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Posted: 10/13/2006 12:16:40 PM EDT
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i wanted to get one of the CMP H&R correct grade M1 Garand's before they sold out but by the time i got all my shit together they were out so i am now looking to find one. i found a guy who has a CMP H&R for sale with the CMP paperwork. i contacted him to see what grade it is but he did not know as he was not the original buyer who got it from the CMP. so my question is does the CMP list the grade of the rifle anywhere on the paperwork they send with it and where would it be listed. thanks ETA: i do not know as much about Garands as i would like and that is why i wanted to buy from the CMP. at least from them i knew i would get exactly what was orderd and i would not have to worry about the gun being misrepresented in a sales add. i just want to make sure i get a good deal on a true correct grade M1 Garand. |
It SHOULD be listed on the invoice and as a tag that was affixed to the rifle (potentially -- as I don't think all rifles have tags). The CMP's grading system was pretty broad anyway. Rack grade definitely meant rack grade, but I found a lot of variation in Service grade going down the row at CMP North with TE and MW gauges ("Throat Erosion" and "Muzzle Wear"). From what I recall, the HRA's were all manufactured post WWII, starting in the 1950's. That means they are, all other factors being equal, less used on a whole than Springfields that were used in WWII. www.scott-duff.com/WhoHowManyWhen.htm If you are comfortable, post how much the guy is asking and somebody can tell you if it is in the right ballpark (without the benefit of pictures of course). Edit: I dunno if you want a "looker" or a "shooter" rifle, but consider that you could always rebarrel if the accuracy isn't as good as you expected. You could have him do the bullet test and send you a picture. That is, he takes a .30-06 M2 ball round and sets it in the bore to see how deep it "penetrates." If the bore "swallows" the round all the way up to the brass, then it's probably pretty shot out. However, this is a very poor substitute to actually having the proper MW/TE gauges. |
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he is asking $850 for the rifle and has a picture of the CMP certificate but that does not list the grade as far as i can tell. i also doubt he has the original invoice as he was not the original buyer. i do have the serial number, is it possible to contact the CMP to get the grade of the rifle or would they not keep records of that kind of thing? i am looking for a shooter and looker in one and that is why i want a correct grade. what i am realy after is a gun that is all original as it left the factory. one that has all original parts and has not been rebuilt with parts from different rifle's and different time periods. my understanding is that the H&R were never issued so they should be in very good condition. i have also been told that the H&R models had a little better fit and finish than the SA models. my thinking was that the H&R correct grad would give me an all original gun as it left the factory in very good condition with nice wood (walnut) and metal. i thought this would give me the best example of the M1 without buying something too rare to shoot. |
H&R rifles were issued for use by our armed forces. Some went to the Greeks or Danes after Korea, and they used them for years and years. The only way to know if it is correct is to take it apart and check the numbers on every part that has one, and well as make sure the barrel date matches the serial number range. You can contact the CMP via email. Their customer service is excellent. I believe they charge $25 to do a serial number search, but I do not know what information you get with that. I think their computer records go back to 1996 or 1998 but I'm not sure about that. If the rifle has been purchased from them after that, they should be able to find information for you. If it is prior, Orest usually says they have about a 5% success rate. |
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I asked for, and got an H+R Garand just before the current grading (and pricing) system went into effect. Had to replace the walnut rear HG (gratis from ODCMP, thanks!), but it was otherwise in excellent condition and all correct. Paid, IIRC, $550. I don't want to sell it, but I wouldn't take less than $1200 if I was going to sell it now. |
I have to think that the HRA Garands were at least issued Also, I doubt any CMP gun is going to be as it left the factory, unless they special auction it as being in original wrap, etc. Aren't all the CMP guns (besides "correct" grade) basically armory reworks? I'd have to check my HRA but I bought mine from the CMP in 2005 and it is certainly not all correct. Edit2: Checked last night. My 5585xxx HRA has: SA trigger group, WRA bolt, HRA op rod, HRA barrel dated 3-55. |
| I was at the south CMP store yesterday. At closing they had 29 HRA collector grade on the racks for $1400. They are all original and as they left the factory. All gaged at 1.5 or better on the MW and TE, with most around 1.0. Also had 8 Springfield collector grade in same condition. |
Any state rifle rifle and pistol assn will qualify. Or join the Garand Collectors Assn for $25 and get worthwhile Garand info in their quarterly newsletter. Now's the time too because the membership year runs from September to September. If someone wants to buy an M1 private party then try the Jouster.com forum and go to their classified section. The site is mostly collectors who pride themselves on honest descriptions, fairness and helping out others. Lots of good info there. Post what you're looking for on the wanted to buy section and you'll get offers from folks at prices that are respectful for both parties for accurately described rifles. |
do you know if there is a way to contact the store direct to order one by phone or mail? thanks. |
Quite a few Garands went to V.N., They were issued in large numbers along with M1 Carbines to RVN Army forces up till the mid 60s. Doubtful any of those ever made it back to Anniston.  Also, word is many of the IHCs were sent to Iran when the Shaw was still running things. |
i went to jouster.com and it looks to have some promis for finding what i am looking for, thanks for the good idea. i am going to call the south store on monday to see if i can buy one of the ones they have left. not sure if they will do it by mail but i will see. i was also thinking the more i lean the easier it will be for me to pick a good one in the future so can anyone recomend a good book or two on collecting Garands? thanks. |
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