M1 Buying Advice

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Triumph

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M1 Buying Advice Thread

I know I have terrible timing but I have always
wanted an M1 Garand. I have never acted
because I do not know enough about the different
grades & years.

Advice?
 
Last edited:
Check out the CMP's rifle sales website. I was in the same boat when I visited the Anniston store, and one of the old timers there asked me what I wanted it for. I told him I liked the history and would probably take it out to shoot 4-5 times a year. He helped me pick out a nice 1943 field grade Winchester with an early 50s barrel and I couldn't be happier. It was a tad over $700.

My logic was if I'm going to shoot it, I probably don't need a $3,000+ heirloom (which I couldn't afford anyway), and the rack grades were just a bit too beat up.

The field grade has a lot of life left in the barrel, and it's an extremely satisfying rifle to shoot. Gets big grins from new shooters, too.
 
It's not bad timing, Garands are still a little soft right now. Everybody is freaking out over AR's so there's that many people less that are trying to buy one. I agree that the CMP is the best place to buy, but they're really low on service grades right now and are back ordered with orders that came in over the Holiday break. Go here:

http://forums.thecmp.org/

And go down to "parts for sale or trade", then click on "Garand". You will find a steady flow of very nice rifles for sale. Guys buy them from the stores for a few parts they want or need to restore rifles they have and replace them with more common parts, then they sell that rifle (usually for a modest profit) and buy another one.

For somebody looking for their first Garand who lives to far from the North or South store to pick their own, it's a reliable way to get a solid rifle. You'll want a service grade rifle, with a muzzle wear reading of less than "2" and throat erosion or less than "3"; that'll be a nice rifle that should shoot well. They always post plenty of pictures and you don't have to worry about somebody selling you a rifle with faked cartouches, or a cut receiver (like are ALL OVER Gunbroker) from that forum, they would be called out on it immediately.

Mike.
 
Triumph said:
I know I have terrible timing but I have always
wanted an M1 Garand. I have never acted
because I do not know enough about the different
grades & years.

Is there something I could read to educate
me on the best one for me?
Click to expand...

I also recommend the CMP. The requirements for purchase are fairly easy to meet these days. Check the CMP web site for the requirements.

If funds are limited, I recommend a Service Grade for a first Garand. The Field Grades tend to need some TLC.

The Service Grade Specials have excellent condition metal with new production stocks. The rifle has seen little or no use since manufactured.

The CMP Specials are essentially new Garands, or about as new as you can get these days. They have new production barrels and stocks and the rest of the rifle is refurbished. Great shooters.

The only downside is it takes a while to receive one unless you can go to either the North Store (Ohio) or the South Store (Anniston, AL). You can pick out your rifle and they will do the processing on the spot. You will need the same forms and requirements as a mail order so have all of it ready, except for filling out the actual order form, when you go. (for the club membership requirement, the Garand Collectors Association counts and I believe you can join at CMP if you go to the store. Verify that before you go though).

Hope this helps.
 
Triumph:
My 'gun guru' retired from a military rifle team (set two records with an AR), and won over a dozen Garands as prizes.

Among other people, he told me that the CMP is the way to go, and sold me one from there.
Most people recommend a Service Grade, as you might realize by now.

Try to also save cash for ammo, as you probably won't find any M2 Ball elsewhere for a similar price.
 
Surprised that nobody has mentioned the CMP? :)

When the less than savvy buyer looks for a M1 Garand it becomes real easy to get a "pig in a poke" rifle. One of the real merits to the CMP program is not only help with decision making as to what to buy but service and support after the sale. If there is a problem with a rifle they are there for you backing up what they sold you. That brings the Garand shopper peace of mind. Also, short of finding an unusually good deal I doubt you will beat the price. Overall I doubt you will do better with a Garand than through the CMP.

Ron
 
my cmp "service grade" came with metal in the 95% condition with a new birch stock. Muzzle and throat were a 1 and 2. or 2 and 1, I can't remember which. essentially new.


you might also take a look at collectors firearms there in houston. As I recall they had a fist full of garands every time I have been in. You'll pay and extra couple hundred bucks, but it might be worth it to you to look them over personally. they're pretty reputable.
 
