I made a pretty dumb deal on a Garand, but I wanted one bad.
- Thread starter Doug S
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flying_gage
Member
Sounds like you did good! I was on the fence about an m1a and a Garand. Found a Garand that had been re-parkerized for a good price and supposedly in great shape and it was a winchester. Before I had the chance to look at it a m1a scout showed up in the local shop. I purchased the m1a.
I might kick myself over that Garand.....
I might kick myself over that Garand.....
gloucestergarand
Member
Two things:
A. Join GCA to learn more about Garanaditis
B. Dishwasher that stock!
A. Join GCA to learn more about Garanaditis
B. Dishwasher that stock!
Cannonball888
Member
It's all relative.
I got a 1943 complete Winchester except for a USGI rearsenal stock and barrel. Has a lockbar windage knob. But I paid $1000 for it.
I got a 1943 complete Winchester except for a USGI rearsenal stock and barrel. Has a lockbar windage knob. But I paid $1000 for it.
irishsquid
Member
Let me preface this by saying there are no bad deal on a Garands; just better deals than others. 
About CMP...
I'm a big CMP fan. I've got a Service Grade SA and a M1903 from them. Good deal, great people.
They currently have SA Field Grades and WRA Rack Grades (less wood) available for $495. Service Grade SA's and HRA's for $595. They are sold out of Correct grades. Special Grade SA's are available for $995. "National Match" rifles of various grades and condition are starting at $1500.
There is currently a HUGE backlog of orders at CMP and a LONG, LONG wait. I wouldn't be surprised if they sell out before the current backlog is filled (just my opinion).
If you're willing to endure the painfully long wait (...and possibly getting skunked), it's the best deal around.
Worked great for me.
About CMP...
I'm a big CMP fan. I've got a Service Grade SA and a M1903 from them. Good deal, great people.
They currently have SA Field Grades and WRA Rack Grades (less wood) available for $495. Service Grade SA's and HRA's for $595. They are sold out of Correct grades. Special Grade SA's are available for $995. "National Match" rifles of various grades and condition are starting at $1500.
There is currently a HUGE backlog of orders at CMP and a LONG, LONG wait. I wouldn't be surprised if they sell out before the current backlog is filled (just my opinion).
If you're willing to endure the painfully long wait (...and possibly getting skunked), it's the best deal around.
Worked great for me.
Its all relative. There may be better deals out there and buying from the CMP would have been cheaper but you got to see the rifle you were buying and you get to have it now. I don't think you were taken too bad. If you are happy then market value really isn't important. All that matters is that you have the rifle you want and aren't broke getting it. Have fun and watch what ammo you use.
Hi all, and thanks for the feedback. I am happy with my purchase, and I don't "wait" very well. Especially glad I didn't go the CMP route if there is a chance I'd wait only to find out they didn't ahve anymore. Otherwise, I think that option is great for people more patient than myself. I did like getting to handle three rifles, and picking out the one I wanted.
I like the idea of cleaning the stock, but to be honest I'm afraid of messing it up. I did pick up some boiled Linseed oil today, but haven't secided it I'm going to use it on the stock or not. Also I kinda like the old, dark military look of the stock, and it really doesn't look quite as bad in person. The flash seemed to accentuate every dent/smudge on the stock. That said, my WWII collection is far from pretty. My Rockola carbine has a neat old hi-wood stock with the remnants of a crossed cannon still visible on the buttstock, and two grooves cut into the bottom, but it is a bit on the ugly side. Still they look like old veterans, and I like that. I've read of good results from the dishwasher thing, but I'm not quite ready for that yet.
45 Guy, thanks fort the offer. PM sent.
I like the idea of cleaning the stock, but to be honest I'm afraid of messing it up. I did pick up some boiled Linseed oil today, but haven't secided it I'm going to use it on the stock or not. Also I kinda like the old, dark military look of the stock, and it really doesn't look quite as bad in person. The flash seemed to accentuate every dent/smudge on the stock. That said, my WWII collection is far from pretty. My Rockola carbine has a neat old hi-wood stock with the remnants of a crossed cannon still visible on the buttstock, and two grooves cut into the bottom, but it is a bit on the ugly side. Still they look like old veterans, and I like that. I've read of good results from the dishwasher thing, but I'm not quite ready for that yet.
45 Guy, thanks fort the offer. PM sent.
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irishsquid
Member
Hopefully they're right. I was disappointed to see the Correct Grades sell out. I was hoping to get an HRA Correct Grade when I had some extra cash. I'm disappointed I missed out.
They always seem to find a new supply of rifles when their stock gets depleted. Hopefully that will continue.
Wes Janson
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I'd be more worried about the CMP's supply of HXP M2. They're out of Lake City M2, and their prices just jumped 25% or so from approx $.29/round to $.39/round for the Greek (and they're out of the boxed Greek, too).
The new ammo purchase limit may slow things down somewhat, and I'm sure Orest is trying to husband the supply carefully, but it would still be prudent to order yourself up ten cans of ball as soon as possible. It certainly isn't ever going to get cheaper...
The new ammo purchase limit may slow things down somewhat, and I'm sure Orest is trying to husband the supply carefully, but it would still be prudent to order yourself up ten cans of ball as soon as possible. It certainly isn't ever going to get cheaper...
farmallmta
Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2006
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- 69
Yeah, you did the right thing making that trade. Look at it this way. You got the most beautiful rifle type ever made in exchange for:
1) a pop gun, and;
2) the ugliest POS rifle ever made.
Count yourself lucky and pat yourself on the back. But really, don't you feel just the least bit guilty sticking it to Cabella's like that? For shame!
