M1 Garand Pricing Q?

[MechAg94]

I have a couple of CMP Garand rifles I was considering selling. A H&R service grade and an SA field grade rifle. I had planned to take them down to the Houston Gun Collector's show next month. However, I find I have no idea what I could sell them for. I was thinking of basing it off current CMP pricing ($500 and $600) at a minimum. I know a lot of the tables who have them price them up considerably so I thought I might be able to get a modest amount above the CMP price. I don't see those rifles selling too quickly though. At least I have the certificates and boxes.

Anyone sold any Garands recently or seen any individuals selling them? Just curious what the current market is like. I guess I could test the waters at another show in a couple weeks.


If you are curious, I had planned on using the proceeds for a tuned up, refurbished Garand from Garand Guy or something similar. I have too much 30.06 ammo to do otherwise.

 

[rellascout]

I agree would say you can go little bit higher than current CMP prices. Many will pay a bit more to look at the rilfe they are getting some people like the Christmas feel of CMP.

 

[dscottw88]

I payed $630 for my '44 springfield cmp garand but I feel like I could turn around and sell it for $750 considering the great condition its in.

Not that I would though!

 

[rellascout]

Not to those who know about CMP.

The Greek imports are nice but lots of people know about them that is why the high priced ones at the shows stay at the shows.

 

[MechAg94]

That is sort of what I was thinking. I don't want to go so high I have to stand around with the rifle all day trying to sell it.

I figure a replacement service grade would be at least $620 with shipping and such. Both are 50's serial numbers I believe.

 

[ColinthePilot]

My field grade CMP rifle looks 10 times better than a lot of the Garands I see at the gun shows going for more than double what I paid. I'm sure you could get rid of yours for $800-900 considering I usually see them for $1100-1500. If yours have good finish and nice furniture, you might be able to push a thousand.

 

[MechAg94]

Honestly, I haven't done anything to them except clean off the grease. Neither rifle looks bad. The wood and finish are decent. I'll have to see what I can do to clean them up some. I just hate to throw out a high number and not sell them. Something to think about though.

 

[Saturnine]

Start with the higher number, you can always go lower.

 

[rellascout]

It is not all about the condition. A lot has to do with what the rifle is. At first glance this rifle does not look as nice as some of the current greek imports. A closer look and one might see the value over a good looking rack grade.









I think that over $800 you will have to find the "right" buyer at the $700 to $750 you will have a lot of questions fast. If you start with a high number you might be in for a long day. Some people love to dicker others will simply pass even if $75 lower was palatable.

 

[MechAg94]

Sounds like the 700's are a good plan. I can always bring one or two bandoliers of the Korean PS head stamp ammo I still have as incentive.

 

[41magsnub]

Mildly OT, but at the last gun show I went to there were two stripped Garand receivers for $1100 each. They were both sort of beat up looking with early 50's HRA serial numbers. For $1100 for just the receiver it better have been Audie Murphy's personal garand or something, not a post war model.

 

[Rugerlvr]

Price it 50% over CMP price and I'll bet you get it.

 

[Threeband]

A lot of people simply will not "jump through the hoops" for a CMP rifle, no matter what. They will gladly pay 50% over CMP prices, especially when they can see what they're buying first.

Just your labor alone in cleaning the grease off is worth $100. Your trouble in lugging it to the gun show is worth another $100. Allowing the prospective buyer to see and handle the rifle first is worth yet another $100. For many, the "instant gratification" is probably worth $100.

And for the "tin-foil hat" crowd, the feeling that they're avoiding having their house marked with a big red X on some Secret Government Map is... Priceless.

I'm saying that $600 CMP rifle really is worth at least $900 on the open market. The CMP is a specialized, closed market, with entry fees many find completely unacceptable.

When you not only BELIEVE, but actually KNOW that that rifle is a good deal at $900, then you can get your selling price.

But I'm confused why you would sell one Service Grade, and turn around and replace it with another. And be aware, if you buy one of the "Garand Guy's" refurbished Rack Grades for $900 (as I did), you might have to send it back to get him to make it work right (as I, and others did).

Anyway, do let us know what happens. "Enquiring minds want to know."

 

[MechAg94]

I have 3 Garands. One I bought at a gun show years ago. It was my first centerfire rifle. I still shoot it better than the service and field grades I got later. So I thought I would sell those two and try to put together something that I could do some target shooting with. Maybe get one of those scout scope mounts that install in place of that top wood piece. A rebarreled rack grade would probably be the best answer if I could find someone local who could do it right (Houston area). I guess I'll just need to call around and ask some people.

Maybe I'll just sell one and buy a scout mount and barrel with the proceeds.

 

[jakedaniel]

So how much are you asking for the SA Field Grade? How much ammo will you throw in? I'm in Houston, and looking to spend my stimulus check. I got my refund direct deposited this year so my money should be in my bank by May 9th. What year was it built, how's the bore? Muzzle/Throat erosion? How does it shoot? PM me or email me.

 

[pdowg881]

Will the prices keep climbing in the next few years?