Looking for a M1 Garand

[jhnbaker698]

I am new to Milsurps and looking forward to learning a great deal more about the Garand from others on this forum. I am also looking to find resources other than the CMP to obtain a collectible Garand rifle (WWII) as they are out of collectible service grade rifles. Looking forward to great discussions about the M1.

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[jond41403]

welcome to the forum, check the for sale posts on this very forum, people sell all sorts of things. Watch a lot of Auctions in general that deal in firearms.hth

[ssgross]

out of collectible service grade rifles

The service grades are just a collection of parts that are, well, serviceable. For the last many years, virtually all of them came with new wood so not much in terms of "collector" value.
They still have rack grades, which will come with original (non-reproduction, but mixed) parts and wood, and will certainly show their service life. If looking to make one of those more serviceable, original barrels in better condition can be had, as can original stocks. You can swap parts around without losing value, as this has already been done extensively throughout their normal service life - part of the fun in collecting things you plan to do more with than just hang on the wall.

For the bang for your buck, CMP is still the way to go. Royal Tiger Imports is a source of new M1's coming from Ethiopia. Check out a thorough review of their quality in the last Garand Collector's Association magazine. They are at best CMP rack grade quality and twice the price!

CMP service grades are all over gunbroker, and were so even when CMP still had them in stock. In fact, the new "expert" grades with new barrels are sold by CMP for 1100, then immediately sold on gunbroker for far more...laughably more.

Serviceable M1's in original wood are all over the gun shows right now. Prices range all over, but you need to be careful as many will try to sell you a bucket of parts as high end collectors item.

You're only 3 hrs away from the CMP south store in Anniston. They will likely have some service grades or other interesting rifles in the store to choose from that aren't going to be sold online. It will be worth your gas money to try.

[Bob Seijas]

If you get into collecting, make sure you know the difference between "original" and "correct."

[Mark in Rochester]