When did CMP implement the grading system

[RBruce]

for M1 Garands? I have two CMP Garands, one with just the transfer paperwork and the other with the transfer paperwork and a certificate of authenticity. There is no mention of grade, but each apperars to meet collector grade specifications. --TIA

Information

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[0311Shooter]

Not exactly sure but I recall getting a Service Grade (all they had) woodless SA around 2000 that was pristine (called unfired to some of you) that I used as my shooter for awhile.

Eventually got around to using an HRA that shot better. It too was just bought as a Service Grade but had included a sticky note requesting other than an SA.

I believe the grading system came about because some got pristine Garands while others got well used ones for the same price. A whining campaign was begun called INF.

The rest is history.

[rider]

For a fee (I believe), CMP will search their records for your rifles. If they were sold as Collector Grades and have not been molested, this would be a good investment.

[RBruce]

I heard from CMP. They do not reissue certificates, even to original purchasers. They say that the original paperwork is all that is needed for proof of purchase. This does not address my original question about grading. However, CMP says that "some sort of grading has been in effect for twelve years." They are checking to see if there is any other information on that.

[Devil Dog]

"and the other with the transfer paperwork and a certificate of authenticity"

What does your "certificate of authenticty" say regarding GRADE or CORRECTNESS?

[Cass]

for M1 Garands? I have two CMP Garands, one with just the transfer paperwork and the other with the transfer paperwork and a certificate of authenticity. There is no mention of grade, but each apperars to meet collector grade specifications. --TIA

They introduced the "graded rifle program" in August 1998. The Service Grade, Select Grade and Collector Grade were available starting at that time.

The early certificates of authenticity did not state the grade. The accompanying DD Form 1348-1 did not state the grade either, but the price shown can be used to determine the grade.

Cass

[RBruce]

According to Nina Michaels at CMP South, grading began sometime in late 2000. Prior to that, all rifles were considered Service Grade. At that time, she says the grading was Service Grade, Service Grade less wood, and Collector Grade. There was no mention of the criteria for Collector Grade. Also, she confirmed that the five digit date on the paperwork was in Julian Date format. Some my M1 that I have the paperwork for was purchased in April of 1994.

[Cass]

I'm glad Nina was able to help date yours. She is a little off on her recollection of the dates though. I had an order in for a standard M1 in August 1998 when they announced the new grading, so I changed my order and received a Collector grade and a Select grade in September 1998. i even saved a print out of the announcement on the CMP web page.

Cass

[RBruce]

Cass, Do you remember the criteria for grading then, or the pricing scheme?

[Larry G.]

I received my first Garand in January 2000. It was a Select Grade and cost $550+shipping. It was ordered in February 1999.