CMP Special Grade Garand

[hrfunk]

I'm feeling the need to add an M1 to my stable, and I'm planning to make a trip to the CMP Store for one of their Special Grade versions (refurbished action, new Criterion barrel, new stock). I know these don't have the historical appeal of some of the other grades, but I'm looking for a sooter. I was just curious if any of you have a special grade M1, and if so, what are your thoughts about it. General comments on the M1 would also be welcome as I have no previous experience with it.

Thanks,
HRF

 

[lash]

My brother decided on the Special Grade when he got his, for the same reason as you, he wanted a shooter. He's quite happy with it and has no regrets at all. He is looking into having the trigger worked on just a tad, but otherwise, good to go as is. And a fine looking specimen too!

 

[USGILT]

I would say do it but be advised I ordered a service grade about a month before the Sandy Hook Event and I still have not recieved it just a message that CMP is processing it. CMP has been overwhelmed with orders for all products I cant speak on what is on hand in any of the stores but the last CMP email newsletter they sent out stated that most on hand stocks of all rifle grades in the Anniston and Camp Perry are depleted and that they still have thousands of rifles left but all effort is being focused on filling back orders and getting the rifles they do have inspected and to sales condition.

 

[hrfunk]

Thanks, I saw that too. If I remember correctly, though, the Special Grade was one that they mentioned was still in stock. I live about an hour and a half from CP, so I'll probably call before I drive up there and hopefully they won't sell out in the 90 minutes or so it takes me to make the trip! I should have bought one last year, but I talked myself out of it at the time (taxes, bills, the usual!). Thanks for the replies.

HRF

 

[kraigWY]

USGILT is correct, If you are going to the North Store, you might want to call first to see if they have any Special Grades.

As to the SG Garand, you won't be disappointed. When you get it, you'll appreciate it a lot more if you start shooting Garand Matches with it. They are made to be shot.

 

[eddiemac]

I was happy with the Special Grade I bought. I found it to be quite accurate with the new barrel. Don't forget to pick up some CMP ammo (if it is still available).

 

[rollcentre]

I'd go for it, join the CMP forums too. You can get a idea about the rifles and how people are liking the special grades that are coming out of the CMP right now.

You can also get an idea on the amount of rifles they have on hand in the stores and the quality of the rifles currently on the floor.

I mail ordered a service grade m1d sniper rifle in jan.. took 74 days total to get it.

 

[Orlando]

Personally I would mail order a Service Grade. Commercially rebuilt Garands will always be around all USGI will become harder to find

 

[rollcentre]

Personally I would mail order a Service Grade. Commercially rebuilt Garands will always be around all USGI will become harder to find

+1 I'd go for a service grade over the special... That is, if you can still get one.

 

[Orlando]

HRA Service Grades available by mail order

 

[tacticalpanda]

I just put in an order for my first Garand, a service grade H&R. Hopefully I will see it by summer.

 

[AK Sgt Maj]

I'm feeling the need to add an M1 to my stable, and I'm planning to make a trip to the CMP Store for one of their Special Grade versions (refurbished action, new Criterion barrel, new stock). I know these don't have the historical appeal of some of the other grades, but I'm looking for a sooter. I was just curious if any of you have a special grade M1, and if so, what are your thoughts about it. General comments on the M1 would also be welcome as I have no previous experience with it.

Thanks,
HRF

Several guy's that I shoot with have gotten them, and they are pretty good. Not NM but fit and function well. Be aware that the .308 version can not be used in CMP Garand matches, only matches that allow match Garand's, as they were not made until the late 50's. The case they come in is very nice also.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

I bought a service grade Garand from another Hide member---my first old service rifle. I love it! I plan to rebuild it as time/money allow, but I think it will do well as is for a bit longer. It is really cool to have a piece of history. Only problem---I now want to buy other WWII era service rifles of various brands, etc.

 

[persistant7500]

I was at the anniston facility 3 weeks ago, and they said they will be out of rifles completely by the end of the summer, so if anyone wants a CMP rifle of any grade you need to get your name on the list. They told us that by the end of summer 2013 they will be in the education and competition business only. That the latest news right from the director himself Jeff

 

[kraigWY]

I ain't buying that one little bit.

