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Posted: 2/28/2008 10:55:12 AM EDT
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So it's time for me to pick up my first Garand. I'm not a serious collector...and this rifle will go to the range, although not often, and I'm not looking for a beauty queen. For the money...is the CMP rack grade rifle my best option? I haven't run into any $600 Garands at the local gun shows. I'm Active Duty Mil, and have a C&R, so I'm in the green there. Any opinions/advice requested. |
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I would go with a Service Grade for $595, either SA or H&R with the H&R having more collector value. The wood may be beat up but the metal will be good and the wood will refinish nice. I purchased a SA Service Grad about 5 years ago and kick myself for not buying a Dane Service also. You will be happy.  Spambo |
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+1 I got an HRA service grade. It came with all HRA parts, close in serial number range, slightly beat up wood, and a muzzle wear of 1.5. Not a great picture, but:  I saw the Rackers and Field grade rifles up at the North Store, and maybe they were picked over, but they sure looked rough. I'd only advise going for one of those if you can get to one of the stores. |
I had similar requirements and, after a bunch of research, chose a Service Grade Springfield. I chose the Springer because I wanted a shooter and was convinced by arguments for late production Postwar Garands (they have all the improvements that were implemented over the years, and were not produced under wartime time pressure). I also like the idea of a Garand made by a U.S. Ordnance Arsenal, and not a government contractor, but that's just me. The wood on my Service grade was a little on the rough side (as the description said it might be_ but it cleaned-up nicely. The metal is almost like new, and all the parts match, except the HR bolt. It shoot straight, too. For $600 and change, I couldn't ask for more. |
| Rack Grade rifles are good for your second Garand purchase unless you are planning on replacing the barrel right away. I always suggest a Service Grade as a first Garand purchase. You have a much better chance of getting a good shooter with a SG. Put a Post-It on the order form asking for a post-war SA or HRA to use as a shooter. They are very good about honoring those as long as they have what you ask for available. |
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