Dumb question about CMP

[2126]

Maybe because I’m a cynic or maybe because my father was so adamant about that whole no free lunch lesson (thanks, dad) I can’t quite bring myself to believe that for $602.95 ($350 for the rifle, $192.00 for the ammo and $60.95 shipping for the both of them) the CMP will send me a rack grade Garand and a case of surplus ammo.

I know you have to jump through hoops but I am over twenty-one and a U.S. citizen; I have a Florida CWP, belong to the TSRA, and am legally eligible to purchase a firearm.

I want an M1 and I want this to be the incredible deal it seems to be but I can’t quite convince myself. I guess what I’m asking is, what’s the catch? Will they shoot? Is the wood going to be rotten? What’s wrong with these rifles?

Chris

[Keaner]

The only thing wrong with it is that you haven't bought it yet!

Really, there is no catch, nothing whatsoever. I recently purchased a Field Grade Springfield from them, and it was gorgeous. The stocks are often a little beat up, but very rarely unusable. The rifle will almost definately work like it was supposed to, and if it doesn't, they can help you out.

Finally: because its a Rack, the barrel might not be amazingly accurate, but if you are looking for something to go plinking with, this is a perfect choice.

[Rick O'Shay]

I would recommend a USGI Springfield Field Garde. Rack Grades are sometimes pretty well shot-out.
Wood condition, and metal finish, are luck of the draw.

It seems that you have all of the qualifications already in hand. Just download the forms from odcmp.com and fill them out, include your check, and wait for the big white truck.

[kalashnikovluvr]

Don't you have to be a member of something to buy from CMP? I think I heard that some where, correct me if im wrong.

[CCV]

Where I'm from TSRA means the Texas State Rifle Association and they ARE CMP affiliated.

If the TSRA the poster mentioned is one and the same, he should be good to go.

[2126]

Man, this is exactly what I wanted to hear. Keaner, do you mean that if the gun is non-functional the CMP will make it right somehow? If so, that’s all the guarantee I need.

Thanks for the replies,
Chris

[Bushbacker]

All the Garands are headspace checked and test-fired. Here is the full inspection process:

http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/inspect.htm

[Decguns]

The catch is, it's luck of the draw. You never know what you're gonna get. I've received Service Grades in horrible shape. Look like they were drug behind a truck, cracked wood, no finish remaining, worn parts... but they sport decent barrels (hardly a deal).

I've received rack grades in fantastic condition with just a little cleaning rod wear at the muzzle. You just never know.

Want a really nice Garand? Do a private purchase where you can inspect the rifle in person. Want a deal and you don't mind luck of the draw, go CMP.

[KIDCOP]

If you include a note saying the rifle is to be used in John C. Garand matches the rifle should be better. Works one time and one time only though.

You have to remember these are old and used rifles. I got a SA Service grade several years back and was not happy with the barrel. It had some sort of junk in it which I was unable to remove with hard cleaning. I wanted a piece of history as well as a shooter for the Grand matches. I called the CMP and was told they would put a 60's barrel on it. After more cleaning and giving up, I sent the rifle back. 2 weeks later it came home with a new barrel, never been on a rifle, new op rod, new gas cly., new trigger group, new bolt and a new front sight. Plus everything was SA. Not bad for the price of shipping back to CMP. I'm not so sure they would do that for a rack grade.

The stock has a few more dings in it than I was hoping for but one of these days I'm going to get a new stock from DGR in Maple.

One of these days I will order another rifle from the CMP as they are the real deal. I can't wait too long though.

[thisaway]

I purchased a USGI Rack Grade SA a few months ago. Very little finish remains, but the barrel actually gauges in the Service Grade range...it shows a 4 in the throat, and a 3 at the muzzle. Plus, the barrel is original to the receiver (October 1943), which really gives it some collector value. I have since restored it to WW2 condition. ^c

[thisaway]

Originally posted by kalashnikovluvr
Don't you have to be a member of something to buy from CMP? I think I heard that some where, correct me if im wrong.

The easiest thing to do is join the Garand Collectors' Association for $25/year. It is accepted by the CMP as a "club affiliation".

[p01ic3m4n]

i just got my USGI field grade in. i specifically requested a s/n blow 3,500,000. got a 2,900,000 (1944) gun. the wood was actually in good shape. the only thing i'm not fond of is the handguard is a light colored wood and the rest is all dark, but it is genuine USGI and it'll stay that way.

i also ordered a 1903A3. supplies are not going to last forever. get one while you still can.

[Keaner]

With the M1, they basically assure you it'll work (even though they give you a wink along with the assurance). BUT, if you contact orest on the ODCMP forums, he will have someone there fix any major problems you have.

BTW: for the club: i joined GOAL (Gun owners action league) which was 30 bucks for the year, so thats not a difficult requirement.

[CWatson]

I bought two USGI Field Grades from CMP a few months ago. When the first one arrived it was a little dirty but cleaned up nice. It was a mid WWII serial numbered receiver. After a couple months I was able to take it out to the desert and blast away. I am no marksman but it was at least as accurate as any of my MilSurp rifles.

At $395 delivered to my door it was he most expensive surplus rifle I ever bought and the one I am most happy with so the day I shot it I picked up a money order at the post office for another and mailed it off the next day. I requested a WWII receiver and got it along with Lock-Bar sights. This rifle was in even better shape than the first,I have however not had a chance to shoot this one.

The first one took about 30 days from mailing order to receiving it,second about half the time.

I have never bought two of the same type of firearm in a row but felt I better get while the getting was good. I have reached my limit of two imposed by the wife ;) ,CMP allows you to buy up to eight a year.

CWatson

[M1Garand]

The main catch for buying from CMP is that the rifle you will receive may varies in term of condition. The best condition for a shooter is "service grade."

I have two M1 Garand from CMP, and I love them both. They are more historical (than the store shelve new SA M1 Garand) and in near-new condition.