M 1 Garand

[Jambo]

Old wives tale.
You can shoot any ammo loaded to SAAMI specs with bullet weights of around 172 grains or less.
Even the CMP says so.
I've shot commercial Winchester and Remington soft point 150 grain ammo for years.

While this is correct, the average Joe going to Walmart and picking up 180 or even 200 or 220 grain .30/06 ammo would be at risk. By mentioning that one should not shoot "normal" .30/06 ammo I'm hoping that people will look for Garand specific loads that wont' damage these beautiful old war horses. CMP feels strongly enough about it to put "WARNING!" in all caps.

Rifle Sales - Civilian Marksmanship Program

CMP rifles are able to be purchased within our stores in Alabama and Ohio as well as through mail. Learn about all of our available firearms.

thecmp.org

 

[srea76]

Love mine! This is her a few years ago when I still had hair. lol

 

[SpeedyR]

posted this in another thread but didn't get much feedback...

so I know little to nothing about Garands (other than i would like one). I stopped by CMP/Anniston a few months ago on my way back from Birmingham to check out the range (need to go back soon!).

I would like to have one to add to my older military stuff (03a3, carbine, etc).

what's the best "bang for the buck" if I go back to get one? Seems like they had different grades, but knowing nothing just wanted to get an idea of what I need to save up for if I'm thinking about getting one. Won't be soon but one day want to add one to the collection. It will get shot, but not too often, too many other stuff that I play with more often but just feel like I need a garand option...

 

[CTS Tactical]

posted this in another thread but didn't get much feedback...

so I know little to nothing about Garands (other than i would like one). I stopped by CMP/Anniston a few months ago on my way back from Birmingham to check out the range (need to go back soon!).

I would like to have one to add to my older military stuff (03a3, carbine, etc).

what's the best "bang for the buck" if I go back to get one? Seems like they had different grades, but knowing nothing just wanted to get an idea of what I need to save up for if I'm thinking about getting one. Won't be soon but one day want to add one to the collection. It will get shot, but not too often, too many other stuff that I play with more often but just feel like I need a garand option...

They had rack grade recently for around $600. If I just wanted a wall hanger and occasional shooter that is probably what I would consider.

 

[Jambo]

posted this in another thread but didn't get much feedback...

so I know little to nothing about Garands (other than i would like one). I stopped by CMP/Anniston a few months ago on my way back from Birmingham to check out the range (need to go back soon!).

I would like to have one to add to my older military stuff (03a3, carbine, etc).

what's the best "bang for the buck" if I go back to get one? Seems like they had different grades, but knowing nothing just wanted to get an idea of what I need to save up for if I'm thinking about getting one. Won't be soon but one day want to add one to the collection. It will get shot, but not too often, too many other stuff that I play with more often but just feel like I need a garand option...

I believe (although I am not sure) every one they have now has new stocks and new Criterion barrels.

The difference in grades at this point is cosmetic, as all the barrels are the same. The more expensive grades will have better finish on the steel pieces. If you just want a shooter, get rack grade. If you want a super nice wall hanger, get collector's grade. Or, get collector's grade and shoot it.

 

[CTS Tactical]

I believe (although I am not sure) every one they have now has new stocks and new Criterion barrels.

The difference in grades at this point is cosmetic, as all the barrels are the same. The more expensive grades will have better finish on the steel pieces. If you just want a shooter, get rack grade. If you want a super nice wall hanger, get collector's grade. Or, get collector's grade and shoot it.

Rack grade have original barrels and may have parts from different manufacturers. Expert grade have new Criterion barrels and new stocks as well as matching parts. Here is a list of grades and what is available for mail order purchase. They often have more for in store pickup than is available through mail order.

M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program

M1 Garand rifles sold by CMP are authentic U.S. Government rifles that have been thoroughly inspected, with a variety of available grades.

thecmp.org

 

[Jambo]

Rack grade have original barrels and may have parts from different manufacturers. Expert grade have new Criterion barrels and new stocks as well as matching parts. Here is a list of grades and what is available for mail order purchase. They often have more for in store pickup than is available through mail order.

M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program

M1 Garand rifles sold by CMP are authentic U.S. Government rifles that have been thoroughly inspected, with a variety of available grades.

thecmp.org

Not sure about today, but I drove down and bought a rack grade a few years ago and the barrel is marked "CBI 09/19". The stock is new, and the metal is a bit rough, but all refinished. Came in a nice case, too.

 

[CTS Tactical]

Not sure about today, but I drove down and bought a rack grade a few years ago and the barrel is marked "CBI 09/19". The stock is new, and the metal is a bit rough, but all refinished. Came in a nice case, too.

Here is description of rack grade from CMP website that I posted the link to earlier.

 

[Jambo]

Here is description of rack grade from CMP website that I posted the link to earlier.

Interesting. I wonder if those specs only apply to on-line orders, or maybe it's a 'worst case', and usually you get new? Maybe Anniston has nicer stuff than the Ohio store?

I know I bought the cheapest grade, and I got new wood and a Criterion barrel; but I went to the store. My friends bought collector grade, and got the same wood and the same barrel, with much nicer metal pieces.

Either way, I recommend going to the store and picking out what you want.

 

[MILSURP Collector]

My Father carried one in WWII. He passed away in 1991.

My youngest son wanted a carbine but we couldn't find one so we drove to the CMP and each bought a Garand.

We went to the range and after he fired 3 rounds said to me, "Damn, Grandad was a bad ass".

That was about 11 years ago and I still chuckle about it.

He has since gotten his carbine.