Advice on Buying an M1 Garand

[carrothospital]

So, I've been trying and trying to convince myself that I don't really need an M1, but the little devil on my other shoulder keeps on bringing me back to it. Watching Band of Brothers will do that to a man.
I'm still on the fence about it, but need some advice on buying one.

I don't know much about rifles and am not familiar with some of the technical terms or what to look for. I just learned the definition of TE and MW(throat erosion and muzzle wear?), so I think I'm going in the right direction.

Right now I am looking at one and need some advice on what to ask and if it's worth it.

The receiver is WWII springfield, with dark used GI wood. According to the guy the barrel is in good shape, TE=3, and the muzzle is tight. It comes with 10 clips, instruction booklet & 1-year warranty for $600.

Is that a good deal? From what I just read, a TE of 3 is pretty good. It seems like a good price to me, even though I haven't seen it in person. I would buy one from CMP, but it's a long drive to the store and I'd like to the see exact one I'm getting before I buy.


Any advice you have would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Information

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[Punch The Clown]

Carrothospital, there are so many variables on this one. For all we know it's a correct WWII with the proper stock, in which case it's worth way more than the 600. Honestly, I can't see you getting hurt on any Garand at 600 in today's market. Stu

[JAS]

Yup, go for it!

[Charlie59]

If you're not sure about these rifles, take someone with you that has experience with them. 600 bucks doesn't sound too bad, but sight unseen buying is a good way to get clipped, unless you know the seller and can get your money back if there is a problem. Going to CMP is quite an experience, and a good way to get a rifle you can inspect. Also, the personnel there is excellent in assisting folks in picking out a good Garand. Good luck!

[Fessor]

I would suggest that you determine if all parts are USGI. Then check to see if the receiver has been welded together. Look also for import stamps as many of the returned rifles can be heavily worn. Other than that, overall appearance can be a good indicator of usage.
If possible, get a test fire trial at the range to see if the rifle functions. While $600 can be a good price, if the rifle has seen heavy use (could have been rebarreled), it can cost more in the long run to bring a worn out rifle back to servicable condition than more money up front for a better speciman.
If possible, take someone that has some knowledge about M1s with you to look it over.
Good luck. They are great rifles.

[carrothospital]

Thanks for the tips, guys. Unfortunately, this guy isn't local, so that makes it a little more difficult. So far the only Garand I've found locally is way overpriced.
From what I've learned since I posted this, the guy who is selling it usually buys from CMP and then marks up. There were some complaints about him, but he apparently always fixes the problem. Maybe that's not the best way to go.

I do have another option with one I found online. It's a Danish CMP Garand. It has a VAR barrel and the receiver dates to 1943. All the wood is new and it looks pretty sexy. The Muzzle wear and TE are supposedly below 2. Unfortunately it doesn't come with any clips or warranty. I attached a picture of it. That may be a better choice, but I'm not sure yet.

I hate to buy without seeing it, but unless someone knows a place to get decently priced Garands in Tennessee, I'm not sure what else to do.

[Punch The Clown]

I wouldn't sweat the clip thing. I was having clip feeding problems and one of the members here, NuJudge, sent me a couple of dozen known good ones. Clips are no problem. The Danish guns shoot well, but are not GI. There are a few people that rebuilds Garands and guarantee them but you're going to pay more than 600. I bought a gun from The Garandguy and the gun had an elusive cycling problem. Tony fixed it though right away. Stu

[shottist]

Check out "Deans Gun Restorations" They are in TN and on the Web. They usually have some very nice restored M1s, (but certainly not at $600). You would however have a first class and accurate M1.

[Kirk]

In regard to the Danish service Garands, while they may not be all USGI, they are nonetheless an authentic Garand variation. The gov't sent them to the Danes; the Danes used & maintained them well and ultimately returned them. That's all fact & history. If you can get the CMP documentation, it'd be a good deal; it won't be a reweld & won't have imprt markings.

If you get one, keep it as is; don't replace any Danish or Italian parts to try to make it all USGI. In 10-12 years, collectors will pay premiums for "authentic" Danish service Garands.

[USMCNewdog]

The Danish looks good, but there is so much more to look at I dont buy anything with a muzzle at a 2 or above, everything has been 1.5 or less, and TE of 3 or less, but thats my choice.

How much is the Danish? $600 seems real decent! What do you want the rifle for? plinking? long range shooting? or just to have something neat??