Get the service grade, I bought one this summer with a TE of 2 ME 2 total mixmaster, sold it at cost to a friend, He wanted a mostly WWII rifle but I explained that this one has a good barrel and stock set, everything else on the rifle part-wise was decent,but mostly post-war. Well, he started shooting it with the Greek ammo the CMP has, and found out this rifle will deliver some impressive accuracy, This guy has'nt been shooting very long,(4-5 months) I set him up on a bench at my club's range, there is a 24" dia. gong out at 300yds bringing his sights up 4 clicks from his 100yd setting, he was right on at 300, hit the gong 7 out of 8, several times,He now has alot of respect for his rifle, and found out that a 300yd shot with open sights, is not impossible as he once thought, but instead, quite possible. We're working on prone, and offhand positions, But yes, for your first M1 I'd get a service grade the barrel will probably be pretty decent, and will last you thousands of rounds if you take care of it and don't do alot of rapid fire with it. If at all possible, go to the North Store and pick one out yourself, they have ME and TE gages you can use, and the staff there will bend over backwards to help you get a good rifle. Tell them what you're looking for and they will be glad to help you out, And don't forget the ammo while you're there!!!