Mail order or CMP South store

[Jedd382]

I am new here and new to collecting M1’s so Im looking for a little advice from you guys with experience. I wouldve posted this question on the CMP forums but its taking a bit to get posting permissions there.
I recently mailed an order for a Service Grade Garand and the day after mailing the shipping was updated to 2-4 months. I live 5 1/2 hours from the south store so a drive wouldnt be too terrible. I am not looking for anything in particular other than a good solid rifle for for my first.
Would you guys suggest that I wait for a mail order SG to come in or maybe chance a trip to the south store to pick something out. I know that pickings can be slim sometimes so that is something Im concerned about.

[jak]

I would constantly read the "CMP South Store" part of the CMP forum. Guys constantly give store reports when they visit. As you said, most of the times the inventory is limited. Sometimes a gem or two will appear. It just depends if you were lucky enough to be at the store when something nice goes in the racks. That being said, a trip to the store would be an "experience". You get to handle a bunch of different rifles and see the difference between grades of rifles. If you do find something you like, you can take to the desk and have the rifle dissembled and check the interior parts. The guys at the desk are knowledgeable and helpful. I have been to the South Store about 6 or 7 times and always left with a nice rifle. Since you are somewhat close to the store, I would say GO. The store is not open every day. Check the website for days and hours. Have all your paperwork filled out before you go. It will save some time. If you do find a rifle and live in another state, you can have the rifle shipped to your home and not pay the sales tax. Go and have fun.

[Jedd382]

I was looking at the most recent store report over at CMP which is what got me thinking about heading over there. I didnt see any SG rifles listed and some FG. Rifles seem to move pretty fast there too. I guess the only thing keeping me from going is the all day of driving and gas money. Not a very steep price for the experience, I suppose.
I dont care about manufacture, USGI or new stock, serial numbers, or any of those particulars that contribute to a more collectable rifle (though I wouldnt turn down the opportunity if presented) at this point. Just a solid shooter in good condition. Maybe being more open will make it more likely Ill find a rifle I like at the store than others would be? Anyways, maybe Ill head up there this Friday and see what they got.