m1 garand: from cmp or other purchase?

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shrewd

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hey guys and gals! so I was at the gun show on Sunday, where I saw a good bit of m-1s for around 800 to 1000 bucks. I don't know what the quality was, nor do I possess the knowledge to properly gauge m1 quality, however, it made me think.
I always figured I'd get my m1 from the cmp. It just seems right, ya know? But there are numerous hassles, such as finding and joining the right private club, official training and competition and so on. This makes me feel like I've properly earned it yet it's alot of hoops to jump through and most private clubs by me seem...meh

Is there a noticable jump in quality going through the cmp? Please guys, share your knowledge with a budding gun nut
 
Those other Garands probably came from the CMP too ! Just cost more. On the other hand you get to pick your rifle at the gun show whereas the CMP picks your rifle. The best thing about CMP guns is you know the rifle hasn't been monkeyed with by someone.
:rolleyes:
 
I performed all the requirements needed to have access to the CMP. It's really not that bad, just a bit time consuming and a little costly depending on how you accomplish the requirements.

As well, just cause you are a member of a local CMP affiliated club doesn't mean you must be a budding member and go to every shoot, meeting, luncheon etc.


I achieved access by having my 03 FFL for C&R, and a Utah Pistol and Rifle Association membership. Both of which covered all aspects of what was needed, but I also included my Carry credentials for good measure. Proving your citizenship to finalize the requirements is simple as well.


I have my own opinion that nothing out there from a dealer can in anyway match the quality you get from the CMP for the same price point. It just can't be done. What you most likely saw for $800-1000 were rack or field grade M1's that were horribly marked up. I assume this because that is the grade of any M1 I've seen at any dealer for those prices. For $595 plus the little bit extra it cost's to join the organizations you can get an excellent service grade M1 from CMP. It's a no brainier what deal is the best.




ETA: If you go to either the North or South store, you too can thumb through all the rifles they have on display available and pick your own, just like at a show. And they'll even help you and show you how to use the throat and muzzle guages. You aren't stuck with only mail order with the CMP.
 
Those other Garands probably came from the CMP too ! Just cost more. On the other hand you get to pick your rifle at the gun show whereas the CMP picks your rifle. The best thing about CMP guns is you know the rifle hasn't been monkeyed with by someone.
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On Sunday we were at the Allentown gun show. There were a bunch of overpriced M1s that couldn't hold a candle to the CMP M1s.

But there was one fellow who had about 10 M1s, all in great condition. Some were shooters, some were collectors. Some had serial numbers under 2M. They were all quality guns, and well cared-for. The prices started at $1,295 and went up from there. When you buy from him, you were getting a good rifle and a lot of personal service.

The best part was the fellow was very sincere and enthusiastic. We spent quite a while listening to his soup-to-nuts explanation of the Garands. He even showed my wfe how to disassemble and reassemble it herself!

If I wasn't able to qualify for a CMP M1, I would find a reputable dealer like him.
 
Here maybe this will help you in your decision....These are two Service Grades I got today. I hand selected them and they were not only $595 each, but certified by the CMP and were Military Surplus....not the old frankenstien you'll get at the gun show for $1,000 for Joe Schmoe. Meet the requirements...it is well WELL worth it as you'll see below.

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FMJMIKE said:
Those other Garands probably came from the CMP too ! Just cost more. On the other hand you get to pick your rifle at the gun show whereas the CMP picks your rifle. The best thing about CMP guns is you know the rifle hasn't been monkeyed with by someone.
:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

If you go to one of the CMP stores, you can pick your own rifle.

It is a great experience except usually expensive and I'm not talking about travel expenses! I go planning to buy one rifle and usually return home with two or three that I just cannot live without.

For a first Garand, get a Service Grade or better. The Field Grades can be good, but usually require some TLC
 
CMP is the way to go. Regardless of the grade you get, it will be functioning and at or better than described, and they will absolutely stand behind it. I certainly don't feel safe saying that about gun show Garands - do you?

But there are numerous hassles, such as finding and joining the right private club, official training and competition and so on.
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They seem like a lot, but can be pretty painless. Are you a veteran? How old are you? Do you have a hunter safety card? Know any cops? The club can be joined online for 25 or less. The marksmanship can be taken care of relatively easily (such as if you are a vet, or if you are over a certain age - 60 I think - or by having a hunter safety card with a live fire portion.) Also if all else fails, and you do need to go shoot, it can be signed off on by a cop, or by a range master. The requirements are really pretty easy to attain for most people. Have you actually looked at the requirements in detail?
 
