What to look for in a Garand

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I've been looking at picking up a Garand lately, while they are still (relatively) inexpensive. I don't have any experience with them, and so I don't know what I'm looking for in a QUALITY rifle. Obviously something rusty and beaten up ain't gonna cut it, but are there certain wear marks or patterns that indicate the gun has been abused? I'll obviously be checking the bore and cycling the action a few times at least.
BTW I'm not picky about matching numbers here, I'm looking for a shooter that I can enjoy.
 
One of the things I have heard about is to watch out for a rewelded receiver.

Other than that, I couldn't tell you.
 
Well muzzle wear and throat wear are very important. Along with the finish on the weapon. You also want to make sure that the stock is not cracked. Best thing to do is get on with the CMP and get a rifle from them. they will be checked out and you will know the grade when you get it. They will not be great but they will be useable and you can build them up and fix'em up.

I have one from gunbroker that I got for 910 and another from the CMP at Perry that I got for I think 565 all said and done.
 
Ironically enough I have had about 250+ clips sitting in my garage for the last 5 years. They were part of an estate sale I went to years ago, I was looking for cars and got the clips as "some kind of weird fasteners" for $10. I found it odd that nobody at the sale knew what they were, plenty of probable vets standing around.
 
+1 on what 30cal wrote. Stick with CMP if possible and you'll be much happier. They also have excellent surplus Greek HXP that you can get already clipped and in bandos or boxed in sealed spam cans since you already have a bunch o clips.

My CMP garands have appreciated rapidly over the last few years. Although I have zero intention of ever selling any, it is reassuring to know that they are continuing to gain in value should some unforseen circumstance come up. You will spend at least 700-800 (best case) to buy an equivalent to a service grade on the open non CMP market.

Regards,

Bob
 
+1 what KODB and others have said about using CMP.

My two Field Grades from CMP cost $425 each and have been solid shooters. Locally at gun shows I rarely ever see a Garand in any condition going for under $800, and if in good condition prices can go up steeply from there. A CMP Service Grade or Field Grade is a much better bet, even mail order (though get into the North or South Store if you can to select your own).
 
On the front of the Garand barrel, on the bottom, if there are the words there "blue Sky" it might impact the value of the gun.

I believe blue sky were re-imported Garands and quality can vary. I am not saying they are all bad, I am saying that the quality of blue sky imports vary
 
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