Any news on the CMP Garands?

[kamagong]

I want to pick up a Garand. I've been looking at the CMP rifles, and am eyeing the Service Grade guns. But I think that I read somewhere that stocks are pretty low right now. I've also read that CMP may be getting some stuff in, so supplies should be replenished soon. Should I order my rifle now, or wait until they start offering their new inventory?

The good news is that I'm part of a CMP-affiliated organization and didn't even know it. I was looking at their site and found out that the range at which I am a member is one of their CMP-affiliated clubs. So no need for me to drive around trying to find some random org to join, it's one less thing to worry about.

 

[dmftoy1]

I'd recommend reading the forum over at odcmp.com

My order for a "special" just appeared in the E-Store so I'm hoping to see it sometime next week or the week after. From what I've read over there it appears that field grade's are no problem, and I think they still have service grades. The pictures I've seen make them both look pretty good. The hardest part is the waiting as it takes them awhile to process all the orders they're receiving.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[hksw]

Just got my Special Thursday. Overall, excellent. One small ding on the left side of the comb, stock is stamped CMP. One significant problem with mine, however. The Elevation knob was broken in half (pieces were loose in the packaging). Sent them an e-mail Friday but haven't received a reply yet.

 

[hksw]

I do have to say that the knob broke most likely during shipping. The gun wasn't packed in the most secure manor, just two thick pads of foam in a cardboard box. You can tell the rear sight ears were hitting the top of the box from the inside as it is a little worn there (but no hole was made).

 

[Marktaylor99]

For anyone who is looking for a random club to join, take a look at the GCA (Garand Collectors Association). $25/yr, quarterly magazines that have LOTS of great info, and no requirements to join. The GCA satisfies the CMP's requirement for club affiliation.

Mark

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

Be sure you don't get too impatient!

I have a service grade on order now. According to the CMP forums, they are not shipping service grades at this time, but will ship them sometime after the beginning of the year.

Until early October, all of the service grades were built by the CMP from spare parts. They have since run out of supply of these parts, but have indeed received a transfer of approximately 100,000 rifles from the DOD--these appear to be Greek returns. They are in the process of grading and sorting these rifles now, but they will not be shipping any of the rifles from the new batch until sometime in early 2008.

Basically, expect your order to take the full 120 days. I think they have some field grade in stock though, if you are in a hurry.

This info comes from Orest Michaels (CMP COO) in the CMP forums. Linky: http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=37612

 

[30Cal]

I'd order now. My first CMP Garand took 9 months, my second took 18 months (back in the day).

If you're within a day's drive of one of their stores, it's worth the trip to hand pick one. Call ahead and ask what they have on the racks.

 

[drmsparks]

Update: I'll be darned if I can find the right threads but Orest mentioned that they have already pulled 18,000 out for serial number verification and forum members are beginning to receive service grades again after a several week lull in shipments. The new rifles all have rack numbers stamped in.....Sounds greek to me!

I'm sure there is still a waiting list but turnaround time should be decreasing shortly....

Dave

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I guess I bought just too soon. I bought an M1 earlier this year, and all they had available when I ordered was rack grade or field grade. I'm sure their web site indicated that they didn't expect anything better to come in, or I would have waited. Did I mis-read their info, or are these "new" service grade rifles an unexpected windfall?

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

are these "new" service grade rifles an unexpected windfall?

They never know what they are going to get from the DOD. Right now, it is rumored that this is the last transfer of Garands, but they've said that before. IIRC, the previous transfer from the DOD was in 2003, so they don't get them very frequently.

Unexpected windfall? Probably not, but Orest has stated that there is probably only about three years supply of Garands remaining period, and there is absolutely no chance of semi-auto M14's. If you want a service grade, I'd probably buy within the next year.

Is this the definitive answer? Who knows. Some more may turn up, or they may not. Regardless, the prices won't be getting any lower.

 

[hksw]

Heads up. Just got the CMP's lates e-mail letter.

As of 2008, the stores will NO LONGER be open on Saturdays and the store hours will be Wed-Fri only.