Here's the eligibility requirements in case you (or anyone else) is interested or can't find them on the site easily.

The easiest way to qualify is to join an affiliated club, then either have a carry license, C&R license ($30) or hunter qualification.

Just a heads up. Those last three things qualify you for the marksmanship stipulation, even if none of them required you to shoot a gun. I know as I called and asked if my Utah carry license qualified even though I didn't have to do a live fire exercise to receive it. Same for the C&R.
 
I have a question about the Marksmanship stipulation. I fall under the law enforcement category, as I am formernlaw enforcement, what sort of proof would I have to provide?
 
deimos256 said:
I have a question about the Marksmanship stipulation. I fall under the law enforcement category, as I am formernlaw enforcement, what sort of proof would I have to provide?
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You should check with CMP and get your question answered direct from them.

Requirements for purchase are easier than ever. Time was you had to shoot in a match to qualify for the shooting requirement. Now there are alot more options.

The Garand Collector's Association qualifies for the club membership. They have a nice quarterly publication. Easy to join.

D94R put a link to the requirements page in his post.
 
I too have seen Garands going for 800+ at shows. I think it would be kinda of cool to go to the CMP and pick your own.
 
So, here are your options:

- Current or past military service.
- Current or past law enforcement service
- Participation in a rifle, pistol, air gun or shotgun competition (provide copy of results bulletin).
- Completion of a marksmanship clinic that included live fire training (provide a copy of the certificate of completion or a statement from the instructor).
- Distinguished, Instructor, or Coach status.
- Concealed Carry License.
- Firearms Owner Identification Cards that included live fire training.
- FFL or C&R license.
- Completion of a Hunter Safety Course that included live fire training.
- Certification from range or club official or law enforcement officer witnessing shooting activity. A form for use in completing and certifying your range firing can be downloaded from the CMP web site at http://www.odcmp.com/forms/marksmanship.pdf
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Do you have a hunter safety card?
Do you have a C&R?
Can you go shoot a match?
Can you call a local range and see if a club or range official or LEO would be willing to watch you shoot for a while, and sign off on the forms?
 
I'm working my way through this - including forming a local club with CMP affiliation.

Access to CMP is not supposed to be a cake walk. It is supposed to be for folks who are actual citizen marksmen. If you are not one, you should not be trying to pretend you are. Man-up and become one - actually.

It's the armed citizen proper thing to do - sort of the second tier home guard in a sense, but still part of our national character.

Once I get access, I'll be proud of that fact and enjoy the weapons even more :)

I just wish they would establish a CMP West in Reno or Salt Lake or somewhere. Damm long drive to get some rifles :(
 
Originally Posted by deimos256
I have a question about the Marksmanship stipulation. I fall under the law enforcement category, as I am formernlaw enforcement, what sort of proof would I have to provide?

I am a LEO and all you need is your agency I.D. card and driver's license...THATS IT. Trust me, that's exactly how I got mine at the south store. The only catch is that you have to be an active (not reserve) officer. As long as you have that, then that's it!
 
Oh, well LEO was a past life for me up north, I dont work in that field anymore. I have been meaning to get my concealed license so this will just be incentive then.
 
Well then, my suggestion is to join the Garand Collector's Association (Agree to have your info sent electronically to the CMP), Take your old LEO certificate and that should be it.
 
Not to beat a dead horse but +1 for the CMP. I got my first ever rifle from them and it wasn't that difficult at all. I thought it was going to be a big hassle and put it off for a while but it turned out to be far easier than I'd imagined. I'll always be happy I went the CMP route.
 
Access to CMP is not supposed to be a cake walk. It is supposed to be for folks who are actual citizen marksmen. If you are not one, you should not be trying to pretend you are. Man-up and become one - actually.
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True, however, not every person has convenient access to clubs, ranges, competitions etc where they can get the piece of paper that states "yup, you done shot some bullets and are now qualified".

There are many many people on here that I would guess are "marksman" who go out on public land and shoot properly enough to be considered as much. A piece of paper stating such shouldn't be the limiting factor here.

I think it's great the CMP makes it easier. As all gun/Garand enthusiast American's should have the ability to take advantage of this program.
 
Sent in my order forms on the 13th of June from Iraq so I figured it would take a little bit longer........still nothing kinda sad :( . To everyone who posted the pics beautiful rifles I hope mine look that good.
 
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