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Posted: 1/22/2011 10:55:48 AM EDT
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Guys, I have always been a fan of the WWII era rifles, and especially the Garand.
But, I know very little about them, beyond knowing what it is when I see one at the range. I think I want to go ahead and get one while they are still available, and I am leaning toward the CMP unless I find one from an individual. I am checking now to see that I am eligible to buy from the CMP. (I have a C&R FFL, am a Life Member of NRA and member of a local range, if any of that matters) What factors are most important when buying from the CMP? I see their pricing varies quite a bit. I would love a "correct" rifle in good tom very good condition, but I would like to shoot the thing. Lastly, I am a 308 shooter, not a 30/06 shooter. How much should I be concerned? Will I have to start loading /06 or is it fairly easy to find decent ammo? Would really rather stay with 308. Just some general thoughts would be appreciated, I want one, but only know enough to mess myself up. |
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Take a hard look at the service grade rifles; I've read that they are very nice. I think, not sure though, that the 'correct' grade rifles while having all of the parts correct for that serial number range are not 'original' rifles. Basically they are put together at the CMP to be 'correct'. If I am mistaken someone please correct me.
For ammo, buy from the CMP. Commercial .06 ammo has the potential to bend the op-rod although some manufacturer(s) are now producing ammo safe for the Garand. No, I can't recall who 'they' are. Since you are already aware of the CMP be sure to check out the CMP forums. There is even an ammo sub-forum. BTW, Garanditis, it's as bad as Black Rifle Disease. Be warned. Pav |
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Thanks Pav.
As usual, I am now reading the tacked threads, after posting my thoughts 
I am interested in finding out what I can about the 308 rifles/carbines if there are any available. Also, it seems the service grade is what is usually recommended for shooters, and a shooter is what I want. So, I am leaning that direction. I do what it to look good though, as that is part of the appeal of Garands to me. |
| I have a woodless Dane (WWII Springfield),that I finished four years ago an HR (Korea Vintage) service model both have very good muzzles, both zero or better when I received them. You can't go wrong with CMP, either with firearms or ammo, you just gotta jump through the paperwork hoops but as stated it is a terminal disease, there is no known inoculation for it. |
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Quoted:
Thanks AY. I am curious, you always hear about the real long lead times with CMP, but their site says 15-30 days. Can anyone estimate the current lead times for a Service Grade? First one 12 days before I got a sent notice, second one week and a half. Both times sent money order instead of using CC. Don't know if it made any difference, they say it doesn't. But then again that was several years ago. |
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CMP is a great way to go. There are criteria that must be met and it may take a little time to get it all done but it is definitely worth it. I highly recommend the Service grade, especially if you want a shooter. I have 2 - an HRA and a Springfield. They are both in awesome shape (granted I went and hand picked mine so I was able to get the best I could find at the store at the time). I highly recommend going to either the North store or South store if you can and picking out one yourself (it's just a great experience to see all of those Garands plus it's nice to select your own). But the rifles typically far exceed the minimum rating for each grade so you'll likely end up with a very nice rifle if you go Service grade. You can order ammo from the CMP and it is at a very reasonable price compared to finding it any where else.
Since you want a .308 more than .30-06 you could get a Rack grade and send it to a reputable smith to get it re-barreled in .308. That way you save a little on the rifle itself to offset some of the cost of re-barreling it. If the park isn't great then you could get that re-done at the same time as the new barrel and then you'd have a nice looking rifle with a brand new barrel in .308. The stock could be hit or miss but you could always get a repro to make it look nice. I don't know how much you're wanting to spend but it's an option if you really want it in .308. Here are my rifles just to feed your desire a bit. Springfield is on top, HRA on bottom. 
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I have two Garands, and two Carbines. The CMP is where you will get the best rifle for the $. The rifle is guaranteed to have USGI parts, to function, and you will be the first private owner of that rifle. Buy a few cans of HXP from the CMP, or find other military surplus. And when that runs out, you can always get a adjustible gas plug for future commercial ammo shooting. They are cheap, and a snap to install. You will not be disappointed with a purchase from the CMP. And +1 to the above posts, the service grade is the way to go. Thats what my purchase was, and could not be happier. |
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CMP is definitely the way to go. As far as which grade, there are two you might want to consider. The service grade is the most common and will give you a good shooter. Some minor work may be necessary - one of mine had a loose front sight that needed tightening. Cost is $595. If you want something that is a step up in the shooter department consider the Springfield Special grade. This is a Springfied receiver equipped with a new Criterion barrell and new walnut stock. Other parts are mostly GI. All metal is reparkerized. This is essentially a brand new 50 to 70 year old rifle. I love mine and it is my primary shooter. Cost is $995. Quite a bit more but I think it's worth it if you are going to be doing a lot of shooting. There are other grades but they don't fit your criteria.
As far as ammo is concerned the caution on commercial ammo is right on target unless it is manufactured specifically for the Garand. Surplus Greek ammo is available from CMP in a 192 round ammo can. It comes in clips and bandoleers for $96 plus shipping of about $8. A lot of us reload. If you choose to do that stick with bullets in the 150 to 173 grain range and use a powder than approximates the burn rate of GI loads. IMR 4895 or IMR 4064 are popular. Lead times have lengthened lately since the CMP got a load of bayonets a few months ago and they have been swamped with orders, but don't let that stop you. It will be worth it when it arrives. I'm sending in my order for a correct grade next week. You can find a lot more info on the CMP Forums, and some very knowledgeable guys to answer your questions. |
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I got a SG Springfield last fall. It took 3 weeks from order to get it, but I understand there is a substantial order backlog right now because of some specific items (barrels and bayonets) that came up for sale in late Nov.
Also, you should be aware that many SG grade M1's come with birch replacement wood, not the beautiful GI walnut seen in the above posts. My Garand came with the birch wood. It looks OK, but it is not nearly as nice as walnut. That being said I am 100% happy with my purchase, the metal was in excellent condition and you can always buy a walnut replacement stock. For the price a SG cannot be beat. |
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