Okay, here it finally is....The day I have been waiting for for years finally came. I have always wanted an M1 Garand every since I was yonger. But when I heard about the CMP, I was very excited and have been planning to go for a few years now. Well this year's tax check was better than expected and I finally got the go ahead from the wife to not only buy 1, but 2! The stars finally aligned and we had the same days off and the money to go. So at 12:00am, Wednsday morning (02-09-2011) with the kids sleeping and wearning their pajamas, we loaded the truck and and headed out. When I typed in the address to my GPS, I was a little discouraged to find out that it would be an 8 hour drive....and I knew I was in for a long night.
But suprisingly, the trip went very quick and we actually arrived there in 6 hours and 45 minutes (yes I was doing 85 the whole way. But one thing I didn't account for....Alabama is 1 hour behind Florida's time...so instead of arriving there just in time for opening, I was an hour early...DOUGH! So I waited like a little kid for Christmas day. I was actully suprised to find that the parking lot was packed with several people waiting at the store entrance. So I got out in the 24 degree weather and waited like the rest.
I did notice that there was a guy there with Illinois plates...so lated I asked and come to find out, it was TheHighRoad.org member Geneseo1911! Small world. Once I walked in, I was amazed at the mount of Garands in the store. I immediately met with Leon, who helped me pick out my first Springfield M1....The only unfortunate thing was that all of the service grade Springfields had new birch CMP stocks. But Leon told me I could always get another G.I. stock or stain and tung oil the newer stock making it beautiful. He definately found me a shooter!
With a 1+ME and a 2+TE, I was happy. So on to the next pick...another Springfield? Or an HRA? Well I chose another Springfield because the HRA's also had new stocks on them...however, the HRA's wood color was un-appealing to my eyes. But this time I got lucky again. I found a rifle that measured right at 0+ME and 2+TE...One is in the 5.8 million and the second in the 5.4 million range. They also both had all Springfield parts amazingly! YAY! Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of either one that I bought....but I did take a bunch of other pictures posted below. Due to the price, I had both rifles shipped to my house (I should get them Tuesday) and took a can of ammo with me.
Yes, it was hard leaving the rifles behind...but at a grand total of around 1400, I had already spent enough. So, for anyone considering going to the store...GO. It was an awesome life experience which will not be around forever. Everyone was more than helpful including the other customers. Great trip, awesome people and I learned a ton! Enjoy the pics!!!
One of the multiple CMP buildings in the area...
A cool picture of the largest building as the sun rose in the background.
Another CMP building...
A picture of Anniston...beautiful.
A full parking lot with alot of excited customers!
The store sign.
Entrance...
One of the numerous racks of M1's.
A close up shot
Special Grades...they were friggin' awesome
HRA Service grades
M1 Receivers
Bayonet Pile
Ammo Cabinet
More ammo..Greek ammo
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