How to purchase CMP M1 Garand or M1 Carbine?

Status
Not open for further replies.
IMG_0551.JPG I know you can't touch one for under $1200.00 at the guns shows around here, regardless of condition. I bought my two from CMP years ago. I jumped through the hoops and found out later I could have just used my Veteran's status and avoided that.
 
Required for purchase is membership in a CMP affiliated organization (see the list on their website) OR:
  • Congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations such as the VFW, AL, DAV, MCL, etc.
  • U.S. Military services (active or reserves)
  • National Guard, to include retirees
  • Professional 501(c)3 law enforcement organizations and associations such as the FOP, NAPO, NSA, etc.
  • The Garand Collector’s Association is a CMP -Affiliated Club. You can download a Garand Collector’s Association Application Form.
Based on their bullet points, National Guard retirees are eligible, but technically doesn't say active or reserve retirees. I would find it hard to believe that active duty and reserve retirees would not meet their affiliated organization requirement.

That said, as an honorably discharged but not a retired veteran, I do need to be a member of one of the CMP affiliated organizations in order to be eligible to purchase (this is direct info from the CMP via an email asking about eligibility as an honorably discharged veteran and not a retired veteran) . I chose to join the Garand Collector's Association to check that block for my 1911 purchase and now potential Garand purchase.

As stated, being a veteran does qualify as marksmanship or other firearms related activity. I, however, just used my permit to carry, since they needed that or a permit to purchase to send a handgun to MN per state law.
 
d31tc said:
I really wasn't clued in on CMP, so you could say the opportunity was there for all. But the priority wasn't. I was looking at getting set up for reloading and jumping on salad days deals for other rifles and pistols on my list. That's where my fun money went.

I wouldn't be buying to sell, but it does remind me that sometimes it takes money to make money. I stood at a Walmart ammo counter with thousands of rounds of ammo at insane clearance prices. I knew it was a no brainer, but I had to limit myself to cash on hand vs credit. Never would have predicted the panic prices soon after, but suffice it to say that would have put a bit of money in my gun slush fund.:(
I stood in front of 1,000's of primers at Scheels at $40 or so per 1,000. Heard rumblings of shortages. Nope didn't buy those either. Wanted to - but didn't.:cuss:

But my girls got all the gymnastics classes they wanted and trips to Disney World, Rushmore, Yellowstone and others. Some might question my priorities, especially with Disney on the list o_O, but I'm not second guessing those choices. I am, however, second guessing my gun purchase priorities of the past given the CMP deals, which are finite, and the deals on newly manufactured guns which they can just make more and are not finite. You can't remanufacture history, which is my current appeal of the CMP. It might be a rabbit hole I don't want to go down. I've always looked at most of my guns as tools for a purpose. Then I bought a CMP M1911A1:uhoh:.
Click to expand...

We've all missed out on good deals along the way.
 
allisd17 said:
If I read their website correctly, veterans are exempt from their marksmanship requirement. You'd have to call them to ask about the affiliated organization requirement, but there are definitely ways to do it other than gun club membership.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that there is an organization listed on their website that costs a small fee to join and counts towards the affiliated membership. I didn't pay much attention because I already belonged to an affiliated club at the time.
 
Scout21 said:
I'm not sure what collectors values are on Garands because I shoot, I don't collect. I do know that you can get a rack grade from the CMP for $650 shipped, so don't pay Jimbob Jr. at the gun show five times as much for one in similar shape.
Click to expand...

Apparently Springfield Armory serial number 1,000,000 was given to John C. Garand upon retirement and sold for auction in 2018 for $287,500. I would have kicked myself for the rest of my life if I passed on a quarter million dollar rifle to be had for $3,000 if I later found out what I did. It would be best to never know. It's hard enough knowing I should have bought one brick of large rifle magnum primers!
 
shafter said:
I'm pretty sure that there is an organization listed on their website that costs a small fee to join and counts towards the affiliated membership. I didn't pay much attention because I already belonged to an affiliated club at the time.
Click to expand...

I think the go to to become a member of an affiliated organization is the Garand Collectors Association. Easy online application. $25 per year. They send you a membership card, so that takes a little time and follow up with I think quarterly magazines.
 
.455_Hunter said:
Dumb question that I couldn't quite figure out...

Are all Honorably Discharged Veterans (with a DD214) exempt from the affiliated organization requirement, or just folks still on Active or Reserve Duty?
Click to expand...
Yes, just have a DD 214

No proof of marksmanship is required if over age 60. Proof of club membership and citizenship is required for all ages.

NOTE: Proof of marksmanship activity is not required for purchase of ammunition, parts, publications or memorabilia.

Proof of marksmanship participation can be provided by documenting any of the following:

  • Current or past military service.
  • Current or past law enforcement service.
  • CMP or NRA Classification card.
  • Participation in a rifle, pistol, air gun or shotgun competition (provide copy of results bulletin).
  • Completion of a marksmanship clinic that included live fire training (provide a copy of the certificate of completion or a statement from the instructor). Visit http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=search to find an upcoming CMP sanctioned clinic or match.
  • Distinguished, Instructor, or Coach status.
  • Concealed Carry License.
  • Firearms Owner Identification Cards that included live fire training. – FFL or C&R license.
  • Completion of a Hunter Safety Course that included live fire training.
  • Certification from range or club official or law enforcement officer witnessing shooting activity. Complete the CMP Marksmanship Form to certify your range firing and the required marksmanship related activity for an individual to purchase from the CMP.
That pretty much covers it. :)

Ron
 
index.php


My National Match (the middle one which I shoot) Will take $3000 to buy.

index.php


Another shooter mostly all original $1000 about ten years ago and the guy that bought it I overheard telling his buddy he ripped me off.
 
