A couple questions about greek '06 and service grade M1's, CMP

[fatelk]

I've already got a couple of M1 Garands, field grade rifles. I was just looking at the CMP site and saw the new pricing on the M1's they will be selling in a few months. There's no way I can afford another one right now, but perhaps in the future..
The question is: there is $100 difference between a field grade and a service grade M1. I have two field grade rifles already and am quite happy with them. For someone like me who does not mind a few battle scars on an old rifle, is the service grade worth the extra $100?

Also, I was looking at the Greek ammo. I have heard that its really good stuff, boxer primed and non-corrosive. I reload my own, but when I calculated the rising cost and lower availability of surplus powder and bullets, and the value of the empty brass, it comes out about even to the shipped cost of the Greek ammo. Then there's my time to consider.

How does the Greek ammo shoot compared to good reloads with surplus bullets? Is the brass good quality for reloading? Are the clips good?

Does anyone know where one can find 174gr match surplus bullets? I had about 40 of them that were pulled and resized, with some of the worst pull marks I've seen. I thought they would be plinking ammo, but were noticeably more accurate than the standard 150gr ball rounds I've been using.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

I'm very interested in replies to this. This morning I sent off my package of forms and $$$ to CMP for a Service Grade Garand. Last night I ordered a case of the Greek surplus and a leather sling. Now, I wait.:banghead:

 

[strat81]

Field grade and service grade have little to nothing to do with cosmetics. The grades are based on muzzle wear and throat erosion. Orest Michaels of the CMP has confirmed this.

I've used the greek ammo in my Garand. Being a noob to the rifle, I was able to hit the 8" (10"?) 100yard plate at my range using the iron sights only. Can't really comment on groups as I haven't shot for them. The brass is good. I skipped purchasing .30-06 dies and powder since, as you found out, it's cheaper to buy the greek stuff. I'm sure handloads will get your groups down, but unless your shooting matches, you should be fine. The clips it comes on are fine. The clipped ammo generally arrives in much better condition than the boxed stuff. The boxed HXP (which is identical ammo) tends to have corrosion where the case touches the glued seam.

P.S. I am VERY happy with the service grade I received 6 weeks ago.
See http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=300131

 

[30Cal]

You won't regret buying the best grade M1 that you can.

The Greek ammo is good stuff--more accurate than the LC that the CMP has had (1969 and later).

Those 173gr "Match" bullets come up from time to time, but they usually priced too high for what you get IMHO. I haven't been overly impressed with them. They typically can't hold a candle to a real commercial match bullet.

 

[GRIZ22]

You won't regret buying the best grade M1 that you can.


I agree. You can't bring a FG up to SG for the $100.

I got a SG last year (a Greek return) that would meet NRA excellent but it was a SG because of the mismatch parts. I jsut bought a FG at the North Store which is a SA receiver, VAR barrel (measures a 2 on both ends), Beretta oprod and trigger group, and a stock that has an arsenal repair on the wrist, probably due to bayonet practice. I normally wouldn't buy a FG, the SG is worth the extra $100, but I happened to find this one which is really nice.

The Greek ammo is great and your math on the costs works out. The brass is great for reloading. I can reload a few cents cheaper only because I have a large quantity of powder I got for a very good price.

Some have had problems with some clips the Greekl ammo comes in (I haven't) and you need to search the CMP forum for which ones. The extractor groove on the Greek ammo is a bit wider than US which may have something to do with the clip problems.

 

[Oohrah]

I bought a case of it for a rainy day. Friends that
have used it claim tighter groups than the LC. The
bullets are lead core mild steel copper coated (magnetic)
Non corrosive, boxer primed. I don't know if the primers
are crimped or not. I don't know if the postage went up
or the ammo, but there was an increase in price awhile back.
Not much, and still about the cheapest best quality that I
know of. I believe that milsurp ammo will run out sooner,
rather than later I have not heard of any case corrosion
on the cartridge. Packed in sealed (2) cans there does seem
like the seam of the tin has a little start of rust that is painted
over with maybe a rust inhibtor olive drab paint. The two cans
are packed in a wooden crate that shows no sign of outside
moisture. Don't know of any where to find this ammo at this
price. Cheaper Than Dirt sells the same ammo at quite a bit
more!

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Always buy the service grade from the CMP or get the criterion barrel they offer for 179.00 and install it. When you install the barrel the headspacing must be done using a pull through reamer.

 

[Swampy]

elk,

External esthetics are not a consideration re the difference between Service and Field Grade CMP M1's.... You are just as likely to get a trashy looking Service Grade as you are a Field Grade... just as likely to get a really spiffy looking Service Grade as a Field Grade....

It's all about barrel condition. Re-read the CMP's grading descriptions and TAKE THEM TO HEART.

Re Greek HXP M2 ball. Good stuff. More accurate than most lot-years of Lake City I've shot. Shoots a bit dirtier than Lake City, though.....

Best to all,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[Bwana John]

The Greek ammo is good stuff--more accurate than the LC that the CMP has had (1969 and later).

Re Greek HXP M2 ball. Good stuff. More accurate than most lot-years of Lake City I've shot. Shoots a bit dirtier than Lake City, though.....

I like the Greek 30-06 ammo, $270/1K @ J&G Sales.

I was VERY disappointed with the CMP Lake City stuff