CMP M1 Carbines: still worth it?

[Quoheleth]

I've been contemplating a Carbine from the CMP to pair with my Garand I received last fall. I've been reading over at the CMP forums and it seems the Carbines that are still available are going fast, and are generally pretty beat-up. They're "rack grades," so I guess it's a case of getting what is described, and they are described as:

Rack Grade Carbines have been refinished and rebuilt at least once and will exhibit in most cases varying degrees of wear on many parts. All the carbines have late features such as, adjustable sights (heavily staked) with bayonet lug bands and rotary safeties. Metal parts are mixed USGI. There are no carbines with early features. All are mechanically sound with good headspace. Bores will have some heavy pitting and exterior finish may show significant wear and some surface pitting. Muzzle will gauge over a three (3) on gauge. All of the carbines we have are returns from one of several countries and may have USGI walnut, birch, or other foreign replacement wood. Stocks may be M2 type pot belly. Wood may have seen heavy use, may or may not have original cartouches and may have foreign markings. Wood is sound, but will have dings, dents, gouges and cracks that do not affect the function of the carbine. Metal may have some foreign markings. Carbines in this grade show considerably more use and wear than the service grade.

For those who have recently ordered & received a CMP Carbine, are these worth the money & effort? I want a half-way decent shooter - a range toy - that will be both fun to own and shoot and something to show the kids & grand kids. FYI, I would be going Inland, just to save $.

Q

 

[jd46561]

If it were me?, I would get one off gunbrokers.com. I got this one off there, it is a CMP carbine with mint bore.

 

[bhk]

The CMP has its own discussion forums. Many members are posting photos of their new rackers and some are mighty nice. Check these photos out. These are going for less than 500 dollars. It is a great deal!

 

[inherentical]

Order one of the Bavarian service grades. I didn't realize the rest of them had sold out so quickly.

 

[America_without_liberals]

I have not purchased one from them for 2 years but I have to say that mine is really clean and nice. For me though, Camp Perry is only a 3 hour drive. Nice to be able to pick your own out. I did a mail order Garand last year and it was also great quality.

 

[greyling22]

these are some pictures I took of the carbine I got right out of the box. it was an inland service grade. next level up from rack, but it might give you an idea of what you are looking at. it had no pitting, but some places where rust had been taken off, and the sights way were off.

 

[greyling22]

more pics. there was no cosmoline on my gun. and remember, they don't come with a magazine. And I want your brass.

 

[EMT40SW]

I got an inland M1 carbine in 2008 that was rack grade & it was a steal of a deal. It turned out better bore & wood than the service grade M1 Garand in the same order. Both were totally worth it!!!!!

 

[Maj Dad]

As soon as CMP is sold out of carbines, it will be even more worth it to you - don't wait till they're gone. You can always find one on GB or AA, but CMP is a step up & they stand behind them. If you can go to the CMP stores, you can get a Bavarian Rural Police service grade for around $500. I can just about guarantee you that in 5 or 6 years they'll be pushing a grand. If I had the $, I'd be on the road tonight...

 

[Acera]

Yes, go with the CMP. Customer service is outstanding.

 

[Eightball]

Yes. This one was from the first batch they got in a while back, standard Inland, still cost below $500.

 

[Maverick223]

CMP M1 Carbines: still worth it?

Not for me, I live too far away from both the N. and the S. store, and am too picky to have one shipped, sight unseen. I purchased mine from a local gun shop.