On the veteran status thing and buying from CMP.

I did this very same thing about 2 years ago. 6 hour drive to the Talladega store from where I live in TN. I showed up to Talladega with my DD214, VA ID card, TN state CWL, TN drivers license and cash. Found out that the club requirement is only waived for former E5's and above (I was an E4 when I got out). However, you can join the Garand Collector's Club for one year on the spot and you get crapper reading material delivered to your mail box every month. They have the forms right at the counter. $25 added to the price of the rifle you pick out. They had racks of all sorts of CMP guns to pick from, Garands, 1903's, 1917's and various accesories, mil-surp and new, and ammo.

I picked out a nice "rack grade" refurb, Korean War Era serial, with no pitting, re-parked, new-old stock internals (mixed stampings), new virgin Criterion barrel, new production walnut stock with CMP stamp for $650 all assembled and certified by a CMP armorer with certificate. Looks brand new and like it was never issued. (I wanted something to shoot and not a rare collector version).

All in all, a really nice road trip and all told, I was out the door with my new Garand, club membership, realy nice CMP hard case, handfull of clips, cleaning kit, sling, bayonet, and 500 rounds of Creedmore brand new M2 Ball ammo for right at $1000.
 
.455_Hunter said:
Dumb question that I couldn't quite figure out...

Are all Honorably Discharged Veterans (with a DD214) exempt from the affiliated organization requirement, or just folks still on Active or Reserve Duty?
Click to expand...

DD 214 works if you have one. You will also need to enclose copies of your driver's license, and birth certificate. Lastly, you need to belong to an affiliated club. Garand Collectors Association works for that and you get a quarterly magazine.
 
While the CMP stores are always the best option, there are rack grades available in the online store now. I don't have any experience with rack grades but CMP always underpromises and overdelivers. If I didn't have a service grade already I would take a shot on one. Anybody here get a rack grade? Were you dissatisfied?
 
Commygun, when the last rifle is sold they will still operate. Their charter is basically for marksmanship training, not rifle sales. All of these rifle sales over the years have allowed them to bank up enough money to support marksmanship. I really want to get to the Talladega facility sometime to shoot.
 
Scout21 said:
I'm curious why this is a thing. Do they go into detail as to why on the website?
Click to expand...
Yeah, the over 60 thing and I have no idea why over 60 is exempt. I got my first Garand through the old DCM program which preceded the CMP. The DCM (Director of Civilian Marksmanship) had different rules completely. Anyway no clue on the over 60 thing. :)

Ron
 
commygun said:
Perhaps a bit off-topic, but what happens to the CMP when all the Garands and 1903’s and carbines are sold?
Click to expand...

Surplus rifle sales isn't the only thing that they do.
  • They offer commercial rifles, ammunition, and other shooting gear for sale.
  • If allowed to continue at the current rate, the 1911 pistol sales will last for quite a few more years.
  • They also sponsor rifle and pistol matches at both Camp Perry and several traveling matches across the US as well as sanctioned matches all over the country at local ranges.
  • They administer the Distinguished rifle and pistol programs.
  • They operate an indoor air pistol and rifle range year round at Camp Perry and the Talladega facility in Alabama.
  • Their Custom Shop at Anniston performs gunsmithing services for Garands and the other surplus rifles that they have sold.
 
d31tc said:
Required for purchase is membership in a CMP affiliated organization (see the list on their website) OR:
  • Congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations such as the VFW, AL, DAV, MCL, etc.
  • U.S. Military services (active or reserves)
  • National Guard, to include retirees
  • Professional 501(c)3 law enforcement organizations and associations such as the FOP, NAPO, NSA, etc.
  • The Garand Collector’s Association is a CMP -Affiliated Club. You can download a Garand Collector’s Association Application Form.
Based on their bullet points, National Guard retirees are eligible, but technically doesn't say active or reserve retirees. I would find it hard to believe that active duty and reserve retirees would not meet their affiliated organization requirement.

That said, as an honorably discharged but not a retired veteran, I do need to be a member of one of the CMP affiliated organizations in order to be eligible to purchase (this is direct info from the CMP via an email asking about eligibility as an honorably discharged veteran and not a retired veteran) . I chose to join the Garand Collector's Association to check that block for my 1911 purchase and now potential Garand purchase.

As stated, being a veteran does qualify as marksmanship or other firearms related activity. I, however, just used my permit to carry, since they needed that or a permit to purchase to send a handgun to MN per state law.
Click to expand...

Thanks, this is helpful, I'm literally in the same boat as a Minnesota resident with an honorable discharge but no retirement. Never purchased from CMP but I should...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Swifty Morgan
  • Locked
Does Anyone Still Buy from the CMP?
2
Replies
47
Views
2K
czhen
C
S
  • Locked
CMP Questions
2
Replies
29
Views
2K
SaMx
S
L
  • Locked
  • Poll
Poll: Next purchase, M1 Garand or 1911
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
Double Vision
D
H
  • Locked
CMP carbines
Replies
1
Views
573
dm1333
D
G
  • Locked
Returning Garands and Carbines from Korea
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
bigdogpete
B
Back
Top