I would never mail order a Field Grade for your first rifle. Most of them are in need or a rebarrel and alot of TLC.
Order a Service Grade and you will get a good shooter
 
I think your timing's fine but jump soon before potential market shifts. CMP's your friend on this for sure.
CMP's firearms and ammo will never go down in price and some day will run out altogether.
 
Everyone seems to be jumping on the AR bandwagon right now. M1 Garands are getting the ho hum at the current time. Get one now if you really want one. We have no idea what the POTUS is going to do in the near future but whatever he does it will most likely be the king writing a exective order to his liking.
 
I know I have terrible timing but I have always
wanted an M1 Garand.
Click to expand...

Your timing is fine. As long as the CMP has Garands (and Orest has claimed that they have enough to continue mail orders for another 2 years or so), you're OK.

Get one now if you really want one. We have no idea what the POTUS is going to do in the near future but whatever he does it will most likely be the king writing a exective order to his liking.
Click to expand...

It is my understanding that, by law, Garands that are property of the US Govenment can not be destroyed and must go to the CMP. An executive order by the president would have no legal ground to stand on and would be immediately tossed into limbo.

I will recommend a service grade rifle as well. Here is my $625 Service Grade Springfield Armory (1944 receiver, 1954 barrel, new CMP black walnut stock) that I received via mail order from the CMP last June:

DSC_0128.jpg

DSC_0122.jpg

DSC_0050.jpg
 
I've been wanting a Garand for a long time and looks like now is the time to buy.

What is this Special Grade with the new barrel? Is that like a Service Grade but with a brand new barrel?

I'm a little afraid of getting something wore out. Or should I just take my chances with a Service Grade?

Last, I have tons of .308 ammo, and no .30-06. How should that weigh on my choice?

Thanks!

I don't live anywhere close where I could go and pick one out in purchase.
 
You will not get a wore out rifle with a Standard Service Grade, they are very nice Garands
Get a SG and the money saved stock up on M2Ball ammo
 
I read that the GCA I think is having their big meet this year in Cody WY. I was hoping to try and get off work for the 1st day or two of it and pick up a M1 or two. I'm getting all my club memberships and other requirements taken care of now so I've got pleanty of time to make sure I get all my paperwork in a row. The flyer I read says that the CMP has some sort of special sales staff that goes out to these? I like the idea of picking my rifle out but the trip back east is quite a ways to drive just to by a rifle or two. Anybody got recomendations Cody Meet vs Mail Order vs Making the Trip to CMP its'self?
 
Here are all the current Service Grades:

Which one should I go with?




RM1SAS

M1 Garand, SA (Springfield) Service Grade
Please allow 60-90 days for delivery
*See above for grade description


$625 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle



RM1HRAS

M1 Garand, HRA (Harrington & Richardson)
Service Grade
Please allow 30-60 days for delivery
*See above for grade description


$625 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle



RM1HRASSP

M1 Garand, Service Grade HRA (Harrington & Richardson) Special.
Allow 30-60 days for delivery.
HRA collector grade metal in excellent almost new condition. Walnut stocks and handguards and associated hardware are new manufacture. NOT original HRA manufacture.


$950 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle



RM1SASSP

M1 Garand, Service Grade Springfield Special.
allow 30-60 days for delivery.
SA collector grade metal in excellent almost new condition. Walnut stocks and handguards and associated hardware are new manufacture. NOT original SA manufacture.


$950 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle
 
I'll throw in a vote for the ones from AIM Surplus as well when they have them in stock. They are refurbed by James River Armory. I bought one from them a few years back and it came with a new barrel, new stock, and all reparked metal. Believe this is completable to the CMP Service Grade Springfield Specials. I bought one from AIM and this is one gun I will NEVER NEVER NEVER sell.
 
Vtail - I would go with the last one on your list if you want to be sure you get an excellent gun. The late Springfield guns I have seen and owned were fantasic... some of the best built guns of any kind that I have seen. I own 2 now, only because I haven't been able to afford 3. The SASGSs I have seen appeared to be brand new guns for all practical purposes... looking like the only shooting they had done was test firing.
 
Welding Rod:

What does that mean where it says it is NOT original SA manufacture?

Does that mean the receiver is not vintage, but brand new?

