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Posted: 6/19/2006 8:54:12 AM EDT
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Gentlemen, I have been around M1 Garand collecting for over 30 years. I started back in the days of $99 M1's under the old DCM. I just want to ask you guys why, in about the past 5 years, there has been such a massive increase in not only collecting the M1 Garand, but all US military firearms, mostly WW 2 rifles, Carbines and sidearms. Basically, what got you interested in this field of collecting? www.garandm1rifle.com Thanks again Clancy Looking for Sponsors or Donations soon NRA Life Endowment NRA Training Counselor NRA Instructor 90% / BW X Speed Div by 1000 = PF __________________ |
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I am not a collector, but I think that I know the answer to your question. The motivation to aquire these particular arms is a result of several factors. 1. Band of Brothers/Saving Private Ryan. 2. The accelerated loss of WWII veterans/relatives 3. The advent of internet message boards dedicated to firearms/militaria/collecting 4. The perception that the supply of these firearms is rapidly being depleted. 5. The recent memory of the AWB and the possibility that another more ominous law may be on the horizon. |
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Clancy, I've had an interest in military firearms since a youth. I planned to buy a DCM rifle 15 years ago but never got around to it due to life and slim finances as a college student. Got to love the John Wayne movies. I can't say that saving private ryan had any affect on my motivation to buy M1's other than I wanted to get an example or two before they were depleted and I recognize that that movie may have created a lot of interest. I remember the day when surplus was everywhere, cheap, and not great selling. I guess that has changed, a la $1000 M1 carbines. I still don't get that one. I still catogorize them as neat little toys. SoS |
Agree 100% Better awareness and the internet where even regular guys like me know about CMP. BTW, I just ordered two (service & rack grade) from CMP. Also, Who here can not envision a Dem President & Congress in the near future. Buy now while you still can. |
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As was said in an earlier post "The motivation to aquire these particular arms is a result of several factors. 1. Band of Brothers/Saving Private Ryan. 2. The accelerated loss of WWII veterans/relatives 3. The advent of internet message boards dedicated to firearms/militaria/collecting 4. The perception that the supply of these firearms is rapidly being depleted." At the last two Wanenmacher Gun Shows in Tulsa, I have never seen so many younger men carrying, looking, buying and selling Garands, M1 Carbines, 1903A3, 1903s, 1917s. I think another factor is the fact that their dads were the "Greatest Generation", I know that was my inspiration. |
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I agree with all of the very good reasons that have been made above. The only other points which come to mind are the "untold story" effect of rifles such as the M1. What did the man who carried it face with that very rifle in hand? What achievements did he accomplish with his brethren and their M1s? Where has this rifle been? Even if you know your M1 never saw combat, it is a rifle of great character nonetheless. I also consider the M1 to be nearly impossible to produce today, even with today's "superior" design and manufacturing technology. Take a look at any one of its forged parts and try to price it out as a newly produced item. Never again will we see its equal in soul, history, and innovation for its day. |
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I'm 46 and grew up watching those wonderful WWll movies from the 60's and 70's. I've always wanted a .45 auto and a Garand. But I would have to say Maddogkiller hit the nail on the head. A new generation introduced to the old warhorse through some outstanding films and the internet being the primary reasons. IMHO |
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