Can I see your rack grade CMP Garand?

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I think you're going to see a wide range of input on this one.

The grading by CMP seems to have shifted over time as the value went up and yet there are still guys getting damn fine examples - or at least were up until a couple years ago.

I miss the old DCM days were it was catch-as-catch-can and one per lifetime.

Todd.
 
I visited the North Store several times. Never bought a rack grade. If it's overall (mostly cosmetic) condition is important to you save a bit more and buy a service grade. You're never going to get a rack to look like a service grade without spending more money than what CMP asks for to start.

All the M1s I bought were service grade except one. I was at the North Store and found an outstanding field grade. How is got classed that I don't know. It was a WW2 receiver, Danish VAR barrel, gauged 2 at each end, a lot of Beretta parts, and a faint Danish crown cartouche on the stock. It's my best shooting Garand.
 
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In the late 1990s the CMP was selling Greek returned M1s as Rack Grade for $295 plus shipping. The rifle at the top of this photo was one of the Greek returned M1s. You are seeing this AFTER several days of cleaning.
The barrel gauged MW2, TE3. It shoots well enough to suit me. I can hit 5-6 inches at 100 yards.
Now the lower two are a different story/grade. Service grade center and Correct grade bottom. Actually beside the mix of parts and dents in the wood there is not much beside the MW/TE to make one of MY rifles better grading than the others.
I do not have any knowledge of what the current Rack grades are condition wise. The folks on the CMP forum are the ones in the know.
 
In the late 1990s the CMP was selling Greek returned M1s as Rack Grade for $295 plus shipping. ...
Actually, the CMP started shipping those in Apr-May'04. They are the reason that "Field Grade" exists. So very many of Greek RGs were fundamentally better than a true "Rack Grade" level but sport at least one issue that precluded them for being graded as "Service".

Some (many?) of us waited for early buyers of the Greek Rackers to report what they received. There were a LOT of good reports, so I spun the Luck Wheel and started buying them, in pairs, usually. I ended up with 10.

IIRC, at least 9 of those sported better than SG-minimum bores. Most of the issues that relegated them to RG status were related to wood, worn metal finish and/or metal furniture components. Things that are easily corrected.

I must confess that at the beginning of that run (Jun'04) I also ordered one Greek SG ... and was a little disappointed in what I received. :)

Here is a quick pic of some of my Greek Rackers ...

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I have two Service Grades I just ordered based on @Garandimal suggestion. It was my intention to pick the best one and keep it for my boy and sell the other to probably one of my brothers; but there is a good possibility I'll end up keeping both.

When they come in, which will probably be a few months, I'll post some pictures of them.
 
I've purchased some rack grade Garands and have never been disappointed in them, I usually put a note at the bottom for a shooter and prefer H&R, I think their finish is better than Springfield, I usually get good barrel readings and GI wood and only once did I not get a H&R. Also get a bayonet and enblocs while ordering. Look up about stock refinishing and you will have a great looking gun to pass down.
 
I cannot vouch for the Garands being sold by the CMP today but I bought a few Field grade Garands around 2010. The parkerizing was worn and the stocks left lots to be desired. I generally replaced the stock with current manufacture stocks and the rifles shoot well. I've kept the original stocks for the next owner should he/she wants to return the rifle to the "as delivered" condition.

The last one or two Garands that I purchased were Special grades including a Special grade M1D. These were much better looking out of the box than the field grades.

If you can go to one of the stores and pick one from the rack, you will be happier with your choice. Otherwise, if you are unsure, get a Service grade or a Special grade. They will be nice rifles.
 
The first CMP Garand I bought was back in the early 00s when they were doing some gun shows. At the time I had very little cash and was looking through the rack grades cause they were the cheapest and everyone else was at the service grades. I found a 6 digit Springfield with very little finish but consistent on the barrel, receiver etc. The stock was beat to hell. The guys working the table checked the me and te and were amazed that the me was 1. They handed me the rifle and said put your name on this one. She ended up being well handled but shot very little and is one of my favorite and most accurate Garands in the stable. 300 bucks back then an excellent deal.
 
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