Need help on CMP Garand

[BobTheTomato]

I have everything I need to get myself a CMP garand and own a piece of american history. I cannot go to the store itself as I have read is the best option to get a good rifle (I have 2 small childeren and my wife will stab me with my sks bayonet in the stomach while I sleep if I were to go on a road trip just to get a rifle.) So I will be mail ordering the rifle. I am planning on getting the field grade ones (I assume that I should get this and not the rack grade). Is it worth the 90-120 day wait to get the NON-Greek rifle or are they pretty much the same? Also, which ammo is better the Lake City or the Greek stuff? Is there any other advice that anyone can give before I mail order my rifle? Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[offthepaper]

B-Tomato,
I sent for my Garrand on 10-2-06. have'nt had it delivered yet, but I have received email confirmation that the order was received and was being processed. I also was unsure of which to go for (USGI or Greek return)after much back and forth and opinions that seemed pretty much divided down the middle as to which might be in better condition, I finally decided that either was simply a roll of the dice, since they are very up front informing customers that the condition of each grade is "luck of the draw". I ordered the Field grade Greek return along a case of the Greek ammo in the enbloc clips (you only get 1 with the rifle). The USGI should usually come with a walnut stock (condition unknown) whereas the Greeks usually, but not always, come with a beech or birch stock (condition also unknown). But as I'm willng to purchase new wood for the rifle I decided on the Greek. When it arrives, I'll post and let you know the results, but as they state-no matter what you order it still comes down to the luck of the draw. Good luck either way.

 

[BoySetsTheFire]

I got the last of the correct grade "Greek" and am very pleased. The wood is good and so is the barrel and metal finish.

But the important point is that the rifles sent to Greece were never used and the boxes were returned unopened. So you get a rifle straight from the Armorer. Mine was excellent.

 

[HorseSoldier]

The Greek CMP rifles were never used? I was under the impression they used Garands during the civil war with the communists right after WW2. Those rifles are not part of the CMP lot?

 

[Swampy]

The Greek CMP rifles were never used? I was under the impression they used Garands during the civil war with the communists right after WW2. Those rifles are not part of the CMP lot?

Yes, those rifles were sent back too.....

Most of the Greek returned M1's were used, well used, used some more, then they got some hard treatment..... before being sent back to the US. Many were given a re-finish by the Greeks, as well as new Greek made replacement wood.

The "Correct" and "Collector" grade rifles are the nicer ones referred to in the above posts..... Those are all sold out already. All that's left are the "Rack" and "Field" grades.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[ocabj]

The 'unused' Greek returns are the ones on auction. If you get the Garand Collectors Association Journal, check Volume 19 Issue 3 (Summer 2005). Feature article plus pictures of brand new in wrap, unissued, M1 Garands. It'll make you cream.

 

[.45&TKD]

Order the USGI Field grade and you will probably get in about 3 weeks. WIth the USGI you are more likely to get a walnut stock and US parts.

I just recieved one this morning and I'm very happy with it.

I also ordered a case of Greek ammo on clips/bandoliers and should have that soon. I've heard the Greek ammo is better than the delinked Lake City CMP has, plus I need the enbloc clips.

 

[BobTheTomato]

Sounds good. Thank you everyone for all of your help.