Thinking about getting a Garand

[Paper_Zombie]

I've got a couple choices, all from one LGS. Two are European, one American...and I'm really not sure that makes a difference.

They range from $1100 to $1400...so not a huge difference.

I basically plan on "borrowing" a 30-06 round and doing an on-the-spot bullet test, but other than that...I can't think of much else to look for.

Any advice?

 

[Welding Rod]

Let me be the first to say "buy it from the CMP".

That out of the way, look for slop in the op-rod to receiver fit, a poorly clocked barrel, worn serrations on the receiver ear for the rear sight elevation pinion, and slop in the receiver to stock fit. Then the normal stuff... safety movement, creep in the trigger, buggered screws, and so on.

 

[joeschmoe]

Why would anyone buy a Garand NOT from the CMP? I don't get it.
They will mail it directly to your house! Better gun, less money, 100% USGI, no hassle guarantee, mailed to your door from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Best deal on ammo too.

www.odcmp.com/sales.htm

 

[Sport45]

Yeah, CMP all the way!

Besides, the LGS may not be very comfortable with you playing around with one of their rifles and a live round.

 

[az_imuth]

I basically plan on "borrowing" a 30-06 round and doing an on-the-spot bullet test, but other than that...I can't think of much else to look for.

Actually, there are many things to look for when buying a Garand. Such as worn barrels and other parts, welded receivers, gunsmithing by Bubba, etc. This is the main reason I feel much more comfortable buying from CMP. If there is ever a problem then they will bend over backwards to work it out to your satisfaction. Now, on the other hand, if you are VERY familiar with the workings of the Garand and can spot some of those problems before making a purchase then you can sometimes find a great deal out there. But, being a novice, I would head straight to CMP's website and download their form. You'll probably save money and you'll be able to take comfort in the fact that you got exactly what you paid for, or more.

 

[Reloadron]

For anyone considering purchasing an M1 Garand rifle The CMP Sales Program is without a doubt the best route to take in purchasing a M1 Garand rifle. However, I suggest the decision be made quickly as the stock of existing rifles is diminishing, check out the link.

When you buy a M1 Garand from the CMP and take it to the range there can always be a problem, things can go wrong. When you do an about face on the range with a problematic rifle the people standing behind you and your rifle are the same people who sold it to you. Give this link a read as it is a great story that clearly shows CMP support.

That said and away from the CMP there are any number of problems that can exist with a M1 Garand rifle. Take a good look at the IPB (Illustrated Parts Breakdown) or an actual disassembled rifle up close and personal. No shortage of moving parts in there and any one of which can cause you problems.

The Bullet Test


The bullet test as seen in a variation above is not really a definitive test for ME (Muzzle Erosion) as it really depends on the true bullet diameter. It will afford a rough idea and that is as good as it gets.

Other parts like the barrel TE (Throat Erosion) are important also as well as a long list of other measurement parameters. Any one of which can cause reduced accuracy or malfunction of the rifle.

While there is nothing wrong with buying a M1 Garand from a LGS, pawn shop or seller at a gun show the buyer needs to know what to look for and the list is long. Will the seller be there for you if there is a problem? Will the LGS put in writing they will refund your money if there is a problem? Replacing an operating rod with a worn piston or bend is an expensive proposition as is replacing an out of specification gas tube.

Many times I have seen the less than savvy M1 Garand buyer field strip their new rifle to find rust and pitting below the wood lines. Loose rear sights or worn rear sights are another problem as well as gas system issues and worn parts in the trigger group. A Google of "M1 Garand Buyers Guide" will provide a wealth of information on things to look for before buying. Be wary and walk away from any seller who won't let you field strip the rifle or field strip it for you.

Just Some Thoughts....
Ron

 

[cfullgraf]

Two are European, one American...and I'm really not sure that makes a difference.

By European, I assume your talking about Beretta or Breda. These were made after US M1 production were shut down. I believe Beretta used Winchester tooling, I do not know about Breda.

US contractors were Springfield Armory, Winchester, Harrington & Richardson (HRA) and International Harvester.

If the serial number of the domestic Garand is higher than 7 million, it is a post government production model assembled primarily from surplus parts except for the receiver itself.

If the rifles have import marks on them, they did not go through the CMP or its predecessor DCM.

If you are not familiar with M1 Garands, or do not know some one that is familiar with Garands that can go with you to look, i would get one from CMP as others have recommended. Generally, you cannot beat the condition of the CMP Garands for the price.

Hope this helps.

 

[kBob]

I guess it depends on what grade of M-1 Rifle you get from CMP as to the USGI-ness of it.

Mine had a stock of some weird european wood I believe with no cartouches at all and the edges of the pistol grip cap area gnawed off and no matching wood up front, Beretta bands (and other parts that seemed "odd"), and a Danish barrel direct from CMP oh and the barrel needed recrowning because of a straight line ding from say eight oclock to ten oclock ( almost like a bayonet had been slammed edge on into the muzzle)

I think the CMP is great and the guns are a great deal, but let's not BS about all USGI parts on all CMP guns.

