cmp garand?

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Indy7373

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All right guys. I don't post much, prefering to read and learn, but here goes. I am looking at getting one of the CMP Garands. I don't have alot of money to play with (youngster starting out etc.) so I was looking at one of the Field Grade rifles for right around 400 dollars.

I have already inquired about the requirements to order from them, and they directed me to a club to join in order to be able to join (garandcollectors.org), and I have a concealed carry permit, so I have all the necessary items and paper work.

I have two questions.

Is the field grade a good choice? I can't afford a service grade right now, but is the rack grade a viable choice? Or are these the consolation Garands, more useful as a wall hanger?

Also, how difficult is it to clean them when they come in? What is the best to get the cosmoline off them? Thanks in advance for all the help.
 
Buy the best you can afford

That's good advice for guns, cars, houses, whatever. NOT the most expensive; the BEST. Quality is value, surface glitz is garbage.

I have 3 CMP rifles; two bought directly from the CMP and the third from the guy who bought it from the CMP. I am happy with all of them.

Service grade rifles meet current muzzle and throat erosion specs. They will be more accurate and probably less worn generally.

IF this is going to be a plinker, or a "just HAD to own a Garand," Field Grade will suffice. Won't be pretty, but it will do.

If you plan to build a match rifle (and it does not sound as if you do), get a barreled receiver or even a bare receiver; you'll replace everything else anyway.

Cleaning? Was not a problem with the Garand, but the Springfield was put away in '44 and did not see daylight (I'm guessing) until the CMP head-spaced it. LOTS of very old, dark, thick cosmoline. Lots of rubbing, wiping, scraping, etc.

Your money, your call. Good luck and have fun! ;)
 
History in your hands

Sure you can shoot just about any grade rifle from CMP and it will probably shoot really well. Certainly better than I'm able to on any given day.

You can also look up a limited amount of details on when and to which unit the rifle was originally issued.

One of my mine was issued to the United States Marine Corps in early 1944. I can hold it in my hands at the range and always, somewhere in the back of my mind, is the question about what has that rifle seen and where has it been.

My uncle was one of the lucky jarheads that was issued a Garand instead of the more commonplace 03A3 when he went to the South Pacific in late '43. Did someone like him carry it ashore and put those scratches on the stock? What rock on what beach put that deep scratch next to the magazine floor plate?

Another of mine was made in March of 1942. By then the factory was in full time war production. Did the people at Springfield take extra care after December 7th to make sure the quality and accuracy were better than they were before? I'll never know but I can combine what I heard from my mother and father about the home front attitudes after WW II broke out and put together a likely scenario.

Buy any Garand you can afford and enjoy the shooting and the history.
 
The field grade should be fine for you.

Use the search, there are lots of threads on refinishing wood on surplus rifles that are soaked in cosmoline.

I just wiped everything down real good and used gun scrubber spray and Hoppes on the metal.
 
I, too, have financial concerns but wanted a piece of history and a rifle in 30-06. I went for the Field Grade USGI, received a 1943 issue and immediately found myself immersed in looking up info on the parts and history. What a kick. Of course, I'm the type that reads EVERY sign in museums.

The Field Grade and Service Grade are only guaranteed to differ in barrel wear. Service Grade is not based on quality of stock.

I don't have enough experience to know how well my rifle shoots and will not have a good reference until I can get a more experienced shooter to test it for me or until I learn to use the sights correctly. Seems pretty good, though.

I am trying to finagle a second Field Grade of a later date or Rack Grade that I won't mind 'upgrading' for fear of losing the history.
 
I felt the same way at the beginning of the month when I put in my first order for a SG, I can't wait until I get it.
 
Just re read the CMP descriptions and the FG are listed as more wear than SG.

My FG stock is very good--refinished as described on CMP site except for forward guard (couldn't figure out how to get it off when I was in the refinishing process) and no dents that I would bother with.

What dents are there represent the character of the rifle for me and another connection with history so they stay.
 
Buddy and I from work are considering making the haul from Jersey to go to the store.

Overnight trip, but it'd be real nice to pick the gun out myself. Also wanted to look at the Kimber 82's . . . .
 
I am supposed to have a bonus check coming mid-March, and I too am going to go to the North Store with a pocket full of cash and buy at least one.
Old story, had one, sold it. Once I get another I'll have it till I'm gone. I figure it'l be a good investment for my wife and daughter. Sooner or later there won't be any more to buy and the price will only go up, in the long run.:)
 
Commonly told story for those fortunate enough to be able to get to the store. Don't assume the best is on display. Some have gone to the store and been disappointed at what is on display. Often it has been picked over and you'll need to ask the staff to see what is in the back room to find those real gems.
 
I posted a question along the same lines on the CMP forum.

They basically said the same thing - you might be better off with the luck of the draw because the store stuff is picked over closely.

They suggested I call to confirm before going . . . . . . I may wind up scratching the trip based on that . . . .
 
Highland Ranger,

Call to confirm the following before you decide to scratch the trip.

The common story is that the staff will look around in the back room for you. Apparently they restock every so often and the leavings may vary from day to day so you have to encourage them to bring more out before the normal restock level is reached. Heard a couple of stories about very good purchases under these circumstances.
 
i have a field grade that i got in october '05. the stock is in good shape, no pitting or rust anywhere. i put 2 clips in a 6" circle at 100 yards unsupported with it.

i requested a serial number below 3,500,000 and got a 1944 SAGI. you can put in a request for that and they'll get you a WWII model.
 
Thanks for the link to the online shooting club, the GCA. I too also have a CWP and would then qualify to purchase one. My dad carried an M1 when he was an MP in Berlin in the early 60's. I remember my dad telling me he could shoot groups the diameter of a half-dollar at 300 yards when the rifles were properly sighted in. He loved that rifle and I find that as I get older I'd like to have one too. Mike
 
Welcome to the club

I'm waiting for my second rifle right now. A Springfield Rack Grade.

What did you decide to get?
 
I am showing up bit late to the party here, but I too have decided to get a Garand from the CMP baring an act of god that causes someone local to sell me one for cheap. Since I have no Intention of shooting competitively with it and I don't feel like waiting 90+ days for a rifle I am going with the field grade. Anyone know if a Social Security Card counts as prof of citizenship?
 
Anyone know if a Social Security Card counts as prof of citizenship?
Click to expand...

No good. Birth Certificate, Passport photo page, or Naturalization forms are the only acceptable US Citizenship ID for the CMP.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever
 
also I think military ID counts for proof as well if you're an officer. I called them back before I made my order because I didn't have the birth certificate or passport handy, I asked if military ID was ok, the lady asked me if I was an officer, said nope, just enlisted. she enformed me that it wouldn't count towards proof of citizenship.
 
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