Advice on Buying an M1 Garand

[carrothospital]

The Danish one is $600 too. The new wood makes it look pretty, although I wouldn't mind old wood that's been used...just for coolness factor.

I really wanted an M1 to have something neat and be able to shoot it. I've honestly never shot many rifles, but I've wanted to get one. I've always been really into WWII history, so when looking for a rifle, I figured the Garand was the obvious choice. I am just looking for something to shoot for fun that is pretty accurate.

The service grade from CMP, are they usually in pretty good condition? What is the average muzzle wear and throat erosion on those? I've got to decide whether I want to drive 4.5 hours to get one from the store. I also have to wait until I get my carry permit and join a club before I qualify to buy from CMP. I'd also like to get some ammo from the CMP too, but their site says they are out. I wonder if that means you can't get it in the store either. hmmm.

[USMCNewdog]

Well the north store has ammo, and I buy field and rack grades. Shopping at the CMP is just cool!!
If you are into WW2, then you would want to look for a WW2 trigger group (the one with the circle on the back side of the trigger guard)and maybe one without the cylinder lock with the high hump (by the muzzle, you will see some with a hump and some without)! If you look at the picture of the Danish muzzle that one is WW2 with no hump.

Good Hunting!!! Hey I got some beaten old stocks to trade you for that new one, LOL

[jmoore]

Quite frankly, throat erosion isn't near the accuracy killer that a loose fitting stock is. If you're not gonna glass bed it, just make sure that it takes a little force to get the trigger guard to the latching position (this doesn't include the actual latching movement itself). A worn muzzle CAN be a drama, but on a shooter its often easily dealt with. Otherwise, military parts are military parts! Op rods take the brunt of the wear, particularly the retaining tab and cam slot.

Generally avoid freshly refinished rifles unless its from someone you can work with if there's problems. Don't get all "collect-y" w/ your FIRST rifle, get something to shoot!

I reckon the Danish rifle is probably a safer one to go after in the 600 dollar range. ( Its been a while since I SAW a $600 M1 that wasn't hideous)

ETA If you look closely at the Band of Brothers' rifles you'll note they're festooned w/ post war parts, so...

[Charlie59]

You might want to call CMP before going to find out what they have. At present-there are no service grades there, only rack and field grades.

[USMCNewdog]

Which CMP would you go too? North Store by chance?

[carrothospital]

Unfortunately, I'd be going down to the South store. I'm gonna try giving them a call tomorrow to see if they have ammo and service grades in stock. Knowing what I now know, I think I'll be able to make a much more informed decision when I buy.

I may pass on the danish, especially if CMP still has ammo, since getting ammo elsewhere is twice as much anyway, so I would be losing money there.

Sigh....if only money wasn't as option.

[Scott2K]

>>>
Unfortunately, I'd be going down to the South store. I'm gonna try giving them a call tomorrow to see if they have ammo and service grades in stock. Knowing what I now know, I think I'll be able to make a much more informed decision when I buy.
>>>

Check out the Service Grade Specials if you want a shooter. They are what would be Correct grade, but with a new CMP stock. $795 and they look and gauge about brand new. 5.8M Springfield Armory, barrel is 1965 and looks new.
Got one a month ago, get to go sight it in tomorrow. Oboy.

-Scott

[Kirk]

Ditto on the Service Grade Specials. I looked at them last week. They were all post WWII in the 5.4 , 5.7 & 5.8M s/n range. All had muzzles between 1 & 2; all appeared to have correct (matching date of manufacture) parts & were unissued, 98-99% original finish on all surfaces. Mint bores. New CMP stock.

[loki993]

I would definitely make the trip to the Store. Look at it this way most of those "lower" priced guns out there are probably CMP guns anyway. Also Garands on the used market seem to be way over priced. Why no get it straight from the source and you'll not pay someones markup. From everything Ive read its a lot of fun going to the store, the employees are great and will help you get the best gun you can. When I pony up Ill be going to the store to get one, although the decision is a bit easier for me because the North Stores only a hair under 2 hours from my familys house.

[jrschmidt]

I wouldn't sweat the clip thing. I was having clip feeding problems and one of the members here, NuJudge, sent me a couple of dozen known good ones. Clips are no problem. The Danish guns shoot well, but are not GI. There are a few people that rebuilds Garands and guarantee them but you're going to pay more than 600. I bought a gun from The Garandguy and the gun had an elusive cycling problem. Tony fixed it though right away. Stu

Hi Stu,

When you bought your Garand from Garandguy did you visit the store or order online. I'm going to the store next week trying to find an M1 for myself. Any recommendations?

Thanks,

John