I traded a M-14 stock I had lying about for a USGI stock at a LGS, played with some cold blue on odd colored parts, bought a better butt plate ( original was terribly worn to the point of some squares being worn off and edges gouged and rounded more than they should be and finish mostly gone). My biggest concern was looking at that ding on the crown indictes some metal was turned into the muzzle makeing me wonder how accurate the muzzle gauge could have been. I have hit the muzzle lightly with a file and very fine paper over a file and touched up the shiny muzzle with cold blue, but it still ain't "right."

I am still mostly happy with the rifle, got it some years ago (posted it here)and felt more confident with it than buying from a LGS.......having twice gotten stung with fairly well done rewelds and a just plane shot out Blue Sky Korean used gun from gun stores.

Atleat look at what the CMP has before you lay down that much cash.

-kBob

 

[Cee Zee]

I just saw a Garand in a LGS that gives me a healthy trial period on any guns I buy from them. It had nice, new furniture on it and there were no apparent problems but then again I'm not expert. I do know some experts though and I wouldn't feel a bit bad about buying that rifle and taking it to an unbiased expert to get it checked out. It he said it was flaky I'd just take it back. CMP has a good setup for sure but I think it would be hard to beat the deal from my LGS as long as the rifle checked out. There are Garands around in lots of places that may not have been shot out over the years. But then again that's probably the only really good deal I've ever seen on a M1 in a LGS too.

 

[Mr. D]

Hey, guys, I was just looking at the CMP website. It seems that you need to provide them with proof of citizenship, membership in a CMP affiliate organization, and firearms/marksmanship activity. Now, it seems like that last one could be satisfied by a C&R license or license to carry so it might not prove to be too much of a hurdle.

I can't see how going through CMP would be simpler, though, than LGS unless by "simpler" you mean easier to be sure of a good rifle.

~D

 

[akv3g4n]

membership in a CMP affiliate organization

This has always been the hurdle for me from getting a rifle from the CMP. There aren't any around me that I have any desire to join.

 

[Krusty783]

FWIW, the CMP accepted my hunter's safety course certificate as firearms/marksmanship training.

And, the NRA is an affiliate organization.

Sent in the paperwork in 2010 and received a nice, heavy cardboard box from the UPS man not even a month later.

 

[Nikdfish]

This has always been the hurdle for me from getting a rifle from the CMP. There aren't any around me that I have any desire to join.

The Garand Collector's Association works as an affiliated org. $25 dues.

CMP says national NRA membership does not work, but most state NRA associations are OK (per CMP sales faq).

If I am a member of the NRA may I purchase firearms and ammunition from your facilities?

Membership in the NRA, at the national level, does not satisfy our requirements that customers be members of a CMP affiliated club or organization. The NRA at the national level is not an affiliate. Most of the NRA state associations have affiliated with the CMP and do satisfy the requirement.

Nick

 

[USSR]

This has always been the hurdle for me from getting a rifle from the CMP. There aren't any around me that I have any desire to join.

This no hurdle. Simply send your membership money into the Garand Collectors Association http://www.thegca.org/, and that satisfies that requirement.

Don

 

[akv3g4n]

This no hurdle. Simply send your membership money into the Garand Collectors Association http://www.thegca.org/, and that satisfies that requirement.

Thanks guys. Had no idea that it could be that easy. I'm going to get on that.....

 

[kBob]

If you belong to any gun club you might do what I did......

I did the paper work to affiliate my club, planned a CMP 100 yard match and then presentedthese along with a speach about the goodies available from the CMP to the club and individuals to my club for approval. Sent it in and had fun at the match and the next year someone even more rifle oriented took over as club CMP director. We have a John Garand Match most years as we only have a 100 yard range and occassionally a pre 1946 military rifle event that uses pretty much the same rules. Unfortunately for me the current rifle committee schedules all rifle activities on Sunday and I keep Sabbath.

-kBob

 

[cfullgraf]

Thanks guys. Had no idea that it could be that easy. I'm going to get on that.....

Yes, easy-peasy.

The only down side is the wait for order processing. CMP order processing is backed up a bit now. But, part of the fun is the anticipation.

But, you could go to one of the stores and take your rifle with your. Same paper work requirement though.

 

[BP Hunter]

Oh, wow. SUddenly I want a CMP M1 rifle.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

Go a head and get one Then let us know if you choose to pronounce Garand as if in French, as is in Québécois, like John Garand's widow did, like his sons and grandchildren did, like his friends did, or like most veterins do. No matter what you choose, someone is going to tell you that you are wrong.

Mike

 

[Tinpig]

I got a Field Grade and a Service Grade from CMP a few years ago.
Best money I ever spent.



Tinpig

 

[Onmilo]

OP
You say you have a couple of choices at local gun shop, one American and a couple European.
What do you mean by this?
Are the two 'European" rifles like say, one Danish Issued American made M1 Garand and the other rifle was say, a Yemeni issued Italian Beretta made M1 or,,,????

 

[gralewaj]

I just sent in my CMP order today! I've been thinking about this rifle for a long time and finally was able to purchase one. Service grade H&R. Should be a shooter!

 

[26point2]

Quick question: Will my DD214 work for the "Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity" requirement?

I sent an email to CMP 2 days ago, but never received an answer.

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Iron Sight]

Garands are fun to shoot!

 

[Onmilo]

26point2 yes it will. Still have to be a current member of an accredited shooting organization as well, i.e. State Rifle Association, Garand Collectors Association, etc.