Garand - CMP or other route?
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dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Can’t answer for current news on CMP. Might want to post there. I got mine from a non CMP source. The prices sure have climbed, and if that doesn’t bother you, then there are plenty to choose from. Others more knowledgeable than me will certainly add good advice.
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
From what I understand, Last year over 100,000 Garands were to be released to the CMP. They were planning to sell 8000-10,000 per year.
This link will show current availability and pricing through the CMP.
http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/
I hope this helps.
This link will show current availability and pricing through the CMP.
http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/
I hope this helps.
FL-NC
Member
In my experience, you typically won't get a cheaper price on a Garand of equal quality as those offered by CMP. Is it possible some dummy may sell dad's Garand to you for $100 because he/she doesn't know better? Yes. But don't bet on it.
Check out the CMP forum and you can get an idea on the condition of the M1's and the backlog CMP has.
http://forums.thecmp.org/index.php
http://forums.thecmp.org/index.php
Flatbush Harry
Member
FWIW, I have seen many M1 Garands at the major Denver gun shows and several LGSs. I have also obtained 5 from CMP.
In general, Gun Show sellers offer rifles of unknown provenances, uncertain function and condition, and no warranty. Some friends have shown me theirs and most are misrepresented mixmasters, many having been put together by sellers. The same is true for LGS offerings who acquire them from sellers and traders. The prices for these guns are roughly twice what CMP would sell guns for or more.
By contrast, CMP clearly communicates their grade and stands behind their rifles...if the buyer has a problem, CMP solves it...and pays for shipping for resolution. I have been a CMP customer since 2007. Their rifles are accurately described as to condition and their customer service is as fine as any business in the industry. I have been to Anniston, AL to attend their Advanced Maintenance Class at which I built my Special Grade from refurb and reparkerized parts, a Criterion barrel, and a new CMP stock and stock metal. Their rifles are great shooters and well-priced. To me, the choice is obvious --- CMP.
YMMV, but I doubt it. Good luck,
In general, Gun Show sellers offer rifles of unknown provenances, uncertain function and condition, and no warranty. Some friends have shown me theirs and most are misrepresented mixmasters, many having been put together by sellers. The same is true for LGS offerings who acquire them from sellers and traders. The prices for these guns are roughly twice what CMP would sell guns for or more.
By contrast, CMP clearly communicates their grade and stands behind their rifles...if the buyer has a problem, CMP solves it...and pays for shipping for resolution. I have been a CMP customer since 2007. Their rifles are accurately described as to condition and their customer service is as fine as any business in the industry. I have been to Anniston, AL to attend their Advanced Maintenance Class at which I built my Special Grade from refurb and reparkerized parts, a Criterion barrel, and a new CMP stock and stock metal. Their rifles are great shooters and well-priced. To me, the choice is obvious --- CMP.
YMMV, but I doubt it. Good luck,
Garandimal
member
CMP - all the way.
Otherwise, you are just relying on luck, and the pure and honest nature of man. (which are both pretty thin these days)
The best route is to buy Three(3) Service Grades - and then sell (at or above cost) the one(s) that don't "sing" to you.
Takes a little of the "Luck-of-the-Draw" out.
At least One out of the Three will be sweet, and maybe more.
Stocks have also been known to migrate around to match up better as well, before the final selection.
And selling a papered CMP/SG at or near cost is a snap, especially to those Americans stuck behind the Pink Curtain of Democrat National Socialism.
GR
Otherwise, you are just relying on luck, and the pure and honest nature of man. (which are both pretty thin these days)
The best route is to buy Three(3) Service Grades - and then sell (at or above cost) the one(s) that don't "sing" to you.
Takes a little of the "Luck-of-the-Draw" out.
At least One out of the Three will be sweet, and maybe more.
Stocks have also been known to migrate around to match up better as well, before the final selection.
And selling a papered CMP/SG at or near cost is a snap, especially to those Americans stuck behind the Pink Curtain of Democrat National Socialism.
GR
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Random 8
Member
Cmp currently lists Service Grade at 750 with free shipping. This will make a very fine rifle, and matches the live auction price I saw a comparable rifle go for today. I thought that was a pretty good deal for a live sale, they usually go North of $1000 for a pretty nice SA or H&R.
Jeff Burgess
member
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I been at the cmp several times lately and they have a very nice selection. A lot of the 750 service grade were actually very nice and much rather have them in the original stock then a new stock.
I bought my first Garand last September. (Well - it arrived in September. When I ordered it wait time (Service Grade) was 6-8 weeks.) Last I checked that wait time has come way down for Service Grades.
I ordered mine just as the Philippine returns (presumably those are the other country guns you're referring to) had recently come in. My sense - just a guess - is that what caused the wait time to come down is they were really getting them into their system/process.
I went with the CMP because I had the sense that one *really* has to get into and learn the Garand and the market to understand enough re whether a gun show bubba is realistic or not. I figured the CMP was the easiest way to get something at a reasonable price and be confident I wasn't getting screwed.
They were FANTASTIC to work with. When mine came in I posted a bunch of pictures in the CMP forum - as is the custom. I wanted to see what people could tell me about it. One guy noticed the lot number of my bolt was a lot that was supposed to be destroyed due to manufacturing error. I brought this up to CMP. They paid for return shipping, replaced the bolt, checked headspace, test fired it, and paid for shipping back to me. And they turned it around in about a week.
You do roll the dice a bit. I was lucky enough to get original wood (as well as lockbar sights). The stock was REALLY dirty and grimy. At first I was kind of bummed. But folks in the forum recommended cleaning steps and now, after a little work, I have a Garand with beautiful wood and some character.
I basically can't recommend the CMP highly enough. If I ever buy another Garand I'll definitely go there.
