Got the go-ahead for an M1

[Mals9]

The boss gave the okay for an M1. Now which one, the SA or HRA. I want this for general target shooting and the historical aspect. At some time in the future I may try my hand at a long range competition, but I am by no means a competitive shooter. I plan on getting a gas plug so I can use commercial ammo. I will order a service grade rifle and while appearance is important I am not that particular, I wouldn't mind some "character". For those that have an M1 is there a large difference in the fit and finish of the HRA over the SA. The CMP says the SA ships in 60 days and the HRA is out to 180 days, that to me says the HRA's are more popular but for my purposes is there enough difference?
I know that the later serial numbers tend to be the better of the bunch, say post WW2, and I do not expect matching parts. Also what Affiliated Organization do most belong to?
Thanks

Mals

 

[No4Mk1*]

The Garand Collectors Assn is $25/year and you get a nice quarterly magazine.

 

[jpwilly]

One of each! The HRA is more rare not better fit and finish IMO. The SA is just more common...Most of the M1's from the CMP are mixed parts but they do work well and are USGI.

 

[Slug]

The SA gives you a chance at a WWII rifle though, so historically you might be better off going with the SA. But SA produced a bunch, so who knows and you could very easily get a post war rifle. Great shooter, but nothing in terms of history. HRA just made less so they are more popular for collectors and people that want one of each.

I have one of each, I honestly prefer to hold the SA, just feels better. It has the USGI stock on it. Stock is a little looser in the fit and not as tight as my other one, which has a reproduction Greek stock, but it feels good. Other then one having a new stock and the other a USGI stock...not much difference. Both gauge less then a 2 in the muzzle, look new, and shoot well. You'd be happy with either. CMP has been sending out some nice looking rifles lately of both makers.

Oh and i'm Military so that qualified me.

My SA on left, HRA on right.

 

[FMJMIKE]

I prefer WW II Garands. The history adds to the value IMHO. So Springfield would be my choice. You can always order a HRA later. My late WW II Springfield...................

 

[Tim the student]

I personally would go for a Springfield with a sticky requesting a WW2 s/n.

Thought at all about the Service Special grades?

 

[Tinpig]

I ordered two M1 Garands from CMP, both Springfield Armory because my great-grandfather was an Army inspector there at the end of the Civil War.
I was lucky enough to get a WWII and a Korean War rifle (1942 and 1952.)






But a Garand is a Garand and you won't go wrong with either SA or HRA, and you won't go wrong with the CMP.

Tinpig

 

[az_imuth]

Between the SA and HRA, you can't go wrong with either one. Given that you stated you are interested in the historical aspect of the rifles, I'd opt for the SA since you could possibly receive a WW2 era M1. My first CMP order was for a SA and I received a very nice mid '42 rifle that is an outstanding shooter. With the SA, regardless of whether you receive a WW2 or postwar rifle, you will still have a connection to the history of the Springfield Armory.

Best of luck in your purchase!

 

[SaxonPig]

Nope... not saying a thing... not me...

 

[Mals9]

I filled out the form for the SA service grade. I just have to join an Associated Organization, Garand Collectors, and I am set. I did not know you could request a WWII serial number, I understand it's not a sure thing but that would be nice. I would like to have a special grade but that is to much of a stretch on the budget. I just got back to work after a 3 month layoff so I am surprised the LOML let go on this. I better check the closet for more shoes.
az-imuth are those the way yours showed up at the door or did you do some refinishing on the timber?
SaxonPig what's up with the silence?

Mals

 

[Slug]

Yep, just stick a sticky note on your form and you might get lucky! You can request things like WWII serial, "old wood" meaning a USGI stock, etc. No guarantees but, always worth a shot.

 

[az_imuth]

az-imuth are those the way yours showed up at the door or did you do some refinishing on the timber?

The Winchester stock (originally came on an HRA) was solid black with dirt and filth when received. I even thought about ditching it, but decided to see what I could do with it first. I ended up cleaning it, filling a few deep dents, lightly sanding and then rubbing it down with boiled linseed oil. I'll just say I'm glad I didn't toss it. The others just received a rub down with the oil, as they were in pretty nice shape...just a bit dry.

 

[Tim the student]

I did not know you could request a WWII serial number

As I have read on the CMP forums (maybe even from Orest, but I'm far from positive):

When you put a sticky on your order, ask for a specific range, not just "a WW2 S/N". The packers may not know what is/is not WW2, so if you do put a sticky on, requesting "A S/N below XXXXXXX" may get you closer to what you want.