Service/Rack Grade, CMP

[INLAND44]

Can anyone explain 'Service Grade' and 'Rack Grade'?

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[Bubba-7]

I assume you speak of the CMP grading system. It is explained on their carbine page. But if I remember right, MW under a 3.0 service and over a 3.0 a Rack.

[CrossedCannons]

Most of my rackers have MW of 1 or less (worst was 2.5). IMHE, grading by the CMP was mainly "visual", things like stock, finish, .... My only service grade is noticably prettier than its siblings

[browningautorifle]

They don't explain it on the carbine page but on the M1 Rifle page. As such... Rifle Sales - M1 Garand read down...

[INLAND44]

Thanks. It was as I suspected, with 'rack' being the lowest quality. Exactly opposite of common sense. I would expect a 'rack' grade to mean a rifle that had spent most of it's time on a rack rather than being used in 'service' and consequently in better condition. But, it is what it is - doesn't have to make sense.

[Patrick Chadwick]

But, it is what it is - doesn't have to make sense.

Perhaps "rack" sounds better than "wallhanger"? Or what German collectors call a "Belegexemplar", i.e. something pretty tatty, but it fills a gap in the collection! Not much use for shooting, so you stick it in the rack and let it gather dust.

[Neal Myers]

CMP has classified M1 rifles that are ready to be issued as "service grade". Lower grades are "field" & "rack". But, they always try to under-promise & over-deliver, so often folks think they were lucky enough to get one that is better than they paid for. I always inferred that "field" was well used, but still serviceable. "Rack grade" guns can be expected to have a barrel that needs replacement.

CMP hasn't graded their carbines, because they haven't really had enough to be worth the effort since the mid-'60s. I don't recall them using the term "grade" before sale of Bavarian carbines. For practical purposes, carbines are 100 yd rifles, & a tight muzzle is really not important; even with MW=3, they will still shoot "minute of pie plate". Plus, the pistol-class cartridge doesn't erode the throat like a .30-06 cartridge in the M1 rifle.

Neal

[Patrick Chadwick]

For practical purposes, carbines are 100 yd rifles, & a tight muzzle is really not important;

!!!! For good shooting, a good muzzle is ALWAYS important, regardless of the range.

[Bruce McAskill]

When CMP was offering the carbines they got from Italy and Greece they had them broken down into Service and Rack grades. Most of the time it was a visual thing with the service grades being prettier then the racks and in general the muzzle wear was a bit more on the rack grades. But many carbines with a muzzle of 3 or higher shoot very well and are in general as accurate as those with the lower muzzle wear. I did get a rack grade Rock-Ola from CMP that was all Rock-Ola except for the rear sight. The only reason it was rack grade is that the barrel had been counter bored because of muzzle damage.

[imarangemaster]

The CMP rack grade Inland I got had an ME of about 1.5. The finish was mostly patina, but no visible rust or pitting. It was an AWESOME SHOOTER.