Civilian Marksmanship Program

[rweldon]

Anybody ever use the Civilian Marksmanship Program to buy an old military rifle? I'm thinking about getting an old surplus M1 Garand to do some plinking with. They have a store up at Port Clinton here in Ohio...since I'm just a couple hour drive away, I'm thinking about going and checking it out.

 

[Hasgun Willtravel]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

You have to be a member, or participate with a club that is a CMP affiliated member. There is a list of them on the CMP website, I jsut found one here in Michigan to compete with the vintage highpower with an old Swede that I have. I am joining the club and shooting for the sole purpose of buying a CMP Garand this fall.

Go to the CMP website, and you can read about the requirements. They are THE source for getting a Garand or the like. I have heard nothing but good things from the CMP.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

A lot of people have bought Garands, Carbines and '03s from them. The CMP is the best way to get a good shooter at a good price.
I have a service grade Springfield Garand.
Going to the North Store and picking one out in person is the best way to get a good one.
They will loan you a set of guages to check muzzle erosion and throat erosion.

Jim

 

[Andrew Blubaugh]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

Call or check their website before you go. Their stock is different... They don't always have certain grades or quantities of grades to choose from and it rotates like crazy. Even so it is a great asset.

 

[Kasumi]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HasgunWilltravel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You have to be a member, or participate with a club that is a CMP affiliated member. </div></div>

You can also join the GCA Garand Collectors Association for $25 per year. You get a quarterly publication from them, well worth the cost.
www.thegca.org

That along with a birth certificate and a one other document got me registered to purchase directly from CMP. You need to keep up the GCA membership. They forward your membership # on to the North & South Store locations.

I think current military ID qualifies you to buy also.

I have purchased 3 Garands, a 1903 and a carbine from the CMP by driving to the Port Clinton location, I have been very pleased with outcome each time. Great people to deal with, excellent customer service. If it ain't right, they fix it on their dime. They cover shipping BOTH ways. CMP Rocks!

 

[JoeSmith]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

I recommend doing it, if for no other reason than to exercise our sacred rights as a citizen of this great nation. Where else in the world can a citizen acquire a military issue rifle from its own government?!
This program has been a thorn for the current socialistic fascists who attempt to abrogate rights of law-abiding citizens. If that doesn't prove their lie's when they say they have no intention of restricting lawful gun ownership, then nothing will cause you to wake up and smell the coffee. No one or no CMP gun that I know of has yet been implicated in serious crime, so that ought to show the folly of attacking a program that has nothing to do with badness.
Get one and send a note to Ms Pelosi and Feinstein and tell them how pleased you are to preserve a tangible piece of history that liberated half the known world from tyranny and genocide and made this nation a superpower and bastion for freedom.

 

[gewgaw]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

+1 on the CMP... great program, great people. I got an International Harvester M1 Garand from them a few years back, Service Grade. The rifle is a beauty!

 

[cyberpuppy42]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

Great program. Getting ready to order my first M1 Garand through them. At some point they'll run out of these historic rifles, then it'll be really difficult to get your hands on one without shelling out $2k at least.

 

[mjb2]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

Go. Do it. Absolutely the best deal on a Garand. And you get pick the one you want. Their inventory changes often, so just go. I got a great H&R garand years ago from them.

 

[Engineer]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

The staff at the CMP North store is absolutely wonderful and will do everything they can to help you pick out a great rifle.

You can go to the CMP website and check into the North Store Forum where you will almost always find threads where people are inquiring about what is in stock and one of the staff members usually replies.

To get a double-bonus, schedule your visit during the matches in the summer (around August) when Commercial Row is open.

 

[Furner]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

The CMP is the BEST way to get a Garand and ammo. I am kicking myself for not buying myself broke years ago when the prices were better and they had more selection. But I am buying what I can now.

Dont think about it too much. Get your paperwork in and get in line. They are shipping orders from January right now I think, so the sooner you get your stuff in the sooner you will get your cool old gun!

EDIT: I see you said you are close to Port Clinton. That is excellent if they have stuff in stock. Call ahead and see. But I think you will be pleased when visiting in person.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

I got my M1 when CMP was DCM in 80 or 81, then it was shipped for $112.70. Use to be able to buy 173 grn bullets and brass. But that was when you had to shoot DCM ammo at leg matches (remember the days when shooting leg matches when you loaded from the person and couldnt use mats?). They also have a great fourm for talking about CMP subjects. Dont forget to check out ASK THE EXPERTS on the CMP websites. Get your shooting related questions answered by the AMU shooters.

