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Taladega Marksmanship Park has rack grades.

I know nothing about M1's. What should I look for if I head over there?

Just my opinion….there are so many variables to consider. Think about what you want before you go.,.shooter? Showpiece? Heirloom?

Shooter: ME and TE are below “3”. These are on the hang tag. Stock fits well. Sights hold position. Typically a little cheaper but not as pretty. Minimal rust/pitting.

Showpiece: All of the above and are usually the higher priced models, like the SA in the 6mm serial range. Appears new, all parts match.

Collector/heirloom: all of the above and a rare version like IHC “gap” or a collector grade. Sniper variants are nice.

I’ll be glad to help you all I can
 
650, here everybody wants 1200+, any reason the difference on pricing I wonder?
Think of a convenience store it’s higher but easier.

Some people don’t want to do to the trouble of going to Anniston.

It’s worth the ride not just to save $ but to experience it.

The old CMP days were wonderful.
 
650, here everybody wants 1200+, any reason the difference on pricing I wonder?

The 650 rifles haven’t been sold there in a long time, this is a rare thing. I think of them like ‘gunsmith specials’ that require some level of work and parts to get them into a more desirable condition. Just a stock set alone would cost a couple hundred bucks, barrels are 250-350, Many folks break them down for their parts and use them to repair other rifles. The other rifles available at TMP cost between 850 and 2300….
 
I read ”rifles in Talladega” last night in bed and made the trip this morning … They had M1Cs on the rack!!!

Anyone happen to be hoarding a complete mount, or upper mount for the M1C? :)

Congrats on a great score! :usa2: They are fun shooters too….

The period-correct mounts are scarce and typically run over 2k when found. Those original mounts were made by the Griffin and Howe company and they are still in business….you can get a newly-built mount on their website to save bucks.

The original m82 scopes tend to be pricey too, 1k-2k. The cmp had a very nice repro scope made that can be had for around $450. Marine Corp model M82g2 Sniper Scope by Hi-Lux. If you google that model they will show up.

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I know nothing about M1's. What should I look for if I head over there?

If you haven’t made it out there yet … There’s a lot of information on the internet and several books by Scott Duff that will help you get started. Here’s my 2 cents and a recommendation to get you into fray:

My favorite rifle is affectionately known as “The Ugliest M1 in The World” …

I visited Anniston several times over the course of a month. Each time I visited I picked up the same Garand and laughed (at the rifle). It was a Rack Grade post war Springfield and the stock was tar black. It felt sticky and oily at the same time. It was awful and I felt sorry for it... I remember the action was sticky and the whole rifle even smelled funny. I took a look at the armorer‘s card and noticed the rifle had been sitting on the rack for several months. I joked and said ”look this one is coming up on a Birthday! I also noticed the barrel numbers — ME 0 and TE 1 — these numbers represent essentially a new barrel. Long story short .. I decided to take her home.

So… I disassemble the rifle and I spend a solid 8 hours degreasing, liquid sanding, steaming, oiling and waxing the stock. I go through the action, clean lubricate and after reassembly I take my new friend out the field and work on a zero. It was at this time I learned my new M1 Garand was actually a laser beam. First shot on the paper at 25 yards. 3 shots later hits the 9 ring … push to 50 … push to 100 … 9 ring group. She’s ugly, but she bad!

Here’s my point brother … Visit CMP and pick an ugly rifle that smells funny. Look for low Muzzle and Throat Values — 0/0 … 0/1 … 1/1, etc. These numbers represent a barrel with very little use if any. Look in the bottom corner of the blue armorer’s card for the barrel date. A 1945 M1 with a 1952 SA Barrel is a god thing. Look for ”clean” metal on the receiver. Look for a tight fit — receiver to stock — you can have the staff remove the action from the stock. If the trigger guard need a little persuasion to open and receiver needs a little nudge to separate from the stock that’s a good thing. The staff will point you in the right direction. DO NOT be distracted by pretty wood.

All that said, $650 can and will buy you a fantastic shooter that you can compete with, hunt with and solve real world problems in the event of an invasion. Feel free to reach out with questions and good luck.

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