod, and a round top gas lock. I should note that I shared a workbench with a truly knowledgable collector and was able to ask the instructors for advice throughout the build. We got to select bolts, lap and fit them, install new unfired Criterion .30-06 barrels and time them correctly, do all fitment of parts (including match trigger jobs that we were taught how to do under supervision) and new walnut stock sets, and have staff test-fire the rifles with M2 ball ammo for function and reliability. My one concession to my advancing age (and declining eyesight) was to select an IHC wide base front sight for optimum visibility. The rifle looks brand new and shoots to 2 MOA...substantially better than Milspec, which was 4-5 MOA for acceptance. It is, for many reasons, my single favorite rifle and one with which I would trust my life. My son has agreed to take it and keep it as a keepsake upon my death.
I have been fortunate to acquire 2 "Correct" grade Springfields (all either original or period-correct heat lot/manufacturer parts), built in 1954 and 1955, and two original "Special Grades", one SA and one HRA, which were assembled from "new condition, collector grade" rifles in new CMP walnut stocks and new stock metal in addition to the one I built last year.
My principal shooter these days is a SA 5,4XX,XXX "correct grade" rifle that shoots to 3-4 MOA depending on ammo (M2 ball or hand loads). I bought my first two as commemoratives for my father, who carried one on Buna-Gona Beach in '43, and my uncle, who carried one on Utah Beach in '44. I got them back upon their passing and will never sell them. I shoot them every year on Veterans Day. I will shoot the other three beginning this year...they cry out for attention from the back of my safe.
Shooting enthusiasts recognize and treasure the M1 Garand rifle. I certainly do for both sentimental and practical reasons.
Harry
PS-One of the things I like about the M1 is that I can disassemble an M1 to individual parts, reassemble them and fix/replace any malfunctioning parts, a small stock of which I maintain. Of all the rifles I have shot, own, these five are the ones in which I have total confidence, Milspec is a good thing...you can bet on it.
FH
