Want to buy a Garand in Louisville, but where? CMP or 3rd party?

[Spark]

I've been wanting a Garand for a while. Let's face it, as gun owners, more than a few of us probably want some sort of palatable "connection" to our history, and I'm no differant than the next guy. Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan & all the other WWII movies only served to turn the desire from a vague craving to a full blown gnawing need for a piece of history - in 30-06 of course.

So, the question is, where should I buy one?

I'd love to get a CMP model, but according to ODCMP.com, the closest CMP club is the Kentucky State Rifle and Pistol Association. ( http://www.kysrpa.org/ )
Honestly and truly, I don't want to go through a Garand clinic & hipower match & whatnot - I did my time in the military, I'd prefer not to experience the "joys" of "ready on the left/right/center; firer's watch your lane" again.

Not to mention that even if I did, I just happened to miss the last one as it was last weekend. Next one is October, near as I can figure.

So, unless I want to jump through all the hoops, I might be better off buying a Garand through a third party supplier. The question is, where? I'm looking for basicly a brand new, stock Garand - something that's as close to new as possible, without paying through the nose to boot. Granted, I know a CMP Garand wouldn't be "new" by any means, but it'd be worth it for the "historic" value.

Anyone care to point me in the right direction?

 

[hps1]

"I did my time in the military, I'd prefer not to experience the "joys" of "ready on the left/right/center; firer's watch your lane" again."

Check out paragraph 4 @ following link:
http://www.odcmp.com/Forms/1orderform.pdf

If I am not mistaken, DCM accepts proof of military service, law enforcement or certified instructors/coaches in lieu of shooting in a CMP match.

This would certainly be most economical way one can obtain an authentic GI M1. Good luck.

Regards,
hps

 

[echo3mike]

The non-CMP routes include online third partys like Guns America or Scott Duff Firearms. On the other hand, club affiliation can be as simple as joining your state rifle & pistol assoc or an online group like The Garand Collectors Assoc.. Then again, you can always get lucky at a gun show or store.

SA has reintroduced the M1 to their line of rifles, IIRC... pricey but if you're looking for a "NIB" M1 it's the only surefire route.

S.

 

[Swampy]

Spark,

Join your KY Rifle Assoc or the Garand Collectors Assoc ($20 per annum). Both are CMP affiliates.

Your military service negates the need to shoot a qualifier match.

Can't beat the CMP for good Garands at decent prices.

Best regards,
Swampy