In my last article, How to purchase a M-1 Garand from the Civilian Marksmanship Program, I discussed the procedure to purchase a rifle from the CMP. Since that article was published I've had several readers ask which of the M-1 Garand "grade" options available is the best choice.
The complete list of CMP rifle grades includes, in increasing order of price, Rack Grade, Field Grade, Service Grade, Special Grade, Correct Grade and Collector Grade. For complete descriptions and prices for all the grades visit the CMP website.
While the answer to the question of "which grade is the best choice" may vary according to what you want to do with the rifle, and how much you have to spend, in my opinion I think the Service Grade and Special Grade rifles are the best values. The Rack Grade and Field Grade rifles will generally not shoot as well as the Service Grade rifles and the Correct Grade and Collector Grade rifles are only worth the extra money if you are a collector who wants a all-matching rifle.
Here are the descriptions of the Service Grade and Special Grade rifles, taken from the CMP website, along with my comments:
SERVICE GRADE:(Good to Very Good) $595 for SA or HRA, WRA not currently available
Service Grade Rifles show less wear and better appearance than Field or Rack Grades. Good to very good condition. Rifle wear will be exhibited by worn and mixed colors of the parkerized finish. There may be some minor pitting on the metal parts. Wood will be either Walnut, Birch, Beech or other variety and will be basically sound but may have minor hairline cracks, dings, scratches and gouges. Wood may not match in color or type of wood. Wood may be of new production on Service Grade Garands. Bores will be generally good with only minor imperfections. The barrel crown may be nicked, but the muzzle will gauge less than 3 and the throat erosion will gauge less than 5.Manufacturer selection only guarantees the receiver was produced by the manufacturer listed. The barrel and the other parts may have been produced by other manufacturers.
My comments: I consider the Service Grade option to be the best value for the money. The barrels still have a lot of life remaining with a TE of less then 5. These rifles will generally shoot better then Rack Grade or Field Grade rifles and are not as expensive as the Correct Grade, Special Grade or Collector Grade options. In my opinion they are the best balance between price and performance.
CMP SPECIAL: (Excellent) $895 for SA or HRA, $995 for SA with new production barrel
CMP's new grade of M1 Garand. This rifle consists of a new production stock and handguard set with CMP cartouche, a new production barrel and new web sling. Receiver and most other parts are refinished USGI, but some parts may be new manufacture.
My comments: The CMP Special grade rifles have the potential to be the best shooters. The barrel condition should match that of the more expensive Collector Grade rifles. New commercial manufacture barrels are available on the SA rifles for an extra $100. The new stocks and excellent condition metal make these rifles extremely attractive. Personally, while I don't think these are quite as "cost effective" as the standard Service Grade rifles, they are an option if you have the extra money to spend and want a really nice rifle
Michigan residents may want to travel to the CMP North Store in Camp Perry, Ohio to pick out a rifle for themselves. This option is also available at the CMP South Store in Anniston, Alabama. Call first to confirm store hours and find out what grades are available for in-store purchase. Make sure to bring copies of your proof of citizenship, proof of membership in an affiliated club, and proof of marksmanship activity, along with a downloaded copy of the application paperwork.
Here are links to my other articles on the M-1 Garand.
How to purchase a M-1 Garand from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
Tips and tricks for the M-1 Garand
M-1 Garand tips & tricks: Part 2 - Cleaning, lubrication, ammo & spare parts
M-1 Garand tips & tricks: Part 3 - Malfunctions & accuracy improvements
NOTE TO READERS: If you like my writing please subscribe to this column and my Detroit Gun Rights Examiner column. Please also feel free to DIGG, post links on forums, and pass links to your friends by e-mail. Please do not post the entire text though as then I won't receive proper payment for my work.
Comments
Ive never heard anything bad about CMP.However I am scared to order from them because they expressly have made it clear that they wont gaurantee the guns will shoot. If they did i wouldnt hesitate to buy a shooter grade M1 Garand from them.But I am not going to dish out $ 500.00 for a display gun.
Don't be reluctant to purchase a garand from the CMP. They test fire the service grade you would be interested in. They can't guarantee used items anymore than any merchandiser. They do want customers satisfied and work with customers on any problem that arises. I know, they have exchanged a rifle for me. Keep in mind brand new firearms are subject to problems right out of the box. You won't regret supporting the CMP.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!