For about the same price, I could get one of these:



RM1SPECIAL


M1 Garand, CMP Special (.30-06)
Allow 30-60 days for delivery.
M1 Garand Springfield Armory receiver. This is a completely refurbished rifle consisting of an original M1 Garand Springfield receiver, new production Criterion barrel, new production American Walnut stock and handguards, and new web sling. Receiver and most other parts are refinished USGI, but some parts may be new manufacture.


$995
S&H $24.95 per rifle




RM1308SPECIAL


M1 Garand, CMP Special (.308)
Allow 30-60 days for delivery.
M1 Garand Springfield Armory receiver. This is a completely refurbished rifle consisting of an original M1 Garand Springfield receiver, new production Criterion barrel, new production American Walnut stock and handguards, and new web sling. Receiver and most other parts are refinished USGI, but some parts may be new manufacture. A .308 spacer block is installed to prevent the loading of a .30-06 round into the chamber.


$995
S&H $24.95 per rifle




Would you still got with the original one you mentioned?
 
Great information guys. Printed off my paperwork today. Joined the
Girand Collectors Association and hoping my Texas CHL will cover
Marksmanship requirement. I read on another thread that the Texas CHL
will cover as it has live fire testing.

I am excited to order my first Girand!!
 
When you see:

Walnut stocks and handguards and associated hardware are new manufacture. NOT original HRA manufacture.
Click to expand...

or

Walnut stocks and handguards and associated hardware are new manufacture. NOT original SA manufacture.
Click to expand...

What they are telling you is that the stocks are not HRA or Springfield Armory manufactured. That is also true for the associated stock hardware. I think among other they were using Boyds Stocks which are beautiful American Walnut and they place a little CMP cartouche on the stock. Take a look at Fishbed77's post #13. For a shooter it matters not who produced the lumber.

So what are some of you perspective Garand buyers considering?

Ron
 
RM1SAS

M1 Garand, SA (Springfield) Service Grade
Please allow 60-90 days for delivery
*See above for grade description


$625 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle



RM1HRAS

M1 Garand, HRA (Harrington & Richardson)
Service Grade
Please allow 30-60 days for delivery
*See above for grade description


$625 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle



RM1HRASSP

M1 Garand, Service Grade HRA (Harrington & Richardson) Special.
Allow 30-60 days for delivery.
HRA collector grade metal in excellent almost new condition. Walnut stocks and handguards and associated hardware are new manufacture. NOT original HRA manufacture.


$950 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle


RM1SASSP

M1 Garand, Service Grade Springfield Special.
allow 30-60 days for delivery.
SA collector grade metal in excellent almost new condition. Walnut stocks and handguards and associated hardware are new manufacture. NOT original SA manufacture.


$950 Effective 1-3-2012
S&H $24.95 per rifle
Click to expand...

Questions:
1. Did Fishbed77 receive the RM1SASSP ($950) or very close to it, when he ordered the RM1SAS ($625)? I have having a hard time distinguishing the difference. Please educate me.

2.
RM1SPECIAL


M1 Garand, CMP Special (.30-06)
Allow 30-60 days for delivery.
M1 Garand Springfield Armory receiver. This is a completely refurbished rifle consisting of an original M1 Garand Springfield receiver, new production Criterion barrel, new production American Walnut stock and handguards, and new web sling. Receiver and most other parts are refinished USGI, but some parts may be new manufacture.


$995
S&H $24.95 per rifle




RM1308SPECIAL


M1 Garand, CMP Special (.308)
Allow 30-60 days for delivery.
M1 Garand Springfield Armory receiver. This is a completely refurbished rifle consisting of an original M1 Garand Springfield receiver, new production Criterion barrel, new production American Walnut stock and handguards, and new web sling. Receiver and most other parts are refinished USGI, but some parts may be new manufacture. A .308 spacer block is installed to prevent the loading of a .30-06 round into the chamber.


$995
S&H $24.95 per rifle
Click to expand...

What about these two that vtail asked about? How do they compare?

By the way - I tried to join the CMP forum with the same handle. I can sign in but not post - still have not been approved by an Administrator.
 
reloadron, when I was buying my replacement stock for my garand, I talked to and bought from dupage trading co. The guy there told me that he supplied stocks to cmp, not boyds. That my be irrelevent, it may be incorrect, but that's what he told me. Either way, it was a nice stock.
 
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