CMP trip this week need help selecting

[Varelse]

I originally planned a trip to the CMP this Summer but the wife suggested we go this week while the kids are on spring break so naturally I did not argue. I plan on looking at a couple of the M1Ds they have in the store at the moment but I'm not holding my breath on those. If an M1D does not work out I would like to find a WWII as original as possible (WWII barrel, GI stock etc.) but being new to M1s I don't know what to look for as far as the marking on the stock and how to tell if it is a WWII barrel or not. I know you can tell the receiver by the serial numbers but not the rest of the rifle. I will probably be looking at a Field grade or Service grade I assume as the other grades seem to get new stocks with them. I do not mind a stock that is a bit beat up as long as it is a GI stock. For the price of the M1Ds they have at the store I may be able to grab a couple field grades so that may be a better option. Any help would be appreciated.

[Orlando]

personally I would pass on the M1D's, they are no more accurate than a standard garand and the ones that CMP sells there is no way to know if they are original parts so are not worth near what a real documented M1D is.
Its a needle like finding a haystck that you will find a WWII garand with lock bar sights, original cartouched stock and original barrel . IMO just go to the counter, tell them this is your first garand and let them pick you out a rifle that will make a good shooter

[jak]

Which store are you planning to go to ? Go to the cmp website and check the store hours.

[Varelse]

Thanks for the advise. I will need some direction for sure and I've heard the guys there are very nice. I'm going to the south store, I think they open at 8. I would like to stop by the range in Talladega too before I head back so I want to get there early. I'm hoping they have those slings still and the half price ammo.

[SA1941]

For sure I would stick with Field Grade rifles and Service Grade rifles, especially since you want GI wood. As far as dating the barrel goes, when the op rod is retracted, in the open space that is left by the op rod under the handguard should reveal some markings on the side of the barrel that look similar to this: S A 10 42. Decoding this is simply made by Springfield Armory October 1942. Hope that helps. Good hunting!

[Varelse]

That's great information. I just remember reading that the original barrels are better for some reason (better metal or something) so if you can find one with good ME and TE they are the ones to have.

[Orlando]

Original barrels are not better quality than replacement barrels.

[jak]

That's great information. I just remember reading that the original barrels are better for some reason (better metal or something) so if you can find one with good ME and TE they are the ones to have.

I think you misunderstood. Original barrels on a receiver is what is desirable from a collectors point of view.

[Varelse]

Maybe I misread the article but I had thought I read something about the GI barrels lasting through more rounds but not necessarily more accurate. I know the newer barrels are more accurate which makes the service grade more appealing in that aspect. I may end up walking out with a couple rifles depending on what they have. I would like to collect and shoot so maybe I'll find a good shooter and maybe I'll find something more complete or partially complete. I have always been a fan of GI stocks so that is one thing I will be on the lookout for.

[Smokey]

Generally the post war replacement barrels are said to be more accurate. What I would look for is having a ME (muzzle erosion) reading lower than the TE (throat erosion) reading, unless they are both around 1. A higher ME number could indicate muzzle wear which would risk poor accuracy.

[Varelse]

Generally the post war replacement barrels are said to be more accurate. What I would look for is having a ME (muzzle erosion) reading lower than the TE (throat erosion) reading, unless they are both around 1. A higher ME number could indicate muzzle wear which would risk poor accuracy.

I'll do some picking through them. I wonder how rare it is to find a Service Grade with an ME 2 or below. I know a lot of the service grades get newer barrels but the GI stocks are not as common with those as they are with the Field grade. As far as the Cartouche goes, am I only looking for the circle with a P and the cannons or are there other ones that would show that they are original GI stocks?

[Bruw]

I've mail ordered 5 Service grades and none have had ME over 2. In fact all but one are 1 or 1+. So I would guess you be able to find something that will work.

[Varelse]

It looks like I'll have to mail order something if I want a WWII Garand. We had a great time at the South store this morning. I got in line an hour and a half early to be able to grab one of the few 1903A3s that have been spotted there and I'm glad I did get there early as they went fast. My wife was able to snag a really nice original Smith Corona 1903A3 with a great barrel as well. Unfortunately they only had two Service grades with GI stocks which were IHC and a bit more expensive, not in the best of shape for the grade but sold as well. I almost pulled the trigger on a very nice M1C they had just put out with ME/0 and TE/3 and good shape overall but at $3K that would have been my budget on the one rifle and we were set on getting a 1903A3 since they are getting harder and harder to get. I ended up walking out with a mid 5 mil HRA Field Special to use as a shooter and I will decide on a field or service grade mail order requesting GI parts. CMP staff are great people and we will be back.

[Orlando]

There is no guarantee you will get a WWII receiver when mail ordering a Garand. You can request it but its luck of the draw

[lapriester]

You may actually have less of a chance getting a WWII Garand by mail order then you would going to a store. And stickies are generally a waste of ink. If they didn't have any out at the store then they are probably a bit scarce in the crates the current batches are being pulled from. Before taking the time to travel to a store it's best to call and ask in advance.

What makes you think mail order increases your chances? It doesn't at all. At least, at the store, you know. By mail order you'll never know until you get the email indicating what your getting. Luck of the draw, next rifle on the top of the crate is what you get. Feel lucky?