OR
I ordered mine just as the Philippine returns (presumably those are the other country guns you're referring to) had recently come in. My sense - just a guess - is that what caused the wait time to come down is they were really getting them into their system/process.
I went with the CMP because I had the sense that one *really* has to get into and learn the Garand and the market to understand enough re whether a gun show bubba is realistic or not. I figured the CMP was the easiest way to get something at a reasonable price and be confident I wasn't getting screwed.
They were FANTASTIC to work with. When mine came in I posted a bunch of pictures in the CMP forum - as is the custom. I wanted to see what people could tell me about it. One guy noticed the lot number of my bolt was a lot that was supposed to be destroyed due to manufacturing error. I brought this up to CMP. They paid for return shipping, replaced the bolt, checked headspace, test fired it, and paid for shipping back to me. And they turned it around in about a week.
You do roll the dice a bit. I was lucky enough to get original wood (as well as lockbar sights). The stock was REALLY dirty and grimy. At first I was kind of bummed. But folks in the forum recommended cleaning steps and now, after a little work, I have a Garand with beautiful wood and some character.
I basically can't recommend the CMP highly enough. If I ever buy another Garand I'll definitely go there.
OR
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Elkins45
Member
I bought a field grade gun a couple of years ago. It was $630 shipped and turnaround time was something crazy like 11 days. For that you get a gun that has been looked over and tested by experts. And you know it isn't stolen, or it isn't being sold because it doesn't work.
I'm pretty confident I could get my $630 back without much trouble.
I'm pretty confident I could get my $630 back without much trouble.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Figure it this way. You can go to a gun show or look in the private sector and buy a M1 Garand. Unless you are really good with the M1 Garand and carry several gauges in your pocket you really don't know what you are getting. Gauges like a TE (Throat Erosion) or ME (Muzzle Erosion) just for starters. When the rifle you just paid over a grand for has a problem the first time you take it out, who are you going to call?
Unless you are very M1 Garand savvy I would be looking to the CMP and if there is an issue they are only a phone call away with the support you will want. Getting qualified to buy a CMP rifle is relatively simple so all things considered I would take the CMP route if I were you.
Ron
Unless you are very M1 Garand savvy I would be looking to the CMP and if there is an issue they are only a phone call away with the support you will want. Getting qualified to buy a CMP rifle is relatively simple so all things considered I would take the CMP route if I were you.
Ron
bbqreloader
Member
I bought my service grade from CMP due to the expertise that they have in Garands as well as other WW2 rifles. For 750, as other posters noted, you get a rifle that has been inspected, serviced to a point and certificate of authentication. Do not expect an original stock unless you specifically ask for it and even then it may be a crap shoot. I did re finish my stock, Hackberry wood. I also had it head spaced and tested by my gunsmith.
I wont say it's a "safe queen" but I do cherish having an end of WW2 piece of history (July of 45). I don't think I'll get another, but when I do let it out to stretch it's legs I love every minute of it!
Read the process of ordering and get on the CMP forum. Once you meet the credentials and make the order, the communication process is very spotty at best until your rifle ships. So at the very least send the order with delivery receipt so you know it got to it's destination. Good luck!
I wont say it's a "safe queen" but I do cherish having an end of WW2 piece of history (July of 45). I don't think I'll get another, but when I do let it out to stretch it's legs I love every minute of it!
Read the process of ordering and get on the CMP forum. Once you meet the credentials and make the order, the communication process is very spotty at best until your rifle ships. So at the very least send the order with delivery receipt so you know it got to it's destination. Good luck!
P5 Guy
Member
Just go to the CMP and buy a M1 Rifle.
There are too many variables dealing at a gun store or show.
Can you spot a welded up receiver? I've heard of some that reworked drill rifles back to function, sort of and sold.
At one show some time ago a vendor had a dozen M1s on his table. I asked to see one and asked to open the breech he snatched it out of my hands. Claiming that I was adding to the wear?
I asked why he wouldn't let a buyer see the condition of the bore on a rifle 60 plus years old. I was told to go away.
I guess the bore was pretty shot and rusted
There are too many variables dealing at a gun store or show.
Can you spot a welded up receiver? I've heard of some that reworked drill rifles back to function, sort of and sold.
At one show some time ago a vendor had a dozen M1s on his table. I asked to see one and asked to open the breech he snatched it out of my hands. Claiming that I was adding to the wear?
I asked why he wouldn't let a buyer see the condition of the bore on a rifle 60 plus years old. I was told to go away.
I guess the bore was pretty shot and rusted
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Now if you want a shot out rifle with both muzzle and throat erosion I will be happy to sell you one of my take off barrels.
When I was heavy into reworking and selling them I encouraged people to handle my rifles and if they did not have a gauge I provided them with one and explained what the meaning of the numbers was additionally there were several bore lights on my tables. I also pointed out my shop was there if they had questions or a problem. I have seen all sorts of tricks pulled with guys selling the things. Unless you have something to hide a potential customer should be able to cycle the action and inspect the rifle before handing over their money.
I still stand by what I mentioned earlier, buy from CMP.
Ron
Jackal
Member
They typically sell for around $1000 when they occasionally hit the wall at our store.
Garandimal
member
Got a very nice Service Grade from the CMP - and noticed that the Op-rod tab had broken off.
Emailed some pics to CMP/CS, was contacted by an Armorer, shipped the Op-rod back on them, and got a replacement in ~ a wk, Gratis.
Price Op-rods. Yikes!
CMP all the way.
GR
Emailed some pics to CMP/CS, was contacted by an Armorer, shipped the Op-rod back on them, and got a replacement in ~ a wk, Gratis.
Price Op-rods. Yikes!
CMP all the way.
GR
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