1) a pop gun, and;
2) the ugliest POS rifle ever made.
Count yourself lucky and pat yourself on the back. But really, don't you feel just the least bit guilty sticking it to Cabella's like that? For shame!
Mr. Bojangles
Member
You did A-OK on that deal. Even just looking at the business/financial side of it, you came out just fine.
irishsquid
Member
No soap. Just remove the metal from the stock and handguards, throw them in there, and prepare to face the wrath of your spouse. Some people use heat dry, some let them air dry. I let them air dry.
I was very skeptical. I first tested it on a cheap salvage grade stock and was amazed by the results. I wouldn't do it on a stock with a cartouche (even though it didn't seem to affect the proof stamp at all) but wouldn't hesitate to do it with stocks that have little collector value. I've done it with the stocks from my VFW's rifles and never had a problem. I've probably done this 10 times. There are people who will say your nuts for doing it but you can't argue with the results.
nitetrane98
Member
Just my .02 worth. I couldn't do anything to that stock. That old gal earned those marks. Possibly with blood, sweat and tears.
Yes, exactly.
Perhaps you could have eked out a few extra dollars selling your carbine and SKS to someone else, but who really knows. At least this way you don't have to be bothered with classified ads, answering telephone calls from 'tire kickers', and so forth.
Regardless of circumstances, there are always a few loudmouths around (not on this forum, one hopes) who will say "I can't believe you paid that much! I wouldn't have paid half that!" etc. etc. Don't worry about such people.
Ever seen how quickly the SMLE can pour out accurate fire (the famous 'mad minute')?
offthepaper
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 1,446
I posted this on another thread today, but it 's worth repeating.
Concerning the dw method of rifle cleaning...
I've used the DW method several times and have been satisfied with the stock when finished. However, I only use the DW to get rid of small dents and scrtches in the wood surface only. DO NOT-REPEAT DO NOT use the DW method for removing cosmo. Mineral spirits, a brush, a large pan/bucket works fine. If you chose to use the DW to remove cosmo the scenario goes something like this.........works fine on the 1st rifle (whats not to like, right), gee that worked so well on the 1st rifle maybe I could use it on a couple more rifles, yep, they look as good as the 1st one. It becomes the standard way of removing cosmo for you. One day in the shower, you notice the water is no longer draining from the tub, neither is the sink, toilet, or anything else in the house. You call a plumber, who spends most of the day inspecting your pipes and then tells you it will be over $15,000.00 to clear your pipes and replace THE SEPTIC SYSTEM. Cosmo in the pipes is not a good thing once it cools.
BTW- Don't put it in the DW with the dishes, don't use soap, and be sure to stop the DW before it reaches the dry cycle (dries the wood way too fast and may split it).
Hope this helps.
Concerning the dw method of rifle cleaning...
I've used the DW method several times and have been satisfied with the stock when finished. However, I only use the DW to get rid of small dents and scrtches in the wood surface only. DO NOT-REPEAT DO NOT use the DW method for removing cosmo. Mineral spirits, a brush, a large pan/bucket works fine. If you chose to use the DW to remove cosmo the scenario goes something like this.........works fine on the 1st rifle (whats not to like, right), gee that worked so well on the 1st rifle maybe I could use it on a couple more rifles, yep, they look as good as the 1st one. It becomes the standard way of removing cosmo for you. One day in the shower, you notice the water is no longer draining from the tub, neither is the sink, toilet, or anything else in the house. You call a plumber, who spends most of the day inspecting your pipes and then tells you it will be over $15,000.00 to clear your pipes and replace THE SEPTIC SYSTEM. Cosmo in the pipes is not a good thing once it cools.
BTW- Don't put it in the DW with the dishes, don't use soap, and be sure to stop the DW before it reaches the dry cycle (dries the wood way too fast and may split it).
Hope this helps.
I got around to partially disassembling my Garand today. So far the rifle seems to be all Springfield. According to the drawing numbers the SA marked op-rod dates from early 1942. I guess both Springfield and Winchester made a grooved metal clip on the top hand guard, so I'm not sure about that one. According to the book they stopped using those in early 1942. The trigger assembly is either very late war, or post war Springfield. I didn't measure the cloverleaf to be sure which, but it is also stamped SA. The number/arrangement of diamonds/square, on the buttplate indicate Springfield. The stock is a Springfield USGI replacement stock. The receiver drawing number matched the serial number. Some day I'd like to have an original WWII Garand, but this one at least has some WWII parts (receiver, bolt, op-rod, top handguard/grooved clip, and possibly the USGI replacement stock). Didn't check the gas tube, so I'm not sure about that one. Also didn't check the smaller parts. Pretty fun doing the "investigative" work.
irishsquid
Member
Sure is! It's funny how exited you can get over something like a "short fork follower rod".
Is that 1942 oprod cut or uncut?
Like beauty, this deal is in the eye of the beholder. You got what you really wanted and that's what matters ..... although if I had know about the Carbine I would have made you a good offer on it.
As for ammo, stay away from the Indian surplus .... its all corrosive junk that I wouldn't use even for the components. Greek surplus is supposed to be some of the better stuff out there.
Kris
As for ammo, stay away from the Indian surplus .... its all corrosive junk that I wouldn't use even for the components. Greek surplus is supposed to be some of the better stuff out there.
Kris
irishsquid
Member
+1
The Greek HXP is great. Seems a bit hotter and more accurate than LC.
skidooman603
Member
If ya ever want a pretty Garand I know a guy who will re-park, re-stock, crown the barrel and get ya a nice crisp 5lb trigger break for $325
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