CMP North Store

[timfromohio]

I'm interested in driving up to the North store to pick out an M1 Garand Service Grade and would really appreciate feedback from others who have done this - I'm getting all of my documentation in order but have zero experience with Garands. I've read about what to look for but no experience in examining these rifles.

How helpful are the staff - is it OK to ask for assistance in picking out a rifle? Will they allow one to use the guage to check for throat erosion, etc.? I'm assuming it's probably better not to go on a Saturday? Anything else fun to do in the area?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

[Tim the student]

I've been there twice, but bear in mind things may have changed since I was last there. I think your best bet is to go to the CMP forums and ask/look around there. Look and ask for store reports too - guys will post what was available when they went.

Anyway... Yes, the staff will help you pick out a rifle. I imagine they may not if they are super busy. Other customers will help you pick out a rifle too - many are very knowledgeable. Have an idea as to what you want though - shooter or collector.

A driver's license gets you gauges. The staff will show you how to use them if you don't know.

Don't think I was ever there on a Saturday, but I'd avoid it if you can. I imagine it is much busier then. Get to the store early - before it opens. I believe they refill the store every evening, and don't do it so much throughout the day, if at all. Bring donuts for everyone, and a lot of money.

I haven't spent much time in the area, but I'll bet there are some places in the area that have some damn good fried walleye.

Have fun.

 

[USSR]

How helpful are the staff - is it OK to ask for assistance in picking out a rifle? Will they allow one to use the guage to check for throat erosion, etc.?

The staff is very helpful. The previous poster's suggestion of going to the CMP forum is a good one, as the people on that site will be able to answer all your questions. Also, there will be recent posts concerning the quality of the store's current inventory. Good luck, and enjoy the trip.

Don

 

[Welding Rod]

Things to look for:

Bent front sight ears

Canted front sight

Nicks on the crown

Gas cylinder play on the barrel (which allows the front sight to rotate / wiggle)

Slop in the op-rod / reciever fit

Tilt test op rod / bolt (if the armorer will help / allow)

Bent lower band

Worn serrations on the rear sight ears, particularly the left ear (elevation)

Worn rear sight elevation pinion (no spring pressure left / worn point that engages ear serrations)

Engagement of oprod to oprod catch (when the bolt is locked open) (if the armorer will help / allow)

Major rust flaking inside the oprod's spring tube (if the armorer will help / allow)

Free movement of the bolt from the fully rearward position (I had one that would hang up on the inside of the reciever heel as the serial numbers were stamped too deep which pushed a bump down inside of the reviever)

Tight lock up the trigger guard (if the armorer will help / allow)

Front stock ferrule snuggly attacked to front of stock

Good trigger break (I would ask permission first)

You also may as well check the stock fit for:

Front stock ferrule engagement of lower band

Op-rod rubbing (if the armorer will help / allow)

Reviever to wood fit (shold not slop around) (if the armorer will help / allow)

Handguard fit (a little play on both can be good for accuracy)

You can likely avoid most potential problem areas by getting a Service Grade Special.

 

[timfromohio]

Thanks for the replies. I have checked out the CMP forums which are great. WR - I'll print out your list, read up, and bring it with me when I go - thanks! I really like the specials, but they are out of my price range.

 

[Hacker15E]

When you get to the store, just talk to the folks behind the counter -- they're more than happy to provide an experienced eye on what you're interested in buying.

 

[Orlando]

Just get a Service Grade they are all very nice shooters