Hi, kid.

[Guy B. Meredith]

Hi, kid. Early (Garand) Christmas

Oy vay. I went through endless debates with myself over ordering a CMP Garand: don't like finicky autos, don't have a need for a rifle, too expensive to shoot, can't use it in as many venues as a handgun -- but -- piece of history, imprinted on Garands from the endless WWII movies I soaked up as a kid, not likely to lose money if I decide I don't want one, etc., etc., etc.

I also pride myself on not falling into the herd mindset of fads and trends, Garand fever.

Well, my CMP Garand should show up in the morning and I find myself feeling like that kid I was 50 years ago waiting for Santa Claus at Christmas, just as the aficionados in this forum.

I have found myself closely tracking the order from the first email response (May 13) to the listing as 'open' (May 23) to dollar amounts populated in the order (May 31) to the listing as 'processing' (June 3) to 'shipped' (June 6).

Hi, kid. Interesting to see you again.

 

[jefnvk]

Way to go! You cannot go wrong with a CMP M1.

So, what did you order? Collector's grade, I assume

 

[Snowdog]

I find myself feeling like that kid I was 50 years ago waiting for Santa Claus at Christmas

That's one of the few feelings that make life worth living. Once that "kid" is gone for good, the body's not long to follow.

I hope your new toy is everything you hope it to be.

 

[Father Knows Best]

don't like finicky autos, don't have a need for a rifle, too expensive to shoot, can't use it in as many venues as a handgun(SNIP)

1. The M1 Garand anything but "finicky." That's part of what made it "the greatest battle implement ever devised." Operation is simple and reliable.

2. Everyone has a need for a rifle.

3. Expense is relative. True, it's more expensive that 9 mm or .223 or 7.62 Russian, but surplus .30-'06 is still cheap compared to hundreds of other cartridges. The last time I checked, CMP was still selling excellent Lake City M2 ball surplus at $192 for a case of 960 rounds. That's just 20 cents a shot, which is still very cheap by rifle ammo standards.

4. True, but a rifle can do a heck of a lot of things a handgun can't.

You won't be disappointed. Be forewarned, though -- it can become an addiction. I have two CMP Garands, and I've been saving my pennies for more.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Despite everything I am a hard core shopper. Though the history aspect is a strong interest, I cannot afford show pieces. For now the budget says Field Grade Springfield USGI so I can expect a shooter out of the box and not feel guilty about changing out pieces.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Regarding that addiction. I am actually very resistant to that sort of thing, but I DO keep catching a deep part of the back of my mind doing stealthy calculations and scenarios on different grades and manufacturer of M1.

 

[Onmilo]

If you are an American, especially an American Service member, current or retired, you NEED an M1 Garand.

It is THE last Service rifle that will ever be allowed to the civilian shooter.

CMP Garands are a good thing guys.
Take advantage of a good thing while you still can.

 

[armoredman]

Anyone catch the shipping date? Your M1 was shipped on the 61st anniversary of D-Day. Treat her well....

 

[Red Tornado]

Excellent, another victim of the "Fever". Ping!
RT

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Father Knows Best,

As you can see by the follow on thread, the CMP M1 has arrived within four hours I've had a chance to go through the literature and learn how to disassemble and, more importantly, assemble and have dinner.

Your remark about a simple mechanism is well taken. Contrary to what I anticipated, it is no more complex--maybe less so--than my Mossberg 500. Very intriguing mechanism.

 

[jefnvk]

It is THE last Service rifle that will ever be allowed to the civilian shooter.

Not necessairialy. There are plenty of M16's floating around in private hands, as well as some M14's, IIRC. Not to mention in going to the civilian model M16, all you lose is three-round burst.

And how about the carbine? M82 Barret?