The M1 Garand

[M1A Owner]

Gentlemen,

First I want to say I have posted a few threads on this site and I've been very pleased with the responses. If you look at my previous postings, you'll see I like the M1 rifle.

My question this round is about the M1 Garand. I have done my homework and decided to buy one from CMP. Probably looking to buy the correct grade.

Has anyone purchased an M1 from the South (Anniston) store? What have you heard about this store? Please let me know who you spoke with and if you have ANY reviews good or bad, I would appreciate them. Even better, PICTURES...... I'm looking to have a piece of history and great shooting rifle.

I look forward to reading your your posts!! Thanks in advance.

[HorseSoldier]

I don't have any pictures, but have been there several times. If you are going to buy a CMP Garand and you're in Mississippi, you'll be doing yourself a favor to head over to the store and pick one out yourself from the racks they have in the store front area. It's surprising the quality of stuff in the different categories (both the Field Grades I bought from them were well above the minimums for that category on wear and such, and both were very low S/N guns, one in the 70Ks and the other higher but built a few weeks after Pearl Harbor).

[P5 Guy]

... a Kimber82 there. The staff go way out of the way to help make your purchasing experience the best. The only draw back is Anniston's 9.5% sales tax. Pick some out and have them ship to you in MS. You'll have to wait but that makes the BWT arrival all the more exciting. Don't forget the ammo!

[auberg]

I've bought Garands from both stores. Anniston is certainly my favorite, but I can't really tell you why. I'm almost 1/2 way between them both, but I am closer to the North store. I'd still rather go to the south store.

As far as people, that part doesn't change. They are all nice and very helpful. All you have to do is ask.

I prefer the Service grades for shooting, and the price is usually right too.

[crowbeaner]

The Anniston staff will bend over backwards to make sure you get a fine M-1. As has been posted, look over the racks before you move over to the correct graders. A local fellow got one that gauged 2 on the chamber and 1.5 on the bore for peanuts; the wood was rough but he's going to go the Boyds route anyway. Those guys in 'Bama will go the yardage for you- just like the college football team. Roll Tide!

[bamaranger]

Make sure you have all the dots connected regards paperwork and qualifying BEFORE you make the trip to buy.

Then, as a further example of southern hospitality, bring your Garand and ammo up my way, and I'll even help you shoot it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BombthePeasants]

I have never been to the store, but I can comment on the Correct Grade rifles. The price is steep, no doubt, but I am so happy to have mine. I firmly believe that my rifle was never fired once since it left the factory in the mid 50's. There was not a single bit of wear on the rifle save for 2 places: the gas plug (where it seemed to have been resting on a rifle rack or in a box), and the butt plate, but even there, there's barely any wear on it. Once I got done cleaning the cosmoline off, the wood looked brand new. It is worth every penny I paid for it.

I also bought a Rack Grade rifle a few months later, since I don't want to shoot the Correct rifle any more, I'm saving it for a rainy day.

Basically, get the Correct Grade, then get a lower grade for your every-day shooter, is what I'm recommending.

[chris in va]

FYI, at least at the north store they have a notary on site, so you don't have to get it done elsewhere.

Gauge *all* the muzzles in the Field section. I found one that gauged 1.5 muzzle and chamber. Wood was so-so but I really didn't want something with new wood anyway. Not bad for $495. Also consider picking up one of their new barrels while you're at it.

[billfrombyron]

I can only relate to the Port Clinton location.

Just this past May I took my father for a heck of a car ride up there to pick out his and my fathers day gifts.

I went with a nice H&R and he got a springer. Gauge everything and don't let the outside appearance put you off. Its the inside that matters.

Mine shoots fantastic btw.

The people were knowledgeable and helpful. Their helpfulness and attitudes are a direct reflection of how you present your self however.

There was a fellow in the store when we were looking who was making a overbearing jerk of him self and was greeted rather coldly by the staff. After all was said and done he took a rifle on the higher end of the throat gauge.

Moral of the story don't bite the hand that feeds you knowledge as it tends to let you make costly mistake.

They replaced my fathers rear sight due to it being loose, and when I set my rifle down on the table he gauged it at throat and muzzle and said BUY THIS ONE. So I did. I am wonderfully happy with it. I wish I had bought more ammo though.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/billfrombyron/the%20collection/IMG_1657.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/billfrombyron/the%20collection/IMG_1658.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/billfrombyron/the%20collection/IMG_1659.jpg

Take the pilgrimage, its worth it!

But as others have said bring your paperwork. For me it was my DD214 and VFW membership and passport copy.


-Bill