Advice on an M1 Garand Deal- what would you do ?

[Electric Factory]

I realize my question is hard to answer but here are the facts;
I have an opportunity to buy a CMP Danish Field Grade Garand . It is mostly SA parts [ bolt, '43 bbl, op rod,I think the trigger group too ] but of course has a mis-matched Danish stock, although it is attractive and in decent condition. From pics of the bore the seller forwarded it looks like it still has life left though wear is in evidence. I'd rate it an NRA VG . Should spin the bullet, won't win at Camp Pendleton.
All in all it looks like a decent enough M1 Garand, and at 425.00 I thought it a fairly worthy risk to see in person. If I do the deal I'd consider buying an original SA stock set from someplace to replace the mis-matched stock.
What would you do ? I'd be buying from an individual who thus far seems straightforward enough and willing to forward pics of anything I ask him to.
Is 425.00 a good price for this rifle, based on the above bare bones info ?

 

[Neo-Luddite]

A crap shoot--the 2 biggest probs in terms of cost; new barrel/new gas system.

If it hasn't been shot much since the CMP checked it out prior to sale--it's probably a solid deal. I'd buy it for that other things being equal--but plan on needing to put some $$$ into it for something.

 

[Electric Factory]

The seller is the receiver of the rifle from the CMP. He cleaned the rifle but hasn't put a round through it. Here's a pic;

 

[Neo-Luddite]

From what I know, that's about what he paid for the rifle then--it sounds good. Anything second hand is a gamble, but the worst case is probably having to spent a couple bucks down the road.

 

[ebd10]

Buy it. The Danish M-1's have been surprisingly good quality.

 

[DMK]

Seeing as Field Grade Garands go for more than $500 direct from CMP, I'd say it's a decent deal.

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm

You could always get it rebarreled. I wouldn't worry too much about mismatched parts. 90% of the Garands out there are mismatched, and they still sell for good money.


BTW, we have a rifle forum.

 

[Electric Factory]

By your reactions I have bitten bullet so to speak and have this afternoon sent payment in the form of a MO and a copy of my FFL. He promises to ship immediately in the original CMP box, I will post pics IMMEDIATELY upon receiving/ inspecting the gun.
Mama Factory didn't raise no fool....

 

[Dave in PA]

If you price out the parts, it would cost twice his asking price to assemble one. At least the seller isn't gouging the price on it. Maybe he wants one of the carbine being sold by CMP......

 

[revjen45]

I would buy it and install the BM-59 kit I bought many moons ago.

 

[Gator]

It is no crap shoot. $425 for a decent M1 is a great deal, and if that is the original barrel it is an outright steal. Original WWII receiver/barrel combos sell for more than $425 just buy themselves, any other parts are a bonus.

If you do not want it, please send me the sellers contact info!

 

[Electric Factory]

With my order now officially placed and looking at the picture above, would you spend as much as 100.00-200.00 improving the asthetics of the rifle with an original SA stock ?
In any case I'll shoot the rifle first thing and see what's what. But if I'm fortunate and get good shooting results I wonder if a 100.00+ investment in better wood makes sense ?


And what is the BM-59 kit ?

 

[Gator]

would you spend as much as 100.00-200.00 improving the asthetics of the rifle with an original SA stock ?

Sure, but an original '43 SA stock will cost a lot more than that! You would need either an SA/EMcF or an SA/GAW, depending on the serial number. Plan on spending at least as much as you did on the gun for the right stock set. If it were mine I'd refinish the Danish stock (if it was still tight) and enjoy it as is; or buy a Boyd's stock set from the CMP.

A BM-59 kit is all the parts, except for the receiver, for an Italian BM-59 rifle. Your receiver would have to be cut to accept the magazines. Please do not destroy a nice WWII receiver and barrel combo (if that is what it is) to make up a frankenstein parts gun that will never be worth as much as the M1 you are buying is worth now.

P.S. The seller is asking what he paid for the rifle, he obviously does not know what he has. You made a good deal.

 

[Electric Factory]

Gator wrote;
" Please do not destroy a nice WWII receiver and barrel combo (if that is what it is) to make up a frankenstein parts gun that will never be worth as much as the M1 you are buying is worth now."

Never, absolutely won't, I'd just never heard of the kit until someone posted it above.

"P.S. The seller is asking what he paid for the rifle, he obviously does not know what he has. You made a good deal."

I'm not sure I understand- what does he have ? What should this rifle have cost in your view ?

 

[xtarheel]

Go for it! I bought one from the CMP and then bought one of their new wood stocks which I finished with a military stain from Brownells. It looks and shoots great.

 

[redneck2]

This is all good, but I just looked at the picture you posted, and I think the bullet does in the other end of the barrel. If you do it like the picture shows, you'll shoot your eye out....

 

[Gator]

I'm not sure I understand- what does he have ? What should this rifle have cost in your view ?

$600 as is, $800+ if original barrel/receiver combo. The "+" depends on what other WWII parts the rifle has.

 

[BlackBearME]

This is all good, but I just looked at the picture you posted, and I think the bullet does in the other end of the barrel. If you do it like the picture shows, you'll shoot your eye out....

That's what I was thinking. Actually, my very first thought was "You're doing it wrong!"

Followed immediately by "You'll put your eye out!"

 

[Tokugawa]

EF, if you take that Garand to the range and are disappointed, do not despair-My Danish FG went from 10" to 3.5" with some simple tweaks. Garand are very sensitive to wood/metal fit.

 

[Electric Factory]

I just KNEW I was doing something wrong...

Quote,

This is all good, but I just looked at the picture you posted, and I think the bullet does in the other end of the barrel. If you do it like the picture shows, you'll shoot your eye out....

Please explain, what 'tweaks' sorted out your Danish FG ?

Quote,

EF, if you take that Garand to the range and are disappointed, do not despair-My Danish FG went from 10" to 3.5" with some simple tweaks. Garand are very sensitive to wood/metal fit.
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