CMP Garand

[ksbanker]

I'm wanting to buy at least 1 Garand from CMP while they are still available at all. The dilemma is trying to decide between Field Grade and Special Grade. Seems like the Field Grade rifles are more likely to have USGI wood and at original parts (as in manufactured in the 30's-50's). Field Grade rifles sell for $630 and Special Grade sell for $1,030 and have a new stock and newly manufacture barrel at least. Many other parts could be new as well.

The Special Grade reasonably will be a better shooter than any Field Grade, but seems to lose a little something with the new parts. I don't want to buy a Field Grade and end up with a really rough one. What has your experience been with these? I'm fairly tempted to buy one of each or two Field Grade rifles to increase my odds of a decent one.

[capt14k]

Wait for a service grade would be my suggestion. The Special Grades have little to no collector value. They have new production Criterion barrels and usually new stocks as well. I've seen really nice Field Grades and somewhat beat Field Grades.

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[ksbanker]

From what I've read they will run out of Garand's towards the middle of 2017. My concern is that Standard Grade rifles will not be made available again. Leaning towards ordering a couple Field Grade and seeing what happens.

Thank you for your advice! Service Grade would be my preference for sure.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Service grade, if the CMP is selling it then it will at least meet minimum service requirements as a shooter and they have gauged it. That is more than you get with any other milsurp.

[capt14k]

They have plenty of Service Grades in both the North and South Stores. For me they are an 10hr trip but if I really wanted a couple I would take the ride.


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[ksbanker]

That is good to know! However, the south store is about 13 hours from me and the north store is about 14 hours away. That adds up to about $200 in gasoline as well. I'll probably take your advice and wait for Service Grade to become available again.

[RazorBurn]

If it were me I'd order a field grade or a service grade. I understand "saving" a rifle with a new Criterion barrel, but I want an all USGI rifle personally. By the looks of the recent service grades I've seen, I would buy a field grade and take the extra money for some HXP ammo.

[steelbuttplate]

What JYD said, it's been tested and passed the muzzle guage. A New barrel is gonna getcha the same 4" group at 100 as the service grade. I watched for about a yr. on GB and finally got mine for $700 about a yr. ago. The rifle looks good as the pics did, no matching parts, and shoots a 4" group.