Quote Originally Posted by Joe W View Post
I will try and answer your question staying within the guidelines set by BADGER.

GCAicon members are not getting any " special privilege". They will be opening crates and sorting rifles. If they come across a rifle they would like to buy they would first have to have CMPicon grade the rifle. If it a rifle that would normally go to auction, that is where that rifle will go. If it is determined to be a field, rack or service grade, then it MAY (note MAY) be able to be purchased. I don't even know for sure that we will have that opportunity, I have only heard of that possability through the "grapevine". If so, what's the big deal, more than enough to go around. You could take a trip to either the North or South store and pick out a rifle.

As far as "what do other shooting organizations need in order to get this privilege", well the simple answer would be "ASK". I don't know of any other "shooting organization" like the GCA which is devoted solely to the study and collection of the U.S. Rifle Cal. 30 M1icon. I do know of many other shooting organizations that most likly would have very little interest in having there National Convention at CMP Headquarters, Anniston Al. I am pretty sure if another National organization such as the N.R.A. or The Carbine Collectors Asso. wished to hold a convention at CMP they would be accommodated, but we will not know unless they ask.

I have only decide to write this as your questions had not been answered.

These are my last comments on this subject. Joe


Pretty good answer. My concern is how my club is perceived. As a GCA member I do not want the perception that our club is cherry picking rifles. I believe that the perception is both valid and worth addressing. Perhaps the NRA isn't doing the same because they do not want to wear this perception? If I were a board member of the GCA I'd run very far from the idea that a small group of members were getting a pick at extra special rifles from the CMP. If I were Orest Michaels I'd run just as far from granting clubs special impromptu crate opening events. When you own the keys to the kingdom you need to go above and beyond any appearance of special favors. This type of thing does the opposite and I find it to be in poor judgment.