From the last Sales Bulletin:

CMP STORE INVENTORIES LOW. The CMP currently has over 17,000 unfilled orders for rifles, ammo and other items. We also still have thousands of M1 Garands. These rifles all require inspection / repair / grading before being offered for sale. At times the customer demand exceeds the amount that our staff can make ready for sale. This is the case now with the field and service grade M1 Garand rifles. As the CMP armory produces the rifles, they are used to fill existing mail orders, some from as far back as the beginning of January. Until we catch up on mail orders, there may not be any field or service grade rifles in the stores at Anniston or Camp Perry. For now, we only have the HRA M1 Service Grade Special ($950), M1 CMP Special ($995), M1C, M1D, M1NM, and Kimber model .82 (.22LR) regularly in stock at both stores. Other options may or may not be available in the stores on any given day. We expect the store racks to remain relatively empty until late June. Lately we have had several customers at both stores very disappointed after driving many hours, only to find empty racks.

They are playing "catch up", there are still plenty of Garands.

 

[Orlando]

I dont buy it either, especially when the director of operations name is Oorest Michaeals ,not Jeff

 

[persistant7500]

My name is Jeff, I was there for the JRROTC national championships about 3 weeks ago, They have 30k rifles in stock, 22k rifles sold since Newtown, and 17000 of them are already sold awaiting assembly and testing. Take this any way you want, but you may want to look into things further than the CMP website that they admittedly have not had time to keep up with. Jeff (my name by the way).........

 

[MJ1]

Don't back away from getting a receiver.

 

[lash]

Don't back away from getting a receiver.

MJ1,
I am very interested in doing it this way. Can you expound on the what's and where's of parts and components availability? Hints and references for the assembly suggested? You can respond by PM if you like and so that we don't hijack the thread too much.

That looks like my idea of a fun project!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Orlando]

While it is a fun project in todays market you cannot build a Garand as cheaply as buying a CMP Service Grade
I have built many so I have first hand experince on the costs
Only reason I built over buying is I am setting on alot of parts otherwise I would order a complete rifle
Good luck on your decision

 

[lash]

While it is a fun project in todays market you cannot build a Garand as cheaply as buying a CMP Service Grade
I have built many so I have first hand experince on the costs
Only reason I built over buying is I am setting on alot of parts otherwise I would order a complete rifle
Good luck on your decision

Yeah, funny you mention that. After posting here, I did a little research and see that mentioned a few times. It looks like a CMP Service Grade can still be had for $695 plus shipping. It would be hard to beat that unless one had access to parts at costs less than what the regular market seems to be charging.

Well, I guess I didn't need to spend the money right now anyway. I just find that I have more time available in the garage at night than I do to get to the range. Plus I like firearm assembly, dis-assembly, and minor fitting/modification work. Like many here I am sure.

 

[Orlando]

On 4/11 the Director of Operations ,Orest Michaeals stated that there is still aprox 2 years supply of Garands left. No offense but I tend to believe him since he has a better handle on supply than anyone else

 

[USGILT]

Last year their was talk about the importation of as many as 87,000 M1 Garands gathering dust in South Korean storage and were green lighted for importation to the US. Special thanks was due to Montana Senator John Tester and Representative Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming who introduced legislation to prevent the US government from interfering with the importation of US-made guns that were previously exported to other countries.

Fox New article discussing how the Obama administration approved the sale of the M1's rifles last year but then reversed course and banned their sale. Not sure if anyone here has any further updated information. I will only say that times are changing gents own a piece of history while you can and continue to stand up and fight for your rights.

Obama Administration Reverses Course, Forbids Sale of 850,000 Antique Rifles | Fox News

 

[pmclaine]

You may want to consider the RM1 Service Grade Special. Its a little cheaper than the Critrerion barreled Garand.

The service grade special is basically a close to new rifle with CMP (non GI wood). The reports are that these are essentially correct unfired rifles. They must have been shipped back from Greece as functional rifles minus the wood.

When supplies were more flush of the different rifle grades guys were buying a rack grade and a Service Grade Special. If they lucked out they got rack grade wood in good condition with cartouches that matched the era of their Service Grade Special. Swapping the wood they ended up with what was a "correct" grade Garand. Essentially the new value of the reconfigured rifle made the rack grade rifle a freebie.

Regards new Garands - Korea has not happened yet but they are receiving rifles from Turkey.

 

[Orlando]

CMP will not have anything to do with the Korean Garands/Carbines. CMP gets their rifles from the US Army that are returned from others countries that they were loaned to.
the Korean Garands were sold to Korea and if they ever do make it back to the US they will be sold to the highest bidder. They will then be Import marked by the Importer