CMP M1 Garand; Field Grade or Service Grade? Thoughts and armchair quarterbacking welcome!

[Guest mechanically]

Penny for your thoughts?

If you bought a CMP Garand right now, would you be happy with a field grade at $595, or is it worth another $100 for a service grade?

I don't really collect them, just want to make sure I hop on the CMP bandwagon before it sets sail for good. Besides, everyone needs a Garand, right? Seems CMP is without a doubt the most economical way to get into a decent shooter.

And in the end, that's all this is, a good shooter I can break out with grandkids in 50 years... hopefully...

[DaveTN]

It’s mostly cosmetic. Muzzle and throats may gage better; but they don’t hold fast on that. I don’t know if you still can, but I drove down to Anniston both times and picked mine out. I went through the racks and had them gage them for me; they were all real helpful.

I put a Wenig walnut stock on mine and would again, so I would be more interested in the barrel and receiver than a pretty stock.

[LngRngShtr]

you can always re barrel it later, lot of Ol' m-1 smiths still around  FULTON ARMORY among others.

 

learned to love the M-1 on an older one that had a spot in the barrel that let gas by so she would short stroke and catch the shell on the receiver bridge just above the chamber

 

still held to  maybe 3" at 100 yds.

 

my 1943  (80s Korean return BLUE SKY)  M-1 holds under 2" with hand loads  built like a tank and will outlive me I am sure

 

GET ONE ASAP nicest one you can afford and worry about the other details later

[i1afli]

If mail ordering i'd go with Service Grade...you're guaranteed a nice rifle.

But since you're in Chattanooga you really should drive down to Anniston and handpick your rifle.  They've been having some Field Grades lately and you can sometimes find them close to Service Grade quality.  The Field Grades are also a little more likely to have original WWII barrels and/or stocks...they may not be as pretty but will still shoot just fine for plinking and informal target shooting.

I really like looking through the Rack Grades when they have them...talk about guns with a been-there-done-that patina....love'em.

But whatever you do, just GET DOWN THERE NOW!

[Guest mechanically]

Thanks for the replies so far, keep them coming!

 

I would LOVE to head down there and pick something out, but from reading their website, it suggests that there are no Field or Service grade offerings out on the shelves. They're shipping them out as fast as they can certify them, is what I infer...

 

Anyone been down there lately and have info to the contrary? 

 

Might be worth a call just to check!

 

Again, thanks for the replies so far!

[btq96r]

You guys are tempting me to spend $600 I'd rather keep on hand...but damn, these are a piece of history.

[Grayfox54]

Give the Anniston store a call. They'll tell you what's on the sales floor. If at all possible make the trip and pick your own. You won't regret it.

If you must order, go for the Service grade. 

Don't forget the ammo. They sell it by the case already in bandoliers and clips. 

[hipower]

What are the requirements for purchase? I've heard many things over time, but figured some here would have the cliff notes version.

[duder]

Thanks for the replies so far, keep them coming!

 

I would LOVE to head down there and pick something out, but from reading their website, it suggests that there are no Field or Service grade offerings out on the shelves. They're shipping them out as fast as they can certify them, is what I infer...

 

Anyone been down there lately and have info to the contrary? 

 

Might be worth a call just to check!

 

Again, thanks for the replies so far!

You may have already found the CMP Forums at forums.thecmp.org. There's a South Store forum where members used to post store updates, but it looks like they're not as frequent as a few years ago. I take that to mean there are still nice specimens but not so many collectibles as in years past.

 

I asked for help before I was headed down and a very helpful member met me at the store and gave me some guidance.

[LngRngShtr]

some things to read while you await your arrival.
 

http://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-tutorials

http://www.fulton-armory.com/m1garandfaqs.aspx

also TM9-1275 and TM9-1005

[LCPfraTN]

I went with the service grades on the ones I ordered and got two very nice 5 million series rifles. I have since picked up a WWII era Danish return rifle with a beautiful stock. I would like to go there someday and pick up a hand picked field grade but I'm afraid those days may be past us. There may be some signs of slowing demand though. I see that some rifle orders are being received from CMP in less than a month now, so maybe they will get some in the racks at the South Store soon.


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[LCPfraTN]

I'm surprised DMark hasn't chimed in yet on this thread.


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[LCPfraTN]

What are the requirements for purchase? I've heard many things over time, but figured some here would have the cliff notes version.

The main requirements are shooting skills, which can be attested to by having an HCP, and you must also be a member of an affiliated shooting club. If none are near to you, I believe you can become a member of the National Garand Collectors club (may not have the name right), which qualifies.


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[i1afli]

Just go...you'll find something.
Today (10/23) they had Service, Field, and Rack Grade Garands in the store...including Winchesters which you don't find there very often.

[tnhawk]

You guys are tempting me to spend $600 I'd rather keep on hand...but damn, these are a piece of history.

The chances to save a few hundred dollars will still be there when these rifles are gone.  I went to the CMP store and picked a Service Grade Special last year.  I'd like to get there and get another Garand before they're gone.

[btq96r]

The chances to save a few hundred dollars will still be there when these rifles are gone.  I went to the CMP store and picked a Service Grade Special last year.  I'd like to get there and get another Garand before they're gone.

 

I'm leaning towards doing it.  I just joined the American Legion to meet their requirement of an affiliated club. 