 

[dlc356]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

If you want a "shooter", the CMP is the only way to get a Garand IMO. A 'Field' or 'Service' Grade will make for a fine shooter with little work. The 'Rack' Grade rifles I've seen would do but the guys I know who bought them did so with the intention of a complete re-build. The paperwork isn't that complicated either. For the marksmanship requirement they now accept a copy of a pistol permit (or atleast they did a few years ago when I bought mine). The club requirements have grown over the years too. I used my USPSA or local range I can't remember which right off hand.

 

[Guns4570]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

You can also join the Garand Collectors Association to qualify if you don't have a club near you. www.thegca.org

 

[Former0302]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

I've purchased several Garands, '03 Springfields and Carbines from the CMP. Each one I've been thrilled with. You might have to wait a little before it gets delivered, which is hard when we've become so accustomed to immediate gratification, but you'll be glad you did.

Great customer service, great program, great to hold a piece of history in your hands.

Best value is probably the service grade, but all grades are priced well below what you'd shell out for them anwhere else.

 

[insectguy]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

You will never regret getting something from the CMP. I used to live no more than 9 miles from Camp Perry, and have bought Garands, 1903s, M1 Carbines and several types of .22s.

As for joining an affiliated organization, there are several you can join remotely. Although several people have mentioned the Garand Collectors Association, you can also join other state associations. For example, you can join the Texas State Rifle Association, and live nowhere near Texas.

BTW, the NRA is NOT a qualified affiliated organization.

It's also neat the CMP is the ONLY ones who can send a rifle directly to your residence out of state. They do the ffl check from their offices, and send the box right to your house!

You can also order ammo, which right now is a great benny! (If they have any....)

I have never been disappointed. When I ordered an M1 Carbine, I was rather late in the game, but simply wrote on my application I would like something other than an Inland. They sent me a Winchester! What a great place.

Aside from those benefits, they are also very active in the youth education arena. It used to be you could only order one gun in your lifetime. Those limits were lifted because they are trying to establish a foundation to continue the youth shooting programs after the rifles are gone (which will come, eventually, btw....).

I was the youth rifle coach in a nearby town, the we had a great relationship with the CMP.

Go for it-- you won't regret it.

 

[fx77]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

CMP website suggests all sold out and unknown when more would be for sale.

 

[rweldon]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

I'm going to try to drive up Friday. I asked about the marksmanship requirement and they told me that my expired CCW permit (can't believe I let it lapse...duh!) will suffice. I'm pretty excited about going and getting my first M1 Garand. I can't wait to see what all is available. I think my Dad might go with me. He was wondering if being a retired LEO would suffice as a Marksmanship requirement. I don't know what all I will get to pick from as far as brands go, but I would love an International Harvester or Winchester. thanks for all the pointers guys.

 

[Engineer]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M40A3peacemaker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm going to try to drive up Friday. I asked about the marksmanship requirement and they told me that my expired CCW permit (can't believe I let it lapse...duh!) will suffice. I'm pretty excited about going and getting my first M1 Garand. I can't wait to see what all is available. I think my Dad might go with me. He was wondering if being a retired LEO would suffice as a Marksmanship requirement. I don't know what all I will get to pick from as far as brands go, but I would love an International Harvester or Winchester. thanks for all the pointers guys. </div></div>

You've probably made the trip already, but here's the full list of CMP Eligibility Requirements

and yes, past LEO counts as marksmanship:

Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity:

- Current or past military service.
<span style="font-weight: bold">- Current or past law enforcement service</span>
- Participation in a rifle, pistol, air gun or shotgun competition (provide copy of results bulletin).
- Completion of a marksmanship clinic that included live fire training (provide a copy of the certificate of completion or a statement from the instructor).
- Distinguished, Instructor, or Coach status.
- Concealed Carry License.
- Firearms Owner Identification Cards that included live fire training.
- FFL or C&R license.
- Completion of a Hunter Safety Course that included live fire training.
- Certification from range or club official or law enforcement officer witnessing shooting activity. A form for use in completing and certifying your range firing can be downloaded from the CMP web site at http://www.odcmp.com/forms/marksmanship.pdf

 

[Fast Ed]

Re: Civilian Marksmanship Program

I got 4 Garands, a 1903, a 1903A3, 2 Rem 40x's, a Win 52D, an H&R M12, and 3 Mossberg M44's from them. Also bought a bunch of .30-06 ammo, and a bunch of .308 brass from them when they had it. Easily the best deal going.

Fast Ed