CMP Garand question

[losttrail]

So, I finally got off my butt and joined the Garand Collectors Association this week. Sent the form and check in yesterday. I figure with USPS and processing time, GCA will probably have my info available to CMP by Monday, June 4.

Then I should be able to buy a Garand through CMP.

Now... which one.

CMP shows Field Grade ranging from $525-$695.

Service Grade $625-$950.

From the descriptions, it looks like the differences between Field & Service would be the possible muzzle gauge and stocks.

I do not intend this to sit in a trophy case, but I also want a good, reliable, accurate rifle.

I don't want to spend the $950 but could stretch to the $695.

Does anyone have experience with Field vs. Service grade?

Thanks for any guidance.

Jerry

[rondog]

Any chance you could make a road trip to Ohio or Alabama and pick one out in person? I wish I could.

[losttrail]

Wish I could also, but not in the realm of possibilities.

[rondog]

Wish I could also, but not in the realm of possibilities.

Yeah, sucks those stores are so far away. But probably a blessing too.

[OneGuy67]

I've ordered rack grades before and they were in much better condition than what their description of a rack grade was. I was impressed with how conservative their evaluations were. I felt the rifles should have been classified as service grades. Just my experience.

[BPTactical]

I've ordered rack grades before and they were in much better condition than what their description of a rack grade was. I was impressed with how conservative their evaluations were. I felt the rifles should have been classified as service grades. Just my experience.

Trust in what this^^^ OneGuy says. He knows his Garands.

[Robb]

If you don't HAVE TO have a WWII rifle then order a Service Grade if you can swing it. You'd be happier if you just want a solid shooter.

I ordered a Field Grade about 4 years ago due to cost and the fact that I did have to have a WWII rifle. I have to say I'm more than happy with it though. The CMP has always treated me right.

You're correct, on the Service Grade the park, ME & TE and probably the stock will be better than on a Field Grade, but chances are it will be Korean War era - if you even care about that.

Consider this, when you are ready to order start making a few buds on the CMP Forum, and maybe someone could go pick you out a really nice one and have it held for you. I should have done that.

Good luck & you won't regret the purchase.
Robb

[spqrzilla]

People who intend to build a match rifle, and so will replace the barrel anyway and usually the stock, should get a field grade. Otherwise, service grade is worth the extra money.

[Scanker19]

Go with a field grade you'll never be disappointed. If you don't like it sell it and start over. Opening that box is the best part IMHO. Put a sticky note on the order form asking for what you want. If its a field grade ask for low Gauge readings and sometimes they hook it up sometimes they don't.

[Big Wall]

I haven't bought mine yet but I've been told to buy the most expensive one you can afford.

[Scanker19]

The last service grade I received was Outstanding, If it was all SA is would have been a correct grade because the wood and finish was so nice. The park was so fresh it still "creaked" when the op-rod was brought back.

The last field grade I received has a Little, a little, bit of pitting. But was about a 2 on the Muzzle and a 3 on the Throat. Should have been a SG if not for the pitting and ugly wood (which was a EMcF just ugly).

Either way you go You'll be happy, but to spend 900 on a "shooter" sounds wasteful when you can get a SG and 3 cans of ammo for the same price.

[Troublco]

I haven't looked lately at what's available, but when I stopped at the CMP South store in January and picked up my H&R, they had lots of H&R's and Winchesters. I second the advice of getting a service grade. The little bit of extra $$ is worth it; you'll get a better rifle. My service grade is 2/2, with all H&R parts. Most of the lower grades I looked at were much higher numbers. It's worth the small difference to get a better barrel. You don't see the "new, rebuilts" that were coming out as recently as a few years ago, but the service grades that I saw are all good, solid guns even if they have mismatched parts.

One thing...every Winchester I saw was rough. Some VERY...

[colo-pr]

for start a new collection of firearms with history (not for shooting) Service grade is more valuable than field grade?

[Rinodods]

Yes. Your service grade will have a better than average chance of looking like a nearly new rifle these days. They are shipping out some really nice stuff. You won't be sorry if you can get the extra cash.

[losttrail]

Thanks for all the input guys and for making it even harder to make a decision. :)

I'll keep you posted.

I know it will likely be several month after I place the order before I actually get the rifle.

Oh well, more time to get more AR's built.

[BPTactical]

The one I picked up in a trade was rated SG but it is so damn clean it should be higher.
All 1954 Springfield, less the H&R trigger plate. Barrel is April 54 so I would not be surprised if the barrel is original. All drawing numbers are correct for the timeframe except the trigger guard, it is milled. That's ok, I like the milled better....

[losttrail]

It figures.......
Received my membership packet to GCA yesterday.

Unfortunately, other expenses this past weekend ate into my M1 Garand money.

That and someone hacked into the debit card for my business account. Jackass had the gaul to send me flowers that he/she paid for with my account.

I could really put the Garand to use if only..........

[Sharpienads]

I got the field grade, Korean War era, some dings on the stock but other than that I thought it looked good.

I think the best advice mentioned so far is buy the one you can afford. If you can only afford a field grade, it will still be awesome, just with a little character.

Sorry to hear your purchase has been delayed.

[Cofaler]

I've owned around 15 CMP M1s over the years and have never been disappointed. Condition/grading seems to run in cycles, I ordered 4 field grades at a time once, they were all Greek returns, very rough looking, wood carvings, etc, but they all gauged 2/3 or better and they were all good shooters. I think the sg is worth the money over fg personally, but I wouldn't pay the 'correct' price. I've seen too many service grades that were a part or two from correct to make it worth it to me. Funny, I'm a numbers nut on just about everything, but to me each Garand is an individual rifle and came to be what it is through it's own unique history. Damn, you got me thinking about getting another one. Of course, you will end up with one of each anyway, I would get the service grade first.[Muaha][Muaha][Muaha][Muaha] As was said, opening the box is beyond cool.

[bigun1962]

I have never heard of someone complaining about the grade purchased and the grade sent. You will have to decide what you whant the rifle to do. Shoot or collect. Personally. I buy the best grade that is original. I believe they are correct grade. Havent thought about cmp in a while. Thanks for the refresher. I am checking them out.

[wctriumph]

I bought mine for $185 almost 30 years ago, repatriated from S. Korea and it has a import mark on the barrel. Never gauged it, stock was original for the era but hand guards were not. The rod op spring broke the first time I shot it and a new from Springfield Armory was $6.50. Since then I have put a lot of rounds down range with zero malfunctions and it really shoots well, if I can see it (a lot harder these days) I can hit it.

I tried my hand at refinishing the stock about 15 years ago and did not like the results. Oh well. About 5 years ago I purchased a full stock kit with metal from CMP for $149 and it fits perfect without modification. Looks like a new gun and I will never sell it. First pic is after I refinished the stock, second is with the CMP stock set.

Point is, you don't have to buy from CMP to get a good gun if all you want to do is shoot it. Lots of M1's out there to choose from for not a lot of money if you know what to look for.

Good luck and good shooting.

Now, if I could just find ammo at 20 years ago pricing!