I can get this Garand for $600.00 The wood is a bit beatup, (some scratches, a gouge here or there, basically well worn). It is a Springfield Armory, serial #288xxxx. The action looks like it has been refinised (very few nicks in the finish). What do you guys think?

ETA: I am really kinda strapped for cash, but I think everyone should probably have at least 1 Garand in the collection, thats why I figured this might be a good buy before I build an AR.

I wouldn't worry about the furniture so much as I would the barrel and throat wear. You should get a bore/flexi light and inspect the rifling, crown and bore.

Good points, I didnt have a chance to inspect the barrel, but all other parts looked good, just needed a cleaning. I think I'm going to have to let this gun slide though, I just don't have the money for it right now. Hopefully it will still be there when I do have the money. Thanks for the reply!

-GG

If you're looking for an inexpensive Garand (well, as inexpensive as Garands generally get) you have three options really.

1) Participate in a CMP event to get qualified to buy surplus Garands. In my opinion, this is your best options for a lot of reasons. First, you're supporting the CMP, which is always a good idea. Second, you're learning the in's and out's of hipower shooting. Third, when you order the Garand, you know exactly what you're getting ahead of time.

2) Wait for a good deal to show up in your local shop or the EE here on the boards.

3) Buy a cheapo Century Garand clone. The fit and finish on these rifles is NOT that of the US Milspec Garand, but it is essentially the same rifle.

If you have the time (and desire), I really recommend CMP training. Its inexpensive, fun and immensely helpful for a new shooter.

Quoted: If you're looking for an inexpensive Garand (well, as inexpensive as Garands generally get) you have three options really. 1) Participate in a CMP event to get qualified to buy surplus Garands. In my opinion, this is your best options for a lot of reasons. First, you're supporting the CMP, which is always a good idea. Second, you're learning the in's and out's of hipower shooting. Third, when you order the Garand, you know exactly what you're getting ahead of time. 2) Wait for a good deal to show up in your local shop or the EE here on the boards. 3) Buy a cheapo Century Garand clone. The fit and finish on these rifles is NOT that of the US Milspec Garand, but it is essentially the same rifle. If you have the time (and desire), I really recommend CMP training. Its inexpensive, fun and immensely helpful for a new shooter.

Good advice I would add one word of caution though, service grade Springfields from the CMP have dried up at present.  All that is presently available are rack grade Greek returns.  When service grade rifles were available they were selling for $550 from the CMP so $600 from the local source (depending on condition) is not such a bad deal.  YMMV

Quoted: Quoted: If you're looking for an inexpensive Garand (well, as inexpensive as Garands generally get) you have three options really. 1) Participate in a CMP event to get qualified to buy surplus Garands. In my opinion, this is your best options for a lot of reasons. First, you're supporting the CMP, which is always a good idea. Second, you're learning the in's and out's of hipower shooting. Third, when you order the Garand, you know exactly what you're getting ahead of time. 2) Wait for a good deal to show up in your local shop or the EE here on the boards. 3) Buy a cheapo Century Garand clone. The fit and finish on these rifles is NOT that of the US Milspec Garand, but it is essentially the same rifle. If you have the time (and desire), I really recommend CMP training. Its inexpensive, fun and immensely helpful for a new shooter. Good advice I would add one word of caution though, service grade Springfields from the CMP have dried up at present.  All that is presently available are rack grade Greek returns.  When service grade rifles were available they were selling for $550 from the CMP so $600 from the local source (depending on condition) is not such a bad deal.  YMMV

Service Grades are still in stock, but probably not for more than 3 months more according to Orest.  I got a USGI SA Racker and it's great for a Rack Grade.  Whatever grade you choose, I'd still highly recommend the CMP as your source for a Garand.  Get at least one from them before they're all gone.  I have two and  wish I had more.

Go with the CMP. You can always clean them up to look like this.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have resisted getting this Garand, as I really don't have the money. If anyone is interested in this Garand, ask me, and I will tell you where it is. The tag price is $750. I asked "how low can you go?" and the clerk said $600.
-GG

Unless you had TE/MW gauges and KNEW the barrel was minty, I'd pass for $600

Go with the CMP. Join the Garand Collectors association for your affiliated club requirement. $25 a year.
Then all you need is the Firearms Related ACtivity requirement. www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/eligibility_requirements.htm


FWIW.. I just picked up a Woodless Dane, that's supposed to be a Rack grade. The barrel is like new.
I freshened up the crown on my Field Grade shoots just as good, if not better than my Service grade.

$600 isn't too bad for a WWII era Garand, but with all firearms its CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION.
Rack grades will be shootable, but I have recieved more than one Rack grade that required a barrel before they would do anything beside despense pills.
Service Grade is a better way to go, but again it's a roll of the dice where you could get an exempalrly rifle or one that just meets the "Service Grade" criteria.
IF the barrel is "in the white" and of the correct date and manufacturer for the serial number range, then I would buy it for $600. In fact, if you pass it up please let me know where it is and if possible maby soem of the identifying markings.

If furniture is a concern, I have a dozen or more stocks in various stages of finish that could be had VERY resionably (each) or new furniture is made daily by Boyd's, Weineg. and a couple diffrent synthetics are also available.

IF it need or you want a .308 barrel that'll be ~$200 (I've got an excellent used bbl $125.)

The Garand bubble has pretty much burst leveling off the prices, however they "don't make 'em anymore" and they ain't gett'n any cheaper. Do it now, and turn a buck later if you need to.  

My stepfather was a lucky dog. His father handed an M1 down to him when he passed away. The rifle is PERFECT. Not a chip in the finish, not a ding on the stock. Barrel is 99 to 100%. The finish on the wood is rich and beautiful. Don't get much better than that! People at the range come over to him all the time, asking what methods he used to refinish it.

Quoted: My stepfather was a lucky dog. His father handed an M1 down to him when he passed away. The rifle is PERFECT. Not a chip in the finish, not a ding on the stock. Barrel is 99 to 100%. The finish on the wood is rich and beautiful. Don't get much better than that! People at the range come over to him all the time, asking what methods he used to refinish it.

Could you ask your Stepfather if I can have his Garand Please