CMP - better to order online or visit in person?

[mountainpharm]

I've got Garand Fever in the worst way. I'm planning to get a service grade Garand from CMP but am undecided on whether I should order online or make the 8-hr drive to Alabama. I really like the idea of picking out a rifle myself, but searching THR revealed many, many satisfied customers with online ordering (aside from the wait, of course). Making the trip will essentially add another $200 to the price. Is it worth it?

 

[Tim the student]

If you are set on a service grade, you will be very disappointed when they don't have any at the store. They haven't had any for some time.

I think you will be able to find a very nice field grade there. Talk to other customers and the staff - they will be very happy to help out. You might even be able to get ammo if you go soon enough, or a nice M44 (or one that will be cheap to make complete).

I've gone to the store twice and haven't regretted it at all. If all you want is a nice M1 and don't want to drive or get a field grade, then mail order a service grade. Either way, I guarantee you won't be sad you have an M1. They are great.

 

[Schutzen]

By all means vist the store! Call ahead first to make sure they have service grade or which ever grade you prefer guns on hand, but go in person. At least for your first purchase, it is an experience you will enjoy and remember. I have been twice and enjoyed both trips. An added plus is I was able to pick a higher end service grade gun for the same money.

 

[Slamfire]

Go to the store. Carry a Throat erosion and muzzle erosion gage. Pick a rifle that you want.

Only do this if you are not maxed out on your credit cards.

I went last January. I left with a lot of toys. Things I never knew I needed.

My credit card bill was $4,000.

Hey, it was worth it.

 

[rondog]

I'd drive there if I could, but Denver is a long ways away from there. Probably a good thing too.

 

[GRIZ22]

Carry a Throat erosion and muzzle erosion gage.

No need to do this they will measure it for you.

if you can go during the week its better. Gets crowded on saturdays.

 

[61chalk]

Like TimtheStudent said, no Service Grades at stores. But you may find a really nice Field Grade, an for around 130.00 buy new CMP stock set...like this one..

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=440481

 

[Tim the student]

You can use their guages so you can go down the racks quickly. They will also do it for you at the counter.

 

[speedreed]

Slamfire1's post made me laugh. I went there about a month ago and left with two rifles, and really wanted two more. There weren't any Service Grade Garands on the racks, but there a few Service Specials. I picked out a real beauty (along with an M1 Carbine) and I think that made the trip worthwhile. Besides, I considered it a kind of pilgrimage!

 

[Kevin5098]

The word from the CMP COO is that there may be some service grades on the store racks in January. Best bet is to call. I am happy with the field grade I bought at the North Store last May. Furniture was not A1 condition, but it gauged OK and shoots fine. If you're within a days drive from either store you won't regret the trip.

 

[Tim the student]

The word from the CMP COO is that there may be some service grades on the store racks in January.

Where did you see that? Was it on the CMP forums? Definitely very good news!

 

[Samgotit]

I've got Garand Fever in the worst way. I'm planning to get a service grade Garand from CMP but am undecided on whether I should order online or make the 8-hr drive to Alabama. I really like the idea of picking out a rifle myself, but searching THR revealed many, many satisfied customers with online ordering (aside from the wait, of course). Making the trip will essentially add another $200 to the price. Is it worth it?

By all means. Call them first and ask if they have SPECIAL service grades available. They are not available online. They are basically new correct rifles with CMP stocks. The had 30ish about a two months ago when I went for $795. Gauges are available at the desk. I saw this info on another site and left the next day to grab one.

The key is to call first.

 

[deerhunter61]

So do you still need to take a bunch of info with you? What all do you need if you simply drive out there and purchase a rifle or two? Do you need a SS card? A Birth Certificate? Proof that you are part of a shooting club and have passed the range test?

Sorry do not mean to highjack the thread but boy you guys have made me want to drive out there!

 

[Samgotit]

Yes, you need all the proof of eligibility. It's all on CMP South's site.

http://www.thecmp.org/eligibility.htm

 

[Kevin5098]

Tim:

It was on the CMP Forums

 

[Tim the student]

Cool, good to know. Thanks

 

[CU74]

I have make the "pilgrimage" to the CMP South Store from Kansas and do not regret it - I recommend the experience. If one does not want to make the trip, my advice is to order ONLY Service Grades. Even if you receive one that is at the bottom of the grade, it will be a pretty good rifle. A Rack Grade that is near the bottom of the grade will almost certainly be a disappointment.

The Special Grade Garand is an exceptionally nice rifle, but pricey. I note from the Sales site that they have gone up in price since I bought mine in 2007. IMHO, they are not worth $400 more than the SA Service Grade, but it's your money. (Full disclosure - in addition to the Special Grade, I also have Service and Field Grades.)