I'm going to Camp Perry this summer and want to pick up a Garand while I'm there. Any advice on what to look for?
I'd rather get one to shoot, but if I find a good collector grade gun, I'll certainly consider it.
Thanks for any advice you might care to offer.
I was a novice when I went there. The prevailing opinion was to talk with the guys there - they'll give you so much information and help that your head will explode. I'd have to agree with that assessment. They'll be more than helpful to satisfy any of your needs or wants.
^^^ THIS ^^^
Also, keep an eye on the CMP forum. There's a section specifically about the North Store that is updated each weekend by people who visit and shop there. You'll have a much better idea of what's available by keeping tabs on the forum and maybe making a call when you get closer to visiting.
Ask Bob or one of the other armorers behind the counter to help you. Bob told me to pick out several I liked based on wood and metal finish. Once I had a half dozen or so set aside, he measured the muzzles and chambers of each and said "you don't want this one...these two would be good shooters..." etc. I could not be happier with mine. It will shoot 1 MOA if I do my part.
I went in 2010 and they had walls and racks filled with different grades. Now I'm told that the cupboards are just about bare, with only the special grade being plentiful. But that's just hearsay. Just make sure they will be open on the day you plan to be there. Good luck.
UL
At the OKC CMP games they had no Service Grades or below for sale. All they had were the Specials, or the others that were real nice. ...with new wood but hadn't been re-barreled. All just under the $1k mark.
I took my daughter to the SAFS and one of the head CMP guys that was introduced to us first talked about the number of M1s they had in inventory. He said Service Grade is very had to come by now and they are close to the bottom of the tank on all the M1 rifles.
Get 'em while you can.
I've ordered 3 of my Service Grades and my 1 Special Garands via mail...and been lucky enough to get WWII era each time (heck, one of them has a SN < 20,000) ...but that was a while ago.
I have been to the North Store 2X for a 03A3 and a 17. The staff was extremely helpful. That muzzle and throat gauge is invaluable.
Kris
I purchased a CMP Special in .308 in October 2012 as my reward for shooting Rifleman. It's a wonderful, beautiful, and accurate rifle. Worth every penny of $995.00. I can make consistent hits out 500 to yards with the GI sights and my model 1958 Mark I eyeballs (with appropriate corrective lens). Boston T. Party convinced me that surplus 7.62 NATO would be much more plentiful than .30 06. HA! That was wrong. :-\ That said it does shoot 147 gr NATO surplus well and 168 gr HPBT wonderfully. If I'd known .308 cannot complete in the John C. Grand matches, I might have bought 06, but it is cool for CMP & NRA HP & Service Rifle.
Thats my 2 cents. The other 7,422 registered users on the from now can tell you why I'm all wrong. >:D
fisherdawg
Quote from: fisherdawg on May 12, 2014, 02:03:06 PM
Thats my 2 cents. The other 7,422 registered users on the from now can tell you why I'm all wrong. >:D
fisherdawg
Buying a Garand is never wrong, regardless of caliber. Ignore any opinions to the contrary. &)
Quote from: kenjo on May 12, 2014, 05:29:46 PM
Quote from: fisherdawg on May 12, 2014, 02:03:06 PM
Thats my 2 cents. The other 7,422 registered users on the from now can tell you why I'm all wrong. >:D
fisherdawg
Buying a Garand is never wrong, regardless of caliber. Ignore any opinions to the contrary. &)
Buying a Garand is never wrong
+1 O0
Last I heard a couple weeks ago, there were no specials, very few racks, mostly Cs and Ds in Ohio. Big bucks. :slap:
sure glad I got a special when I could. ^:)^ 0 and 0+ ^:)^ Woot!
If you really want to have it rubbed in, I know a guy who bought a M1 Carbine there for about $150.
AND a Colt AR-15 :wb: :wb:
There's 10 - 20 minutes of hold time to talk to Anistion, Alabama CMP (Internet Sales), but in February they had Service grade (some months wait) and Special grade (couple month wait).
Anyway --- GET AFTER IT! ~~:) ~~:) ~~:)
It's just like what Ferris Buhler said about the Ferrari.
;D