M1 Garand : Pre-purchase questions.

[bwillia11]

Greetings from Rhode Island.

I'm on the market to purchase my first M1 Garand. While I'm familiar with the rifle's storied history, I'm not exactly sure what I should be looking for - I was hoping that the group may be able to point me in the right direction.

In no particular order my requirements are as follows:

- Manufactured circa WWII
- Chambered in .30-06
- Very good condition

The best quality rifles that the CMP has in stock are service grade (90 to 120 day delivery). While I certainly intend to shoot this rifle (it will not be a safe queen or hanging over the mantle) I think that correct grade may be more in line with my preferences.

I have my C&R FFL and a local dealer to work with who specializes in collectable firearm sales.

I'm looking to own a piece of history and would appreciate any pointers that you folks might have to offer along the lines of:

- Links?
- FAQs?
- Forums?
- Make / model recommendations?
- Wear specifications / tolerances?
- Known issues / things to look out for?
- Dealers other than the CMP?
- Anything else?

Thank you for reading my post and taking the time to reply.

- Brian

 

[.45&TKD]

While the CMP says 90-120 days on their website, mine just recently took about 30 days for a Service Grade and Field Grade.

I just recently recieved the WWII era USGI Field Grade and a Greek Service Grade with a USGI Birch Tiger Stripe replacement stock. I'm happy with both. I'm not sure I would pay for the correct grade, even if it was available.

Photo, out of the box:
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=46684&d=1161461131

 

[.45&TKD]

bwillia11,

And welcome to THR!

 

[Grumulkin]

I got a Garand from CMP and sent it to Miltech. They completely overhauled it and did a fantastic job (but it wasn't cheap and took about 7 months). My best group with it so far was a 3 shot group with the standard iron sites off the bench that went into about 1/2 inch (I think a large amount of luck was involved).

You could get a Garand in just about any condition as long as the receiver and bolt were sound and have the same thing done.

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Get the CMP field grade. There is a chance you could get a great shooter out of the box (MW 1-2; TW 1-2). If you do get one with a bit too much milage on it, a barrel will make it into a great shooter (maybe another $150-200).

 

[Swampy]

Brian,

Given that you want a Correct Grade M1, what are you willing to pay???

The CMP was selling Corrects for $900 before they ran out. The street price now is much higher than that...

Re "Other Dealers": There really are no other dealers of genuine USGI M1 rifles than the CMP. Anyone else who is selling M1 rifles is either re-selling rifles that originally came out of CMP (at MUCH higher prices) or are putting them together from refinished parts or making them from new commercial repro parts.

To get the Real Deal, the CMP is the only true original source.

Note: there ARE some re-import M1 rifles out there that came back from Korea in the 80's before the USGI import ban started back up. These will have import marks on the barrels and may have Korean markings on the wood. Some of these were OK, but many-most have been through the wringer and then some. These are generally referred to as "Blue Sky" or "Excell" M1's from the names of the importers.

Again, how much are you willing to pay for a genuine "Correct Grade" M1??

Also, almost forgot..... The Correct Grade rifles the CMP was selling are all post WWII. For a Correct or Collector grade rifle from WWII I hope you have DEEEPP pockets.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[MechAg94]

If you are not going to one of the stores, my advice would be to buy a rack or field grade and plan on getting a new barrel.
- You can request certain serial number ranges. My recent trip to the south store, they had serial numbers under 1 million in the field grade section.
- CMP sells new replacement barrels. New ones are $165 I think.
- CMP also sells replacement stocks for ~$120.

I have seen pics on this site of the results of Dean's gun restoration and others. You can get a nice rifle. Most WWII rifles will have been rebuilt between then and now anyway.

Also, the CMP South store had a pair of new unissued Garands in a display case. They were listed at $25,000 for the pair. The CMP South store also had some collector's grade rifles on the racks in the store. That might be more of what you are looking for. I don't know if they sell these by mail order anymore.

 

[bwillia11]

Thanks to everyone for your valued input – I appreciate the guidance.

I’m definitely going to procure this rifle through the CMP and I agree that a service grade rifle is a good place to start – I’ll be placing my order at the beginning of December. I’ll be sure to provide an update after I receive my Garand – I can’t wait!

Thanks again.

- Brian

 

[telomerase]

- Known issues / things to look out for?

You'll want to add some money to your medical flex account for thumb X-rays.

 

[.45&TKD]

Brian,

They may be out of service grades again by Dec. They take credit cards and I believe that they do not charge the card until the order is processed/shipped. It will probably take 30 days to ship. Just something to consider.

 

[Eightball]

If you want a good Garand (good condition, a "real looker"), then the CMP is not what you need, unless you're willing to do a little work and swaparoos. Collector rifles, as has been said, aren't from WWII.

If it is going to be a shooter, buy a rack grade, a new chrome-lined barrel, and a new stock; re-oil/varnish as you see fit, and you will have a slick M1 for less than the thousands than SA is wanting. Or just buy your rifle and send it off to Dean's Gun Restoration--those look AMAZING once they're done, but once again, you need some money to do that. But MAN, they look amazing.

 

[alamo]

I’m definitely going to procure this rifle through the CMP and I agree that a service grade rifle is a good place to start – I’ll be placing my order at the beginning of December.

Brian,

They may be out of service grades again by Dec. They take credit cards and I believe that they do not charge the card until the order is processed/shipped. It will probably take 30 days to ship. Just something to consider.

Heed this advice. You're liable to be sorry if you don't.