[Guest]

Last month I sent everything in to CMP for a Service Grade M1, my first USGI milsurp and first-ever CMP order. Now, I'm wondering if I should cancel it.

Two excellent sources have recently told me about "all sorts of problems" fellow shooters in their circle have had with these recent SG Garands. They've also shared that, cosmetically, the wood on the Service Grades was pretty chewed up. The sources are far more experienced collectors than I am, and are trusted.

I thought that the Service Grade models were supposed to be pretty nice, at least that's what I was told here on GB when I asked about them. I was also lead to believe that CMP changes out any sketchy or mangled parts on M1s coming back to the States, furthering my impression that the rifles were and are nice and work well.

Recently a number of CMP Garands have popped up for sale on the Trader by guys wanting to dump them - coincidence?

I had wanted an M1 on account of my uncle's USMC infantry service on Iwo (his only battle), and my dad's service in Korea and felt pretty good about the CMP SG M1s - but what to do now? I have a negative vibe all of a sudden and am wondering if I made a mistake in sending in my paperwork for an order.

Am I all washed up on this one? Or, would I do better to forget CMP, save up my pesos, and buy a nicer (though admittedly pricier,) one from Empire or a GB member?

 

[Michael Jon Littman]

I think if you have a chance to hand pick one that is the best way to go. On the other hand the effort and money expended to get to the two CMP Stores has to be added into the eventual price. Personally, I think they are still the best bargain out there. I received an M1 a few years back with a split stock and they gave me no problem replacing it. Personally, I would let it ride and see what comes.

 

[CDMead]

AFAIK, they're into the new batch of Greek returns now.

In the past few years I've ordered 3 SA Greek return service grades, 1 Win Greek return service grade and 1 USGI field grade. Mechanically, all have been fine, and the only (minor) complaint I might have had is a really, really fat Greek stock on the Winch.

If I had been handed one of these rifles by an armorer, I would have happily bundled off the rifle range after a judicious cleaning.

To a certain extent it is luck of the draw, but it really depends on your expectations. If you want a new rifle, CMP ain't it. If you want a piece of history that probably has spent and considerable amount of time in storage and will shine with some TLC, CMP is the best deal around.

Just my half groat...

Charlie

 

[Citizen Carrier]

I'd wait and see as well.

I think the grades are largely determined by throat and muzzle wear gauging more than anything else.

http://www.odcmp.com

Go there and click on the discussion forums link. This is a question best asked there...but they'll all tell you to wait it out too! Part of the fun is that you never really know what you're going to get. Maybe something with lockbar sights? Who knows?

 

[gospodin]

Doc, I have,over the past several years, bought many CMP Garands of all grades except the topmost one. I have never gotten a rifle that I did'nt think was value for the money from CMP. Some,of course, were better than others but overall my experience is that you ,at the least, get your money's worth with CMP. I recall that a few rifles ,purchased as rack grades, were actually nearer to service grade. From my experience,my advice (since you asked!) is to go head,complete the order and see what they send you. I can't see any way to lose on a CMP deal.Best regards.gospodin

 

[Orlando]

I haven't heard the first bad report on the service grades. I have bought 11 Garands in the last few years and they all have been fine. Maybe the people that bought them expected a brand new rifle? These are military rifles that saw service, they will not be perfect. If thats what you want spend over twice as much and get a commercial copy. At the most the wood may need some cleaning. I prefer to just clean the wood and give a few coats of BLO. I don't sand out the dents as that is part of the rifles history. If there is any problem at all with the function of the rifle CMP will make it right. They even pay to return it to them to have it worked on if needed. Don't cancel you order, everything will be fine.

 

[Bill_in_VA]

If you're in doubt, here's a fellow GB member posting a photos of two of his service grade Garands: http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=8127

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies, guys, they're most helpful and I very much appreciate your input.

Upon careful consideration of everything posted above, I'm going to leave the order as-is, let it ride and just see what I get. From everything you've said, the things I'm hearing out thisa'way must be aberrations and not the likely outcome.

Thanks for talking me "in off of the ledge."

Scott

 

[cpw]

be sure to post some pictures when you receive it.

 

[Guest]

You betcha'!

 

[Citizen Carrier]

Fever,
Just a few pics of a service grade a poster over on the cmp forums just received. Not too shabby.

 

[cpw]

Not bad looking

 

[paul s]

At the CMP south store they have two NEW IN THE WRAP consectvly numbered 1950's era M-1's for sale..........................$25,000.00+shipping

 

[Ike27]

Stick with it. The CMP has not let me down yet. I picked up a 5 digit pre 12/41 just by luck of the draw.

 

[SwingingSniper]

That's my second service grade above. I have two service grades and one field grade. All rifles exceeded my expectations. I would say to wait and see what you get. I think you will be pleased. Yeah, a few bad ones get through now and then, but they will make it right. The few genuine complaints on many forums that I've read were quickly made right by the CMP. I have seen a few bogus complaints by people expecting correct grades for $400 or not being specific to the point of questionablity. The CMP is still the best source for USGI out there. The top rifle is my field grade, and the bottom is my first service grade.

 

[cpw]

At the CMP south store they have two NEW IN THE WRAP consectvly numbered 1950's era M-1's for sale..........................$25,000.00+shipping

I can't afford it, but someone will. (If I had the money, I would buy them.)

 

[Guest]

Man, the pics look just GREAT! Thanks a lot, guys. If I do as well as each of you clearly have with my own M1, I'll be doing extremely well!