 

If I get one, I suppose I should fork out the extra $100 for a service grade to retain its value.  I wouldn't take it to the range more than one or two times a year, and would want it for the historical value more than anything.

[tnhawk]

If you visit the CMP store in AL, be sure to check the hours and days on the CMP site before driving there.  While there you'll want to pick up a package of Enbloc clips (25/$20) and ammo (200/$118).

[leftyk82]

I went for the Service Grade and I'd suggest the same for you.  I have a thread in Show & Tell with pictures.  http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/73772-m1-garand-cmp-sa-service-grade/

 

I was so pleased with the condition of the rifle and, as I learned more about the variety of WWII parts mine had, my appreciation grew all the more.  Throat/muzzle wear indicated it'll be a great shooter for years to come.

 

It can be a 'luck of the draw' when it comes to what the CMP sends but I think that's part of the mystique; it's very Christmas-morning like when that Fed-Ex employee marches to your door and drops off a piece of functional, beautiful and fleeting piece of history.

Edited October 24, 2014 by leftyk82

[btq96r]

If you visit the CMP store in AL, be sure to check the hours and days on the CMP site before driving there.  While there you'll want to pick up a package of Enbloc clips (25/$20) and ammo (200/$118).

 

Not sure if this was for me or the OP, but a trip to the Alabama store wouldn't be until mid-December at the earliest with my schedule right now.  Then I would have to consider it since I hate driving more than a few hours anywhere.  I should be okay doing this online if I decide to go for it.

 

I went for the Service Grade and I'd suggest the same for you.  I have a thread in Show & Tell with pictures.  http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/73772-m1-garand-cmp-sa-service-grade/

 

I was so pleased with the condition of the rifle and, as I learned more about the variety of WWII parts mine had, my appreciation grew all the more.  Throat/muzzle wear indicated it'll be a great shooter for years to come.

 

It can be a 'luck of the draw' when it comes to what the CMP sends but I think that's part of the mystique; it's very Christmas-morning like when that Fed-Ex employee marches to your door and drops off a piece of functional, beautiful and fleeting piece of history.

 

Again, not sure if it was to me or the OP, but I'm not going to be picky on perfection.  I'd expect it to be used, with some scratches, dings and what not in the normal wear and tear areas.  That's part of the allure for me with this, it's a real deal M1 that someone might have drawn to take care of business, not some perfect out of the box model that nobody ever had in their hands for real life use.

Edited October 24, 2014 by btq96r

[leftyk82]

 That's part of the allure for me with this, it's a real deal M1 that someone might have drawn to take care of business, not some perfect out of the box model that nobody ever had in their hands for real life use.

 

 

it was just for general info and offering my experience, but if you see my thread.........you'll note that my M1 is the former, not the latter :)

[rocketman]

I've never been to the store but I've bought probably 15 Grands from CMP over the years. I've never once been disappointed with what FedEx brought to my door.

That said I know from reading the forums that if you do happen to be unhappy for any reason the CMP will make it right no question,


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[DMark]

I'm surprised DMark hasn't chimed in yet on this thread.

 

Sorry I'm late to this thread.  Reckon I was just too busy rubbing in another coat of BLO into the beautiful USGI stock that came with my IHC field grade earlier this month.  :drool:

 

Bottomline up front.....

 

If you can, take to trip the CMP South Store in Anniston.  The staff there is outstanding.  They will find you the best M1 on the floor for the amount of money that you have to spend.

 

If you can't make the trip, here is my suggestion (armchair quarterbacking...).

 

If you are looking for the best looking, great shooter with the best barrel, then the Service Grade (SG) is the way to go.  As of late a lot of the SG rifles appear to be coming in just like they left the re-build from an armory in the mid-60s.  The SGs are going to have the best finish.  The only down side to some folks is that a lot of them have been coming with CMP replacement wood, but you can always replace that with USGI wood (however that is becoming harder to locate a good condition one). 

 

Field Grades (FG) make a lot of sense if you are looking for a M1 with more as-issued finish, parts and wood.  A good condition barrel with low wear seems to be the norm with FGs right now, making them the sleeper best shooters .  The FG stock might have a bit more "been there" bumps and bruises, but it will be solid wood with no cracks and just about 99% of the time USGI.   

 

So.....

 

Great Shooter (Maybe just Good), Best Finish - - - SG.

Best Collector (Maybe Great Shooter), More Wear - - - FG.

 

Good Luck.

[Mike.357]

so what decides if your Garand is a WW2 model?

 

The barrel and action?   Mine is a H&R from '55.

 

Other parts are mix and match.  The stock is slightly beat up but has cartouches that place it during WW2.  Looks like it went through a war.  

[DMark]

so what decides if your Garand is a WW2 model?

 

The SN of the receiver.

 

Only SA and WRA made M1s during WWII

 

Here is a link full of great details for the Garand.

 

http://usriflecal30m1.com/

 

Mike.357, If the cartouches are clear on your stock there are folks who will pay a premium for WWII wood.  You could also work a trade for a H&R stock.

Edited October 25, 2014 by DMark

[Guest mechanically]

Thanks everyone for chiming in!

 

I think it may be Feb before I can make the trip to Anniston, but I think it would be worth it, and agree that picking one out is what I'd like to do. 

 

So, I think I'll call ahead, hope the have both FG and SG rifles on the rack when I head down, and just see what strikes my fancy when I get there. 

 

Again, thanks for the help!