CMP Garand Field Grade vs Service Grade

[armed85]

I enjoy wood working as a hobby, so refinishing the stock wont be hard. Just as long as it isn't cracked I can make it look purty.

As for the rifle itself, I'm stuck deciding between field grade and service grade.

I'm looking at ordering a Springfield Armory Field Grade M1 with a request for matching Walnut wood.

Or should I go with the Service Grade? Decisions... decisions...

This will be for a shooter with some collector value.

 

[junkmanted]

heres a picture of my 500.00 CMP the wood was black when I got it I pulled it apart and cleaned it with steel wool and thinners then finnished it with tung oil about 5 coats .

 

[johnnyonthespot]

I recommend the service grade...

why not guarantee the best you can afford if it will be worked on, adored, and expected to hold some collector value...

UPGRADE UPGRADE UPGRADE....

 

[Nikdfish]

I went for a HRA service grade myself. I was primarily looking for a shooter & felt the specs for service vs. field gave me a better chance at a good shooter. It is a bit of a crap shoot, but I am very happy with what I received...

Nick

 

[30Cal]

I'd recommend buying the best grade you can afford. You won't regret it. I've hand picked a couple field grades at the store, but even then, they're pretty rough.

 

[Trebor]

Buy the best grade available when you order. Bore condition and especially crown condition do make a difference.

Why spend all that money for what is likely to be a so-so shooter when, for a little more, you can get a rifle in better shape?

The exception is if you KNOW you are going to rebarel the rifle as a match rifle or caliber conversion. Then you are just using the base rifle as a "parts kit" and bore and muzzle condition isn't as important, since you'll be replacing the barrel anyway.

Get the best rifle you can. You'll be glad you did later. That extra money you save by going cheap will be forgetten quickly, but you'll have the rifle for years and years.

 

[johnnyonthespot]

what they said.

UPGRADE

or do what I did and instead of surprises (CMP Grab-bag) pay more for one with the specs you want... (gunbroker.com / gunsamerica.com)

here is my latest/greatest (1955 Springfield) after adding
a can of Greek HXP
an M5A1 Bayonet
and a bandolier...

...and about an hour fumbling through a crappy image editor...



*note to self : MUST load photoshop!*

 

[offthepaper]

I bought a FG back when the SG's were out of stock. While I love my Garand, it was pretty rough when it showed up. From what I gather from reading the CMP "customer feedback" on their page there seem to be some pretty nice SG's coming out right now. I'm thinking of getting a SG while they are still available.
A $100 is not a lot of money to get a higher quality Garand than one that might show as diferent as day and night than a SG.

Trebor said it best:

Get the best rifle you can. You'll be glad you did later. That extra money you save by going cheap will be forgetten quickly, but you'll have the rifle for years and years.