Thinking about a CMP M1

lunger · April 22, 2019, 09:58 AM

Considering getting an M1 from CMP. Probably looking at field grade $650 or service grade $750 .Finances won't permit the higher end ones .I know they are luck of the draw and you take your chances.

For those that have is there a difference worth $100 between the two?They also have a special field grade $850. Refurbished with new wood and barrel? Actually leaning toward this.

This won't be a collector. Just an occasional shooter and just because I've always wanted one . I know it's my choice and you can't make it for me ,but any input may help. Thanks in advance.

lunger · April 22, 2019, 10:25 AM

I did find some similar recent posts . Always forget to search. Anything new is still appreciated

GarandTd · April 22, 2019, 07:54 PM

I can't help you much. I have a service grade CMP M1, but I won it in a raffle. I didn't shell out the big money for it. Having said that, it is a thing of beauty and if you have the money for and want the version with new wood and barrel, get it. It won't disappoint. it'll probably look like a new rifle. Mine is a 1942 SA with new wood and a 1955 barrel. It looks like a new rifle.

reddog81 · April 22, 2019, 09:42 PM

I’d go with the service grade. I got one a couple years back in the same condition as GarandTd’s. I was surprised at how nice it looked

greentick · April 23, 2019, 01:26 AM

Similar experience with Service Grade, very surprised how nice it looks and shot. I got it when they were only $500

Nathan · April 23, 2019, 01:08 PM

Quote:

special field grade $850

That is a great choice....especially if a Springfield!

**Unclenick** · April 23, 2019, 02:50 PM

I agree. I own several Garands and have done accuracy work on some of them. Since target shooting is my objective, I've wound up putting the Criterion barrels on them and found the difference worthwhile to me. For just a couple hundred bucks more than field grade to get the new Criterion barrel already installed and new wood whose inletting hasn't been worn loose and saturated with oil, that's a bargain. The pitting may be homely but won't affect how it works. The barrel and wood both can improve accuracy.

dahermit · April 23, 2019, 03:58 PM

You guys buying CMP Garands, keep an eye out for serial number 1603418...a Springfield that was issued to me for Basic Training, Fort Knox, 1962. I have often wondered what happened to it.

Red Devil · April 23, 2019, 07:09 PM

If you are just getting one, and not able to hand pick it - the Service Grade is the way to go.

That is all I bought, LoTD, and while all were very nice, have gotten some stunning rifles.

If you just want another rifle, as a beater - while some beauties have come out in the Field Grade - generally, a beater is what you will get.

Would also consider the current run of Philippine Return rifles, where deterioration may be more prevalent on the lower grade rifles.

A Service Grade from the "Greek" years:

Red

agtman · April 24, 2019, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Thinking about a CMP M1. * * * This won't be a collector. Just an occasional shooter and just because I've always wanted one. I know it's my choice and you can't make it for me ,but any input may help. Thanks in advance.

Even for an 'occasional' range shooter, I'd still pop the coin for a USGI Service Grade, meaning primarily an M1 with a USGI (typically S.A.) barrel and stocked in G.I. wood.

The various 'Special' M1s the CMP offers come with new Dupage or Boyd wood and a Criterion commercial barrel. While the Specials are very nice looking rifles, and very accurate too, the G.I. Service Grade M1 will retain its own historic value forever and you can eventually pass it on to someone younger.

lunger · April 24, 2019, 06:22 PM

Quote:

CMP M1's are twice your budget price.

Were you talking to my wife??????

lunger · April 24, 2019, 06:29 PM

Think I have settled on a Special field grade. Working on the requirements. Who knows maybe one won't be enough.

bamaranger · April 25, 2019, 09:05 PM

One things for sure, there will be no more Garands over the long term. If a fella wants one, one that has been inspected and a reasonable shooter, CMP in any grade is the way to go.

They won't be making anymoreQ

veprdude · April 30, 2019, 01:03 AM

I bought a Field Grade IHC last year. I wanted a Service Grade, but they were unavailable at the time of order so I got what I could.

From what I've read the $100 extra for the Service vs Field grade is money well spent.

In the long run I don't suspect it will matter much. Being a collector more than a shooter these days, I'd take a worn original barrel over a new barrel because when it comes time to give it up, the 50's barrels are sure to bring more than the Criterion replacements regardless of barrel condition. Same with the wood.

