CMP Service Grade M1 Garand - Springfield or HRA

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Fishbed77

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Decisions, decisions...

I'm about to pull the trigger on a CMP Service Grade Garand, and I can't make my mind up between the Springfield Armory or Harrington & Richardson Arms rifle. I like the fact that the Springfield is a Springfield (just like the idea of seeing that on the receiver for some reason - guess it's more of a connection to WWII, even if it will likely be a post-war rifle), but the HRA rifles tend to be newer, and many folks report that some look almost never-fired.

This will be my first Garand and almost certainly be my only one for a long, long time, since I know CMP supplies are finite (as are my funds), and there are a lot of other firearms on my wish list before I get around to another Garand.

Anyway, does anyone have any guidance or experience with both options?
 
What do you like, something really clean and pretty or something less nice that's got history and maybe even combat behind it? If I were you, I'd base it on that. Also if I were you, I'd get the Springfield.
 
I think if you get a Springfield you may be a little more likely to get a better built gun. But the HRA will probably have more collector value later.
 
Well, here's what a Springfield Service Grade Special looks like (RM1SASSP):

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I really don't know how you can go wrong with this choice, it looks brand spanking new.

Dan
 
OP, you will not go wrong with either choice. I have 7 (one of each maker and 3 more WWII SA's) and love every one of them for what it is. If you want an SA that is WWII vintage, place a sticky note on your order form for one that is a serial less than 3,8xx,xxx. That was the cutoff.

All HRA's are post WWII and you are correct about alot of them looking almost unfired. The last time I was at the SS in Alabama, I found several that were totally correct in the SG and FG racks. Not sure how they slipped by the armorers but they did. Don't count on that being the norm tho.

Good luck with whichever one you choose.
 
I have the full set (like the old gas station dinnerware sets). I think the HRAs are the best made but I like them all. My eyes don't handle irons so well now, but I wish I had built one up in 7.62. Now the CMP sells refurbs in that caliber. I'm still tempted.

Great old rifles!
 
The first M1 I ordered from CMP turned out to be a very nice Springfield Armory rifle with a 6 digit receiver from 1942. When I ordered mine, all 4 manufacturers (SA, WRA, IHC, HRA) were available for order. I chose SA over the others due to the rich history of the Springfield Armory. Either maker available today should be a fine rifle, but the only way to ensure that you receive a WW2 (or earlier) era rifle is to drive over and hand pick your rifle or order a Winchester field grade. Winchester did not make any M1's after the war.
 
It's most likely that any Service Grade you get today will be a post-WWII rifle.

That being said, you can't go wrong with either...or both.

Personally, I prefer the HRA, but that's not for any objective reason.
 
here's the one you ought to get:
http://cmpauction.odcmp.com/detail.a...ade-SN-3604430
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I think I'll pass on that one... :) I bet there's a beautiful rifle under all that cosmoline, though!

I just want a good-looking shooter with a bit of history. I'm aware that there is almost no chance of getting a WWII serial these days and I can live with that. My little yellow sticky note will probably ask for some nice USGI walnut instead of a WWII serial anyway. I don't want to push my luck too much! :)
 
When I ordered mine, we didn't get a choice of manufactures (early 90s). I wanted a Springfield Armoury, and luckily that's what I got in fantastic condition. However, either H&R or SA M1 will be nice and you will be happy with it. There is no way you can lose.
 
I saw 4 Springfield service grades with WWII receivers at the south store a few weeks ago. So there is a decent chance of getting one. I saw some on all 4 trips that I made this year.
They made far fewer HRA's so they will most likely be more valuable in the future. I also saw several HRA service grades at the store that looked a little rough. Going to the store to hand pick is the only way to go for me.
When you do get your first one you will be unable to resist getting another one.
 
Is the gun a collector or a shooter?

Collector: Springfield

Shooter (and you are visiting the store) pick for best bore condition, trigger, sights not loose, etc.
 
mshootnit, thanks for posting those links. Those look good to you for the price? That really makes me appreciate the CMP. Those gunbroker prices way too high. You can get the same quality rifles from the CMP for $625. The guys on gunbroker are asking around $1000 or more.
 
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a correct grade rifle is now a 1100-1300 dollar rifle in the open market. Rate the others accordingly. I look for nice bores in good condition, matching good condition wood, and metal. I don't know if you will get as good a rifle for 625 through cmp. Take a look at some of the gauge readings for those rifles and keep in mind that for your 625 you might get much worse unless you hand pick. I know that for over 900 you will get a service special which is about the same as those above. You are doing well if you get a good solid shooter for less than 900. I am not talking about something with worn lugs, loose handguards, loose cylinder, with a bent op rod. I am talking about a good condition rifle. They are getting more expensive these days.
 
If you want a garand that LOOKS nice and new, get a service grade of either make and ask them for one with new wood.

As for quality, it's sixes IMO. Ordering via mail you takes yer chances either way. But they will be at least as good as the grade descriptions. My orders have always been quite a bit better than the grade descriptions.
 
I will definitely be ordering though the mail, as I'll have no opportunity to make it to the CMP South Store anytime in the foreseeable future (6 hour drive each way for me here in SC). Most Garands I see at gunshows around here are overpriced junkers, and I feel more confident about ordering from CMP than I do any other internet vendors.
 
mshootnit, That one gunbroker link says "correct rifle" and not "correct grade" with CMP certificate. That is probably a rifle that someone found correct parts for. All CMP service grades are excellent shooters. Those gunbroker rifles are way over priced.
Fishbed77, I had a tough time deciding on SA or HRA too. You will probably end up with both. I think a 6 hour drive is not too far. Especially if you are going to buy more than one rifle. The experience is worth it.
 
IMO
If you want a real nice shooter any Service Grade rifle is the best bang for your buck. Much better deal than any of the ones shown on Gunbroker
With the money saved order ammo, alot of ammo
 
Fishbed77 said:
I feel more confident about ordering from CMP than I do any other internet vendors.
Click to expand...
You're not alone. I feel the same way. You'll be pleased with your service grade, IMO.

If you want to be SURE you'll get a nice, new-looking M1, you might want to spring for the "special." But I've bought 2 HRA service grades, one with new birch CMP wood, and one with GI walnut, and have been very pleased with both. I also have a Special grade, but I actually like my service grades better. YMMV, of course.

Some pics/vids to whet your appetite ;)

click for larger if desired
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Pitter Patter...Cmp runeth low. I wouldn't spend too much time thinkin. They are out of correct grades, and carbines, and 1903's and Garands aren't far behind...JMHO If you want a plain shooter you don't have to do too much to a Service Grade Special or Special grade are great choices. The SG lately have been a bit hit and miss unless you hand pick or get someone to pick for you...
 
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