Need some CMP Garand help

[bratch]

I would like to pick up a couple of Garands from CMP in the near future and am not sure which way to go.

I want an original in 30-06. I would also like one in 308 and 25-06 (if anyone has a barrel).

These will be mainly for plinking and just to own a Garand. They might get to see some hunting use. Not planning on any type of competition as of now.

So here is the dilema:

1. In 30-06 should I go service grade and use stock barrel or get a rack grade and rebarrel? Which manufacturer and "origin" is considered best? I've seen USGI, Greek and Dane all with SA or HR guns.

2. 308. This will be a rebarrel so will go with a rack grade. Again what is better the USGI, Greek, or Dane in SA or HR.

3. 25-06. Does anyone do this? Seems like a simple conversion. Will use the same advice as on the 308.

 

[Swampy]

Bratch, you wrote:

 1. In 30-06 should I go service grade and use stock barrel or get a rack grade and rebarrel? Which manufacturer and "origin" is considered best? I've seen USGI, Greek and Dane all with SA or HR guns.

A Service Grade will likely get you a decent barrel with good TE & MW. That's what makes the difference in grading between Rack and Service... the barrel specs.
As far as which is "best".... your best chance of a decent finish and-or wood is going to be the Service Grade, does not matter which source. Many of the Service Grades are either rifles that have original barrel-finish with little usage-wear.... OR, a rifle that has been re-arsenaled and may have been re-finished, re-barreled, and with new wood. Conditions range all in between too, of course.

Any Rack Grade is going to be more likely to have sub-par wood and a well worn finish. The barrel can also be graded for much more wear... i.e. higher TE & MW numbers.

As far as the best manufacturer.... they are all good... but only SA & H&R are available right now. The IHC's and Winny's are on extended backorder and the list is closed until they run the list down and find more rifles in the incoming crates.

2. 308. This will be a rebarrel so will go with a rack grade. Again what is better the USGI, Greek, or Dane in SA or HR.

If you are going to re-barrel anyway.... go with the cheapest option. Get the Greek returned Rack Grade for $295 delivered. Can't beat that with a stick.
Clay Smith @ West Tex Ordnance will rebarrel your M1 with a Wilson tube and re-park the entire metal for LESS than $300. He does a GREAT job too.... Ask me how I know.

3. 25-06. Does anyone do this? Seems like a simple conversion. Will use the same advice as on the 308.

The conversion is simple.... getting the barrel is not. Nobody makes a 25-06 tube for the M1 so some 'smith is going to have to get a .25 blank and turn it down and contour it for the M1. Not a task for the local shadetree gunsmith. There are some M1 armorers around who will do this, but it ain't cheap. The only one I know for certain who still does this is Roland Beaver down Arkansas way. He is one highly respected M1 'smith who is known to shoot an M1 in .22-250 chambering in local matches. He offers custom turned tubes in various calibers for the M1... the only thing is his turnaround time. Anywhere from 6-8 months for basic work to 2 years for a Match rifle build if reports are true.

bratch, good luck on your course of action. The CMP are GREAT folks to work with and you will definitely get your moneys worth from them. I've ordered MANY rifles from them over the years and have yet to get one I was not satisfied with.

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[bratch]

Swampy:

Thanks for the reply. Kinda a bummer about the 25 but I'll probably order a rifle for it anyway

 

[Ed]

Rolland Beaver in Bald Knob AR does a 25-06. I don't remember his # but do a search on here and you'll find it.

 

[Onmilo]

You can get .25-06 M1 barrels from both Douglas and Kreiger.
They are special order and expensive, but they are available.

Douglas will also turn M1 and M14 barrels in .308.
They also make 'em in 7mm08 Remington, .243 Winchester, and 8mm Mauser on special order.
Same deal on the expensive part.