Help With CMP Grading System for M-1 Garands

[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sent me a catalog of their products and I was very excited by the idea of buying an old Garand and fixing it up with some parts from Brownell's (e.g., stock, etc.). I have a gunsmith who is very good with the M-1 that will do the work for me.

I'm a little confused by the grading system and the various makers of the M-1 Garand and was hoping someone could help me.

First of all I'm looking for a shooter...nothing more. I'd like a rifle for shooting enjoyment and (if necessary) could be used for more serious purposes like self defense or hunting.

First of all there is "rack" and "service" grade. Further, the "service grade" M-1's were made by Springfield Armory, Harrington & Richardson while the "rack grade" guns were made by Springfield Armory and Winchester. Tom complicate matters even further some of them were Danish issue pieces recently brought into the United States. Some of the Danish "service grade" rifles have what is called a VAR barrel which the brochure claims is a prized feature by target shooters.

What is a VAR barrel? Is it a good thing worth $75.00 extra?

Here is a summary of their price list:
M-1 Garand - Service Grade - Springfield Armory - $500.00
M-1 Garand - Service Grade - Harrington & Richardson - $525.00
M-1 Garand - Rack Grade - Springfield Armory - $400.00
M-1 Garand (Danish Issue) - Service Grade - Springfield Armory - $400.00
M-1 Garand (Danish Issue) - Service Grade - Springfield Armory (VAR barrel) - $475.00
M-1 Garand (Danish Issue) - Rack Grade - Springfield Armory - $350.00
M-1 Garand (Danish Issue) - Rack Grade - Winchester - $400.00

or an incomplete rifle for those rebuilding.

M-1 Garand (Danish Issue) - Rack Grade - Springfield Armory - $350.00 (does not include stock, handguards, rear handguard band, front handguard spacer, front handguard ferrule, buttplace, buttplate screws, stock ferrule, stock ferrule screw, stock ferrule swivel, and butt swivel)

Which one would you select if you were in my shoes?

Also, it seems as if the CMP ships the rifle directly to you rather than through an FFL judging from their order form. Am I missing something or am I reading this correctly?

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Steve in PA]

First, yes the rifles are shipped directly to you. They come in a nice brown box delivered by FedEx. I got mine earlier this year. The first of many (garanditis you know).

Service grades are in better shape than rack grades, less muzzle and throat wear and the stocks are usually in very good to good shape. All parts of the stock may not match, but they aren't as ratty or soaked in cosmoline. If you want a good shooter in good shape get the service grade. If you want to "fix one up" save the $100.00, get the rack grade and have fun.

I would recommend getting what I did...a Springfield Service Grade. I couldn't be happier with mine. It shoots great, I've posted several pictures of targets from range trips with it. The onle thing I did when I got mine was strip the rifle, really didn't have to, looked great inside. Punched the bore, greased it up and went shooting. Been shooting it ever since.

VAR barrels are reported to be very good barrels. My next M1 might just be one of those Danish rifles......if they have any left.

To learn more I highly recommend checking out and doing searches on

www.battlerifles.com
www.jouster.com

 

[J Calhoun]

The Service Grade is better than the Rack Grade. However, none of them are original as they left the factory. They have been rebuilt at least once in their life. Very common with military rifles.

The Danish rifles were US made and sent to Denmark after WW2. They are really US rifles that have been returned. VAR is a Danish replacement barrel that is quite accurate.

You can get a Springfield in any grade easily. The Winchesters are collectable and are hard to get, they have a waiting list. H&R and IH are also more collectable than SA. I don't worry about this because the only part that is guaranteed to be the maker you order is the receiver.

If you want a good shooter, get the SA Service Grade. I like mine. If you want one to rebuild into a nice rifle to your likes, get the Danish Rack Grade.

Look at the jouster site for a really good M1 forum.

You have to be a member of a CMP affiliated club to buy from the CMP. Here's the website: www.odcmp.com

 

[cracked butt]

If you want an out of the box shooter, get the springfield service grade. I got an H&R service grade not too long ago- its a beautiful rifle, but the only part that is H&R is the receiver.

 

[Gator]

As has been said, if you want a shooter get a service grade Springfield Armory or H&R. The service grade Danes with the VAR barrels are also very good shooters, but you will probably get a Danish beechwood stock on it. If you plan on rebarreling and getting a commercial stock then jump on the $300 SA rack grades less wood...that's a deal! There is a waiting list for the IHC's, some Winchester service grades have been shipping lately, however these make better collectors than shooters.

Most rifles from the CMP have been rebuilt, but not all. I recently received an all correct 3.8 mil Springfield Armory, and several other guys have posted on Jouster they received similiar 3.7 or 3.8 mil correct rifles; I saw several more at CMP South. I also have received all correct 5.4 and 5.8 mil SA's and a 5.7 mil H&R . It isn't common, but you may get lucky!

 

[Brian Dale]

CMP's web site says that they're out of Danish-issue rifles with VAR barrels.

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm

Other changes I see from what you have posted from the catalog are:

1) M-1 Garand - Service Grade - Winchester - $525.

2) The only Danish issue Service Grade rifles that they show as still available are Springfield, and the site shows a 4 month wait for them.

3) The price of the Danish issue Rack Grade Springfield is now listed as $375.

