Planning first trip to CMP: Any Advise?

I have decided that it is time to add an M1 Garand to my collection. Naturally, the CMP is the place one would go for these things.

I am planning to go to the North store this coming Thursday, I already have all my eligibility requirements in order but since I have no prior experience with the CMP I was hoping some of you would be able to offer advise on buying the best rifle possible within my budget.

I am probably looking at a service grade rifle, with a preference for low muzzle and bore erosion. I don't have the budget for more than M1 in my collection at this point in time, so I really don't have preference for wartime production or any specific features as long as I am able to get a reliable and accurate rifle.

That shouldn't be a problem, I can call that morning. I have been monitoring the CMP forums, and somebody posted that a load of 30 M1 Service Grade rifles showed up this past Friday, so hopefully they will still have stock when they re-open.

I have been reading old posts, and there is the suggestion that one should have their prospective purchase examined by the CMP armorers before purchasing said rifle. I understand most of the renovation work is done in Anniston, does the north store have an armorer on hand, and for that matter, are not all of the guns examined prior to being put out for sale?

Ugh, this thread should be asking for advice, not advise. Sorry that I confused a verb and a noun.

If they are not real busy stop at the counter and explain you are new to the garand and are just looking for a good shooter. If they have the time they will help you pick one out

We went to the North Store this morning, I had called when they first opened and asked about quantities, but by the time we got there there were no Service Grade rifles left. That said, I elected to purchase a CMP special rifle, as they really blew me away and they are basically new.

I got a Springfield armory receiver with a new barrel where ME=0+ and TE=0+. Interestingly, there were several rebuilds of this type on six-digit receivers in the 20 or so rifles on the rack. I picked one with a 358XXX serial number, which means the receiver was made in October of 1941. Despite the fact that the rifle is a mixmaster, which doesn't really bother me, I find the early production rather neat.

I will upload some photos when possible.

The specials have new commercial barrel and stocks, the rest of the parts are used USGI commercially refinished. They make good shooters

I have a special chambered in 308 and really like it , good shooter indeed.