Now if you're going to shoot 1000's of rounds through it, the new Criterion barrel is definitely the way to go. Rebarreling your M1 will cost more than the difference you might pay to have a fresh barrel from the CMP.

Road_Clam · April 30, 2019, 06:54 AM

When I was looking to purchase and M1 back in 2014 all grades were in decent supply. I was looking for a mechanically sound target M1 . After much research and gathering opinions I opted to purchase the M1 Special in -06. I think I payed $1040 and after receiving my rifle and inspecting I was SO pleased over the outstanding fit and finish of the Specials. You get a LOT of quality for $1K when buying a M1 Special for sure. I was looking for a lifetime M1 purchase to shoot the snot out of it and pass down generations. I always read positive experiences when shooters bought the Service grade, I did read some hit or miss experiences with the field grades. Never read that someone was "dissatisfied" with a field purchase.

lunger · May 9, 2019, 06:43 PM

I decided to go with the Special Field Grade.I decided I wasn't looking for a collector Just a good condition shooter.

A week an a half it was at my door. First impression couldn't be more pleased. Very little pitting and the stock looks great. Nicer than expected. Just have to clean and lube. Ordered clips from Flea Bay.Find some appropriate ammo and hit the range.

Tried to load a crappy cell phone pic.but always have problems sizing.

GarandTd · May 9, 2019, 07:13 PM

Congrats! I'll be expecting a range report at your earliest convenience.

Kreyzhorse · May 10, 2019, 05:25 PM

Go with the service grade. They seem to be in much better overall shape from what I've seen.

My Springfield service was in new wood with zero rust and was all Springfield parts except for the Winchester bolt, and even that was in good shape.

lunger · May 10, 2019, 07:57 PM

Too late went went with the special field grade and am still smiling

I have a feeling this won't be my only one . A service grade may be in my future.

The only thing scared me was the luck of the draw thing . If I do buy another may plan a trip to the store.

GarandTd · May 10, 2019, 09:08 PM

Wish that picture was clearer.

agtman · May 11, 2019, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Too late went went with the special field grade and am still smiling
I have a feeling this won't be my only one . A service grade may be in my future.

A lot of guys do that ... First they buy one of the 'Specials' CMP offers that has a Criterion barrel (30-06 or .308) and is stocked in Dupage wood. It becomes their 'shooter' M1, and is typically really accurate and of course looks great.

Then they want an 'all-USGI' M1 - with a genuine military barrel and GI wood - so they go back for a Service Grade. It's best to hand-pick a SG M1 at the NS or SS, if your proximity makes that reasonably possible.

1stmar · May 11, 2019, 07:23 AM

What was the ME and TE?

P5 Guy · May 11, 2019, 07:51 AM

Deleted, I should have read the posts better.

GarandTd · May 11, 2019, 08:49 AM

P5 Guy, I think 1stmar is asking what those numbers are for lunger's newly acquired rifle.

lunger · May 11, 2019, 12:07 PM

If asking about my special, Has new barrel . So zero and zero

April 22, 2019, 09:58 AM	#1
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	Thinking about a CMP M1 Considering getting an M1 from CMP. Probably looking at field grade $650 or service grade $750 .Finances won't permit the higher end ones .I know they are luck of the draw and you take your chances. For those that have is there a difference worth $100 between the two?They also have a special field grade $850. Refurbished with new wood and barrel? Actually leaning toward this. This won't be a collector. Just an occasional shooter and just because I've always wanted one . I know it's my choice and you can't make it for me ,but any input may help. Thanks in advance.

April 22, 2019, 07:54 PM	#3
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I can't help you much. I have a service grade CMP M1, but I won it in a raffle. I didn't shell out the big money for it. Having said that, it is a thing of beauty and if you have the money for and want the version with new wood and barrel, get it. It won't disappoint. it'll probably look like a new rifle. Mine is a 1942 SA with new wood and a 1955 barrel. It looks like a new rifle. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

April 23, 2019, 01:26 AM	#5
greentick Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2011 Location: Deep South Posts: 261	Similar experience with Service Grade, very surprised how nice it looks and shot. I got it when they were only $500 __________________ nous défions

