So I was checking out the CMP site and noticed that Winchester service grade garands are 200 dollars more than SA or HRA models - I was curious as to why? Also, being that this would be my first garand, is there a particular grade I should focus on - ie a special grade with new stock and what not versus a service grade? Is it worth the extra money or is it solely cosmetic? Thanks in advance!
a garand question
- Thread starter skwab
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Supply and demand, more people want the Winchester name on a rifle. Mechanically, there isn't any difference that I know of. Most people think the Service grade rifles are the best value for the money as shooters, and the Correct grade as collectors items.
Flatbush Harry
Member
Winchester made only WWII era rifles...and they are relatively more rare than Springfield Armory (SA) Garands. SA continued to produce Garands through the end of manufacture and, thus, produced many post-WWII, Korean era and post-Korean rifles. Harrington & Richardson Arms (HRA) and International Harvester (IHC) also produced post-war rifles. IHC are the rarest and command premium prices by collectors while Winchester is next in value to collectors and thus in cost. IMHO and experience, post-Korean War Garands from SA and HRA are the most finely finished. I have two Correct Grade SAs (all period correct SA parts) and two Special Grade Garands (Collector-grade metal in new stock w/ new stock metal), one an HRA and one an SA. The two special grades seem to be factory proof-fired only. All four are 1954 and 1955 manufacture.
Now, if you're just looking for a good shooter, I'd recommend the Service Grade...while parts may be "mixmasters", they are almost always good shooters and many have new stock sets. I use a CG as a shooter but, were I to start again, I'd get a SG.
As an additional point, my experience with CMP has been uniformly excellent; they are the most reliable and responsive firm, and customer-service oriented firm, with which I have ever done business. Their products, services and response to issues exceed any company with which I have ever worked; I recommend them without reservation. Do check their website, and forum, for additional info (www.odcmp.com).
FH
Now, if you're just looking for a good shooter, I'd recommend the Service Grade...while parts may be "mixmasters", they are almost always good shooters and many have new stock sets. I use a CG as a shooter but, were I to start again, I'd get a SG.
As an additional point, my experience with CMP has been uniformly excellent; they are the most reliable and responsive firm, and customer-service oriented firm, with which I have ever done business. Their products, services and response to issues exceed any company with which I have ever worked; I recommend them without reservation. Do check their website, and forum, for additional info (www.odcmp.com).
FH
FMJMIKE
Member
Get a Springfield Armory Service Grade rifle.............The CMP has some nice ones now as compared to a few years ago. Get the Winchester if you want a collectible. Here is a photo of my Service Grade Winchester. The only Winchester part was the receiver when I got it.
It depends on what you want...If it were me and my first rifle I would go to the CMP forum to the Garand section and ask a member there to hand pick a field grade rifle for you. You might be able to pay someone a small reasonable fee to do that for you. You would have to have your paperwork ready to go. The field grades are only $495 and after awhile if it didn't grow on you, you could easily get your money plus some on it.
I received a service grade SA and it is in great shape. Half the parts are HRA but the condition of the metal is great. The only wear marks are on the gas cylinder. The throat erosion is 2 and the muzzle wear is 1. It came with a new CMP birch stock that I will refinish and shoots very well. I requested a WWII production and received a 3-44 rifle. As mentioned before the service is top notch.
Mals
Mals
Tinpig
Member
A Garand is a Garand. I wouldn't pay any extra for a Winchester, but that's just me.
If possible go to one of the stores and hand-pick a rifle out. CMP Service Grades are great, but you could very well find a decent Field Grade and have even more money left over for ammo. Whatever you do you won't be sorry.
Tinpig
If possible go to one of the stores and hand-pick a rifle out. CMP Service Grades are great, but you could very well find a decent Field Grade and have even more money left over for ammo. Whatever you do you won't be sorry.
Tinpig
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