i remember hearing something about a CMP match where you can buy a garand at camp pendelton. i would like to get my first/only garand so if i could choose in person that would be great.
any info you can share will help. thanks

There's a CMP sanctioned John C Garand match at Pendleton in June. You might call them and ask if they know if the CMP will be there with rifles.

Civilian Marksmanship Program John C. Garand Match
Date: Sunday June 11, 2006
Time: 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Type: Club Event  (Public)
Location:Wilcox Range Complex, Rifle Range 103, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton

Street: Located off Stagecoach Road, 33 Area, Camp Margarita

City/State/Zip: Camp Pendleton, California 92055

Phone:(760) 439-9412

See, I knew he'd chime in

You are probably referring to the CMP Western Games.  This series of matches occurs in early November at Pendleton.  There may be other CMP-type events there but I do not think the CMP sales people attend those.  

Of course, November is not all that far off and it would be a blast to attend the matches.

I went to the CMP Western games last year. It was my first match other than reduced course (ie. first one with target pits). It was very friendly, with lots of help for newbs. The CMP had lots of nice rifles on display, cherry-picked from their stock. It's a great event. I encourage everyone to give it a try.

Here an article about last Nov. games:

www.odcmp.org/1105/default.asp?page=WGAMES

The next one is set of Nov 4-12, 2006

CMP will also be at the Big Reno Show in August in conjunction with the Garand Collectors Association Convention.  They will have rifles for sales selection.