Need some opinions on CMP M1 Garands

[FW]

I'm am consirdering a CMP M1 purchase and have not purchased one before.

I cannot decide between the Danish and U.S. models since I have not been able to personally compare them.

My first priority is to have a good shooter. I'd like it to look good too, but am prepared to buy a new stock. Collectability and value is least important at this time.

I would appreciate some opinions and input from those who have seen and handled both.

I would also like a little information concerning the "VAR" barreled Danish M1's that are available for $25 more than the standard service grade. Supposedly they are considered better shooters by some, but just how much better can they expected to be? If they are significantly better than the standard Danish M1's, would they also be cosidered better shooters than the U.S. M1's?

Other than the fact the Danish rifles may have mixed parts of U.S. and European manufacture, is there any other reason they are less desireable? Other than manufacturer's marks, will the U.S. and Danish rifles look any different, considering they are in similar condition?

Any other opinions are additional information would also be useful.

Has anyone reading this made a recent purchase and can say what the current turn around time for and order will likely be?

 

[SanduneCC]

My plan was to order one and have it completely prettied up by Orion 7 so I originally thought of getting Danish to save $100 over an SA Service Grade. I called Orion and they said to avoid the Danish because the "op-rod were more likely to be bent/beat up/broken/worn, ... whatever". I ended up gettting a Service Grade and she looks very nice. I don't know if Orion was telling me a story or not.

 

[bernie]

If you want a shooter, it is hard to be the danes. I have had both, and shoot the danish more. The VAR barrels are generally accepted to be more accurate, but you may or may not be able to tell depending on other items. I got a dane w/ VAR and am terribly sorry that I sold it. I am now saving for another. The service grades are probably more collectable in the future. Be prepared, some of the danes have a "beech" stock. They are often ugly as sin but seem to be slightly more stable in inclement weather.
Just my opinions though.

 

[Swampy]

FW,

CMP Garands are great.

Info from the others is good, but I'm very much inclined to disagree with the statement about Dane op-rods being less desirable. I currently own Seven Dane rifles and all of their op-rods are as straight and free functioning as all the ones on my USGI M1's.

The only problem with Danes .....??? The wait time. Right now there is a several month wait.... seems like 3-6 months from reports I'm seeing of guys who are just receiving theirs.

Also, the best intelligence estimates from people who've got an "IN" at CMP are that the Dane M1's will be sold out sometime this year. The supply is about dried up. If you want one, NOW is the time to order.

Go for it.

BTW.... wanna' see my REAL opinion of CMP Garands??? Go here:
[www.swampworks.com/SwampysStuff-Home.html]

Garands forever,
Swampy