Thinking of ordering a CMP rifle

[steve817]

I was wondering if any of y'all had any advice on which grade to select. Should I save my money and go for the field grade, or bite the bullet so to speak and go for one of the higher grades?

[G26ster]

If you're talking Garands, the difference between field grade and service grade is $100 (Rack grade sold out). Not much difference between the two. It depends if you want a shooter or a collector or both. The service grade will be original mfg parts throughout with better finish BUT you may get a new production stock that, to me, ruins it. The collector grade is much more $$, but in the end you'll have a correct rifle in great condition, and a good shooter with less muzzle wear and throat erossion.. That said if you just want a shooter, I'd go for the field grade or service grade IMHO.

[steve817]

Yeah I'm looking for a shooter.

[Chris]

I have a field grade. It's in great condition and the barrel is in better shape than I anticipated. I don't know if you can still do it or not, but I requested, and received, a WWII dated serial number. Mine is around March '44. None of the parts match though.

[Longshot38]

If at all possible I'd say take a trip to Alabama. If you take your time and look around you can walk out with some real steals. Years ago when I lived just on the other side of the GA/AL state line myself and a buddy took a ride to Anniston, he walked out with several things but one of the things that I found him while we were there was a Grand. We both looked it over and couldn't figure out why it was sitting on the rack it was. So we walked it over the armor and had him look the thing over, he was just as dumb founded as we were. Anyway we he walked away with was a rearsenaled Grand that had over 90% matching parts and very little barrel wear. To this day he still has this rifle, in fact last time I was back home we went shooting and he brought the rifle.

[cajunautoxer]

I'd say spend the few more bucks and get a service grade. But I'm sure you'll be happy with what ever you get from them. I enjoy my Winchester Garand from CMP

[howdy]

I ordered one about 2 weeks ago. I went with the Springfield Field grade. There is a dealer here in Houston that will rebuild the rifle for not all that much money. (it all depends on the condition) I wish I had added a bayonet to the order. I might go back and get one after my rifle comes in.

[PBratton]

My CMP Garand is one of my favorite rifles.

Go for it before they are no longer available.

[bizarrenormality]

Go for it before they are no longer available.

I regret only buying one carbine when they were available 2 or 3 years ago.

[y5e06]

i'd absolutely recommend a service grade, at a minimum.
i've ordered 5 between field and service, and service grades are certainly worth the money. You can add a sticky note to your order and request various things such as serial number range, USGI stocks, etc. Often works quite well. Browse cmp forums for more info.

[HankB]

I have a few CMP rifles - two Service Grades and a Field Grade.

Both of the Service Grades were considerably nicer than the Field Grade. (I bought the latter as a "project rifle.")

If I were only looking for ONE rifle as a shooter, I'd make it at least a Service Grade . . . and if I were sure I wouldn't be getting more than one, I'd make it a Special Grade.

[rm9792]

I have a Service Grade Garand and all numbers match and the rifle looks to me to be like new. Paid $695 a few years ago. Came with no accessories but all that is obtainable at a local show.

[LongHairedRedneck]

I purchased a service grade H&R a couple years ago and received a real beauty. The park was not even worn off the moving parts. From what we can tell it was arsenal rebuilt after Korea and then just sat. Think the only reason it was a service grade is because of new cmp wood. Still have not shot it seeing as the action is basically new. Probably going to order another garand in the near future.

[howdy]

I know of a place you can still get a semi-auto military rifle. It is called the "Civilian Marksmanship Program". No FFL needed. They ship the rifle straight to you. I wonder how long this program will last after a ban. I ordered a Service grade M1 Garand about two months ago and it took 5 weeks for it to arrive at my house...beautiful gun..built by Springfield in December of 1941.

[steve817]

Does my CHL fulfill the Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity requirement to purchase one?