CMP South. Worth the trip?

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I have decided to stop procrastinating and get my first Garand (before they are all gone) to add to my small WWII colllection. I would like to tap the knowledge base here if some the experts would be kind enough to help.
I am only a couple of hours drive from CMP south would it be worth the trip to make an "eyes on" selection of a rifle? I am wanting a WWII vintage weapon in servicable condition with a good bore. Cosmeticly speeking I would prefer a weapon that looks like it has "been there" .
Any thoughts on grade, avaliability of the weapon described or if the drive would be worth it vs mail order would be appriciated.
Thanks

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[limpetmine]

Yes, worth the trip, if only for ammo. Get on their mailing list and find out what they have on the racks. A lot of time they have so few of this or that, that they don't publish it and just set them out.
It's nice looking over 100 rifles for the one you want. That said, I've been there with only 15 rifle set out. Bad day at black rock, that was.

[Kirk]

At present, there are three groups of rifles that meet your criteria. These are the Rack Grade Winchesters and the Field Grade Winchester & Springfield Garands. A friend & I were these Nov 30. He found a WRA Rack Grade with a great bore; I really don;t know why the rifle was graded as a Service Grade; it could have been. There was at least 1 WRA Field Grade that also should have been a SG. I got a SA FG with a Sep '42 receiver (866K) with a VG bore & post war stock.

There were dozens of Winchester RGs & FGs out on the racks but only about a dozen SA rifles.

If you are only a couple hours away, I'd go. You can hand pick what you want & the armorers there are most helpful. Go soon as the South Store is closed 21 December thru 3 January. The CMP announced price increases several months ago but so far has not implemented them. There is speculation that when the SS opens in 2012, the higher prices will go into effect.

Good luck!

[Bob Seijas]

I was there on December 2, it was loaded with great guns. I saw two full racks of Corrects that were gorgeous and near mint. You should go, there's no substitute for actually handling them to choose... one will just sing to you

[Bob Seijas]

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Thanks to those of you who replied. To the poster the picture that is not fair. I was looking for a reason to concider going to CMP South not for somone to force me to go. WOW! Guess I need to fulfill my last qualifing critera (join Garand Collectors Assn.) fill the truck up with fuel and hit the road Anyone know what methods of payment are accepted?

[Kirk]

Anyone know what methods of payment are accepted?

"Payment Methods: We accept Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and personal checks. COD orders are not accepted. We deposit checks immediately upon receipt, even if the item is on backorder and it may take months before we make shipment. Credit cards are not charged until just prior to shipment of ordered items. The CMP prefers credit card payment and we can keep your credit card information on file." Ordering Information

Also, bear in mind the SS is open only W-S & will close for the year on 21 Dec. CMP Stores

The armorers there are most helpful and will help you in any way they can. All you need to do is ask. They will "rent" you a muzzle gauge for the deposit of your driver's license. Bring a good, small flashlight & magnifying glass for close up inspections.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

WOW! (Thanks for the photo, Bob!)

I've never been to the CMP. Just looking at that photo and knowing you could pick through many nice Garands if there in person would make a two hour drive a no brainer to me. You'll most likely have the Garand for years, so being able to choose from that many to get the one that pleases you most would make a two hour drive seem very short in retrospect.

Heck, the anticipation while on the drive there would even be part of the fun to me! I drove from Dallas to Birmingham to attend the first ever M1 Carbine show and competition, and the drive there seemed like a fun adventure.

*** The carbine competition, rare carbine displays, carbines for sale, etc was an experience of a lifetime for a carbine guy. Funny I went there with a wad of cash to buy a carbine but ran across the nicest 1903A3 I've ever seen for half of what I was expecting to pay for a carbine and bought it instead! Even the 10 hour drive seemed worth it and I felt like I almost stole state treasure from Alabama,

Remington 1903A3 (displaying original configuration and finish)

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Thanks. Now I have to have a 1903. You all are making me a bit afraid to go. Oh well no wife to answer to, a bit of extra (rapidly depreciating) cash on hand. Why not. Although I might have to take a friend along to either talk some sence into me or help me carry the haul to the truck. Thank you all again.

[DaveN]

I've made the trip twice (9 hours each way ). the first time it was below freezing and I stood with 30 other customers for 2 hours. the first was fun and I got my 2nd and 3rd M1s. The 2nd time I took my son and looked for three hours , boy did my arms get sore. I was disappointed that trip as they only had field grades and they were beat. They tried to talk me into one of their carbines (they had about 50 or 60 on hand) and I said i was not interested and to be honest I didn't know anything about them at that time so I passed. ( the word Idiot comes to mind) to make it worth the trip I did get my 4th and 3 cans of 30-06.