April 23, 2019, 02:50 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	I agree. I own several Garands and have done accuracy work on some of them. Since target shooting is my objective, I've wound up putting the Criterion barrels on them and found the difference worthwhile to me. For just a couple hundred bucks more than field grade to get the new Criterion barrel already installed and new wood whose inletting hasn't been worn loose and saturated with oil, that's a bargain. The pitting may be homely but won't affect how it works. The barrel and wood both can improve accuracy. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

April 25, 2019, 09:05 PM	#13
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	get one One things for sure, there will be no more Garands over the long term. If a fella wants one, one that has been inspected and a reasonable shooter, CMP in any grade is the way to go. They won't be making anymoreQ

April 22, 2019, 10:25 AM	#2
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	I did find some similar recent posts . Always forget to search. Anything new is still appreciated

April 22, 2019, 09:42 PM	#4
reddog81 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	I’d go with the service grade. I got one a couple years back in the same condition as GarandTd’s. I was surprised at how nice it looked

April 23, 2019, 03:58 PM	#8
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	You guys buying CMP Garands, keep an eye out for serial number 1603418...a Springfield that was issued to me for Basic Training, Fort Knox, 1962. I have often wondered what happened to it.

April 23, 2019, 07:09 PM	#9
Red Devil Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2010 Posts: 274	If you are just getting one, and not able to hand pick it - the Service Grade is the way to go. That is all I bought, LoTD, and while all were very nice, have gotten some stunning rifles. If you just want another rifle, as a beater - while some beauties have come out in the Field Grade - generally, a beater is what you will get. Would also consider the current run of Philippine Return rifles, where deterioration may be more prevalent on the lower grade rifles. A Service Grade from the "Greek" years: Red

April 24, 2019, 06:29 PM	#12
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	Think I have settled on a Special field grade. Working on the requirements. Who knows maybe one won't be enough.

April 30, 2019, 01:03 AM	#14
veprdude Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 428	I bought a Field Grade IHC last year. I wanted a Service Grade, but they were unavailable at the time of order so I got what I could. From what I've read the $100 extra for the Service vs Field grade is money well spent. In the long run I don't suspect it will matter much. Being a collector more than a shooter these days, I'd take a worn original barrel over a new barrel because when it comes time to give it up, the 50's barrels are sure to bring more than the Criterion replacements regardless of barrel condition. Same with the wood. Now if you're going to shoot 1000's of rounds through it, the new Criterion barrel is definitely the way to go. Rebarreling your M1 will cost more than the difference you might pay to have a fresh barrel from the CMP.

April 30, 2019, 06:54 AM	#15
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	When I was looking to purchase and M1 back in 2014 all grades were in decent supply. I was looking for a mechanically sound target M1 . After much research and gathering opinions I opted to purchase the M1 Special in -06. I think I payed $1040 and after receiving my rifle and inspecting I was SO pleased over the outstanding fit and finish of the Specials. You get a LOT of quality for $1K when buying a M1 Special for sure. I was looking for a lifetime M1 purchase to shoot the snot out of it and pass down generations. I always read positive experiences when shooters bought the Service grade, I did read some hit or miss experiences with the field grades. Never read that someone was "dissatisfied" with a field purchase. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

May 9, 2019, 07:13 PM	#17
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Congrats! I'll be expecting a range report at your earliest convenience. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

May 10, 2019, 05:25 PM	#18
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Go with the service grade. They seem to be in much better overall shape from what I've seen. My Springfield service was in new wood with zero rust and was all Springfield parts except for the Winchester bolt, and even that was in good shape. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

May 10, 2019, 07:57 PM	#19
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	Too late went went with the special field grade and am still smiling I have a feeling this won't be my only one . A service grade may be in my future. The only thing scared me was the luck of the draw thing . If I do buy another may plan a trip to the store.

May 10, 2019, 09:08 PM	#20
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Wish that picture was clearer. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

May 11, 2019, 07:23 AM	#22
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	What was the ME and TE?

May 11, 2019, 07:51 AM	#23
P5 Guy Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,804	Deleted, I should have read the posts better. Last edited by P5 Guy; May 11, 2019 at 01:06 PM.

May 11, 2019, 08:49 AM	#24
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	P5 Guy, I think 1stmar is asking what those numbers are for lunger's newly acquired rifle. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

May 11, 2019, 12:07 PM	#25
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	If asking about my special, Has new barrel . So zero and zero

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