CMP Grading?

[argonstrom]

Being a C&R newb, is there an "easy" way to tell the difference between the different grades of CMP rifles (i.e.: the finish of a Garand gas cylinder, etc... - the CMP site assumes a level of experience I don't have)?

Thanks! [Beer]

[Cofaler]

I've bought a lot of M1s from the CMP over the years and have seen many others, and the primary grading criteria they use is TE (throat erosion), and ME (muzzle erosion), both measured with a gage designed for that use. That said, I have received more than a couple that were ordered as Rack Grade but when I received them TE and ME were well within Service Grade standard. These were Greek returns and maybe were a lot less visually apealing (read dirty, oily, and lots of metal finish wear, and some of the wood was rougher, hobb nail marks and a couple had initials carved in them). These rifles cleaned up a lot better than I expected them to, and all of them shot very well, loose wood and all. I suspect the CMP may 'throw you a bone' and give you a break on ME and TE if they thought you were getting a particularly ugly/ dirty rifle. I don't know that for sure. I also think it depends on who graded them and when, how backed up they were, and the general condition of the rifles in the crates they were working out of when they receive a given order.

If you order a rifle from the CMP I don't think you'll regret it, every one I got was like Christmas morning, you never really knew what you were going to get. At the very least you will get a serviceable all GI (some Greek rifles may have Eurropean replacement parts) rifle that has been inspected and checked for headspace. It is a great rifle and an important part of our history.

I hope this helps answer your question.