Ordering an M1 over the CMP.

[Nameless_Hobo]

My Uncle and I have both been wanting Garands for a while. I have a couple questions on both the CMP and the function of a Garand.

As I recall, can't ex-military over 60 years old order CMP rifles? I remember reading that somewhere, but I can't remember where.
Is it alright to have someone order the Garand for you, or must the person ordering it keep it?
Last thing about the CMP, I remember reading somewhere they were out of SG Garands, any truth in this? I don't see a price on their website, so I figure something must be up.

About the Garand, what type of accuracy should I see with Irons from a decent barrel?
How about recoil, compared to say, a WASR in x39?
I'll be rolling my own -06, I prefer a 150 grain load. If I get an aftermarket adjustable gas cylinder, will I be fine with standard pressure loads, or should I weaken them? I realize the Garand is made for FMJ, will it reliably work with SP rounds?
If I am ever so inclined, could I use a heavier bullet, say a 180 or 200 grainer? I doubt I'd need to, though, so it's no big deal.

 

[Never No More]

two comments

Little know fact

ALL past government firearms can be recalled during time of war.

Two:

M2 Ball

47gr IMR 4895
CCI #34 primer
LC Case
152gr flat base

This is what that firearm was designed to use.

To much pressure will ruin your OP rods day.

The Garand Guy or Mr Halbrook can sell you a quality M1, which might not be a pig in a poke buy

 

[Nameless_Hobo]

I'm decently sure I'd have larger priorities than giving back a rifle if the US military needed a weapon that went obsolete 50+ years ago.

Can I change the ball round out to a soft point and be fine? I think soft points make better general purpose rounds than FMJ, so that's what I stock.

As far as buying a pig in a sack, I've heard only good things about CMP's rifles.

 

[strat81]

ALL past government firearms can be recalled during time of war.

I'd like to see a reference to that statute, please.


To the OP:
Eligibility requirements of the CMP can be found here:
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/eligibility_requirements.htm

They seem a little daunting, but most people can meet them. For membership in a CMP affiliated club, I went with the Nebraska Marksmanship Association for $5 a year. Another option is the Garand Collector's Association. Many Vets groups also qualify such as VFW, American Legion, etc. The biggest pain is finding all of the necessary paperwork, getting it photocopies, and then getting the application notarized.

Service grades are back! http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/m1garand.htm

I ordered one 8/13/07 and received it this week, and it's a beauty. Haven't shot her yet, but she cleaned up well.

Accuracy is a crapshoot. Some folks do better than others. CMP does not guarantee anything, especially accuracy. However, here is a link for accurizing an M1: http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=33852

I'd check the CMP Forums at http://www.odcmp.org/new_forum/ about SP ammo. Do not shoot anything but surplus M2 Ball unless you have an adjustable gas plug. You could always order 100 SP bullets load a few and see how they function. Of course, check your states laws on hunting with an autoloader: the M1 magazine holds 8 rounds. Smaller capacity clips are available (2 and 5 rounds) but check with your state's game & wildlife department.

My M1, received 8/29/07:

 

[CavalryJim]

Here are the eligibility requirements from the CMP website:
http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/eligibility_requirements.htm

A participant needs to prove citizenship, marksmanship, & membership.
1. Citizenship - birth certificate, passport, etc.
2. Marksmanship - no proof of marksmanship is needed for anyone over 60. Otherwise, ex-military can use a DD214 for this. See website for other documents accepted.
3. Membership - there are several online organizations to include the Garand Collectors Association that meet the membership requirement

 

[Nameless_Hobo]

How about keeping the Garand? Can you give one to someone else, or must you keep it?
This is what I'm particularly interested in, I'll have to go through more trouble if you can't

 

[W.E.G.]

Nobody has ever asked anybody to return their DCM/CMP Garand, and nobody has ever asked anybody to account for the present whereabouts of a Garand obtained from DCM/CMP.

I'm pretty sure there is something in the literature that says you aren't supposed to get the gun for the PURPOSE of re-sale. But even that may not be in the rules anymore. Even if it is, it sure as heck is NOT enforced.

They are selling the gun to you as an individual. Its your gun to do with as you wish.

 

[Gator]

ALL past government firearms can be recalled during time of war.

That's a new one.

How about keeping the Garand? Can you give one to someone else, or must you keep it?

It is your rifle. Give it away, sell it, do what ever you want...as long as you follow the laws regarding any firearm transfer.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

I've seen CMP rifles for sale, so if the rule is to keep them, it's not enforced. You have a better chance of being struck by lightning than having the gov't recalling your garand....and i'm not sure they are even allowed to.