4) They write the following about the Danish Issue Rack Grade Winchesters (still listed as $400): "These rifles are few and far between. The orders that have been taken have been put on a backorder list."

I'm saving up extra cash to buy an M1; I want a shooter. I'd have bought a Danish Springfield with a VAR barrel if I'd been quicker. I'll probably get a Springfield Service Grade, or a Danish issue Springfield Service Grade if I decide I'm willing to wait 4 months for a hundred bucks in savings.

Why have I only listed Springfields as my choices? I'd happily have one from any manufacturer, but I'm not buying to complete a collection, so I'll spend that 25 to 75 bucks on ammo.

But they're all Garands.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

For a plinking/hunting gun, I'd get a Springfield rack grade. The only difference between "rack" and "service" grades is the barrel condition, which may or may not make a difference in accuracy. Everything else, stock condition, parkerizing, is the same (in other words, a crap shoot).

Later, you can get it rebarreled for around $200 if you need more accuracy or decide to switch to .308 ammo.

Regards.

 

[Swampy]

Anthony,

Good answers from the guys so far...

One thing.... putting a new barrel on an M1 is not something the home gunsmith can do without a bunch of special tools necessary to the job. Also, the cost of the barrel alone, even if you have the tools and know-how to use them is around $150.

In light of this, I recommend going the route that will assure you a good barrel right off the bat.... i.e. the "Service Grade". You take a real chance with the Rack Grades of getting a barrel that is well past it's prime. The same is true of wood with the Rack Grades...

Go with the "Service Grade" and get one that will shoot right out of the CMP box (after a good cleaning, of course).

Just my two bits,
Swampy

 

[VG]

For a plinking/hunting gun, I'd get a Springfield rack grade. The only difference between "rack" and "service" grades is the barrel condition, which may or may not make a difference in accuracy. Everything else, stock condition, parkerizing, is the same (in other words, a crap shoot).

That's not always true. They can be, and are, made Rack Grade for other problems. Many people report getting one with finish or stock too rough be a Service Grade. The fit of the stock also affects accuracy.

The Service Grade rifles will give you a good shooter that will also have plenty of life left and not need much work. The worst are still good, and some of them are really nice. I've been very happy with the three SG's I've purchased. All the Danes had a ugly beech stock, or really beat up Walnut, and two of three had very worn finishes - those Danish NCO's must like he soldiers polishng those things....

Most of the rifles are graded by volunteers who are also collectors themselves, they want t obe sure you get fair value in the service grades.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

VG, I think the stock condition isn't used to describe "rack" vs "service" grades.

When I was looking through the racks at the Camp Perry store (sort of like a pilgrimage ), I couldn't tell the difference between rack grade and service grade by looking at metal or wood. I think the difference is only done by measuring wear at the throat and muzzle.

Both grades will shoot reliably, or CMP will make them good.

(I didn't get any of the M1's that trip. I walked out with a Win 52D and a '03 Springfield)

Regards.

 

[Swampy]

sleeping Dog wrote:

VG, I think the stock condition isn't used to describe "rack" vs "service" grades.

Sorry, but VG is right.... See the CMP's description of "Rack Grade" M1's on their website.

The fact that you didn't see any RG's that were that way because of bad wood does not mean that they don't exist.... I'd tend to believe that if any rifles are graded as "rack" for wood.... they just may indeed have a better barrel than otherwise would be found on a "rack"... and those would be the first to be sold.

In any case, by CMP's own description, some rifles are downgraded to "Rack" because of poor wood condition.

Best to all,]
Swampy

 

[Anthony]

Thank you so much for all of the great information.

Those of you who suggested the Springfield Armory Service Grade M-1 Garands, would you have any reservations in using yours as a combat rifle?

Are they reliable enough for such a serious purpose?

 

[Brian Dale]

Ummm,

They seemed to work OK for our GIs.



I'd have no reservations at all. You saw my earlier post, so you know that I don't have one yet. I've fired some, though, and handled a lot of them. I can tell you that they're built to last, but if your question is to quantify reliability in terms of feeding, extraction or misfiring problems, you need somebody with more experience than I have.

A fella with the pen name of Columba has a piece on choosing a combat rifle at http://www.doingfreedom.com/gen/0702/brifle.html He downgrades the AR-10 because he does not see it as dependable enough, but he does not make any similar comment about the Garand. The only drawback that he lists in the essay is the 8-round en bloc clip.

At the risk of offending you (because you probably already know this, but maybe somebody new to the whole topic is reading, too): remember that the "Springfield Armory" that made these CMP rifles is the (now closed) government arsenal in Springfield, Mass., not the modern company with that name in Geneseo, IL.

 

[Steve in PA]

I've got a 60 year old rifle and it shoots great. I'd have no reservations carrying it.

 

[JNewell]

To follow up on the gunsmith idea, the only thing I'd do to a CMP Garand out of the box is change the springs. I would avoid non-USGI-spec springs in the rifle like the plague, however.

 

[Grayrock]

I was at my FFL picking up a repair and a new pistol when he brings out this Garand. Tells me it is brand spanking new. Just been made. Limited edition. I was not interested at the time- but it sure looked nice. If anyone is interested I can provide more details. It is a little more than $350, though.

 

[J Calhoun]

I'd carry mine into battle. No doubt about it.