I have always wanted a Garand and am wondering if one of these Special Rack Grade rifles is what I should buy for $650. Here's the CMP description:
"CMP Special Rack Grade (.30-06) M1 Garand. This is a partially refurbished rifle with a refinished M1 receiver, new production Criterion barrel, new production American Walnut stock and handguards, and new web sling. Receiver is the only part of the rifle that has been refinished. Remainder of the other parts have NOT been refinished.
Receiver will have heavy pitting above the wood line."
(http://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/rifle_sales/m1-garand/)
I'm about three hours away from the North Store. What's the real-life accuracy of one of these rifles with a new barrel? Should I buy one or save my money?
I would say Buy one Yes. As for accuracy. The M1 is a 4 MOA rifle. Good hand loads you can do a little better but that is what it was designed to do it and does it well. You are never going to get sub MOA out of one as they were never designed for that.
That said the last one I bought I took to the CMP range the day I bought it. I adjusted the sights and worked my way out to 600 Yds. I was hitting the target well in a good wind. Those rifles are amazing.
What are you looking to get out of the Garand? That will help inform your decision.
Be aware that the Field grade Specials are they least refurbished of the Specials, and have the widest variation in condition. One of the gentleman on the CMP South Store forum says that they range from pretty decent to really rough. Since you're not too far from the North Store, I'd recommend a trip there to hand select one. The armorers at the store are helpful.
Be sure to call ahead and ask about stock. I called the north store last Thursday and they have no RG specials until they get a truck, which may not be until they move to the new location. Worth a call to save a long drive.
Tom
New location? Just a different building at Camp Perry of offsite?
They're moving next to the PX
Check out the CMP store reports and the Garand Threads for an idea of what the RG Specials like.
http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=1
http://forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=7