My CMP Garand!

[GIZMO8Z]

I have posted my brand new baby on other forums, but figured I'd post it here as well.

As you can tell, I am very proud of it.

I had originally planned on visiting the CMP North Store in person, but wasn't able to due to obtaining a new job. Instead of making the trip, I sent in my paperwork with my luck riding on a pink sticky note asking for "A WWII Rifle w USGI Stock that has Character"

Here is the time frame for my order:
On September 3rd I mailed my paperwork into the CMP.

On September 10th they sent me an e-mail confirming that my order had been received.

On September 19th my card was charged ($625 plus $25 shipping for a service grade rifle) and my order information was updated on the CMP E-Store.

On September 21st my rifle was picked up by FedEx for delivery.

Yesterday, September 24th, the rifle was delivered to my house.

So now, on to my rifle! It is my first Garand, and a lot of it is a mystery to me. However, I do understand that the receiver was made in July/August 1943. I also understand that the barrel was replaced in August of 1954 and the barrel is marked NM for... National Match? What exactly does this mean?

I will also say that my rifle looks like it is in AMAZING shape. The biggest issue will be removing the cosmoline and also covered in a whiteish wax that is in some spots (especially the butt plate!).

The barrel looks to be in AMAZING condition.

I would grealy appreciate any and all additional info, questions, concerns, and comments about my new baby!

[GIZMO8Z]

I guess that little sticky note worked wonders for me!

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION!

[m1steelpot]

You lucked out on the rear sights- they are correct for the receiver!

[GIZMO8Z]

You lucked out on the rear sights- they are correct for the receiver!

Thanks! My sticky note asking for a WWII vintage rifle really worked wonders!

[Johnny Peppers]

While the rear sight is the correct type for that serial number range, it is inconsistent with an overhauled rifle. The lock bar sight came about as a cure for the early rear sight that would not hold the settings. In late 1944 a new type rear sight was approved to eliminate the lock bar sight, but it did not get into production in time for any WWII rifles. With the huge post WWII overhaul program, the lock bar sights were discarded and the new type sight was used. How it ended up back on an overhauled rifle is open to conjecture.

The date on the barrel indicates when the barrel was manufactured, and not necessarily when the rifle was rebarreled. Is the NM on the barrel stamped or engraved? The early NM barrels were stamped, but later they were engraved as it was thought the stamping might create stresses in the barrel.

[Lon]

That is a beauty, congratulations. I hope you plan to shoot it, as the condition appears to be well capable.

[the_stig]

Nice M1. Check to see how many parts are Springfield (SA) marked. Looks like it has a new production CMP stock? Grab some greek ball 30-06 and fire away, they're a blast to shoot.

I've ordered two Garands from the CMP. The first a Service Grade Springfield (top), which is GORGEOUS and all SA. The second, a Field Grade Winchester (bottom), which arrived with mostly WRA parts, nice USGI wood, and an excellent bore. Why it wasn't rated as a Service Grade, I don't know.

[scotty1418]

whoa, lockbar sights on a CMP mailorder? sweet!

Get the book (Duff?) to learn about part dating.

[Death-Ace]

While the rear sight is the correct type for that serial number range, it is inconsistent with an overhauled rifle. The lock bar sight came about as a cure for the early rear sight that would not hold the settings. In late 1944 a new type rear sight was approved to eliminate the lock bar sight, but it did not get into production in time for any WWII rifles. With the huge post WWII overhaul program, the lock bar sights were discarded and the new type sight was used. How it ended up back on an overhauled rifle is open to conjecture.

The date on the barrel indicates when the barrel was manufactured, and not necessarily when the rifle was rebarreled. Is the NM on the barrel stamped or engraved? The early NM barrels were stamped, but later they were engraved as it was thought the stamping might create stresses in the barrel.

That's something to ponder, I bought an M1 from someone who got it through the CMP and it has an uncut SA-9 op rod. Correct to the rifle, but how it managed to survive uncut to 1953 or later, beats me.

Very nice rifle!

Lev

[IMBLITZVT]

I had originally planned on visiting the CMP North Store in person, but wasn't able to due to obtaining a new job. Instead of making the trip, I sent in my paperwork with my luck riding on a pink sticky note asking for "A WWII Rifle w USGI Stock that has Character"

The best thing you ever did was not go visit! I drove a good way to visit thinking I would get to pick the best of them... ha! All they had to pick from was junk! I finally decided to but two of the least worst. I wanted two Service grade guns and ended up with a Rack and a Service. The rack grade shot 7" off to the left with sights fully adjusted. I called them and sent it back. They rebarreled it and sent it back to me. When they rebarreled it, they cracked the bridge, killing the receiver. So it went back again! This time they sent a very nice gun. It got restocked and looks and shoots great. Both required new spring sets. But if I had to do it over again, I would order a gun and not visit. My service grade also came with an uncut Op Rod. However being a Korea war receiver, I would be fine trading it out if I could make a little off it.

Yeah I would say they sent you a new repro stock on there. NM=National Match barrel. Thats a high grade competition barrel.

[Johnny Peppers]

That's something to ponder, I bought an M1 from someone who got it through the CMP and it has an uncut SA-9 op rod. Correct to the rifle, but how it managed to survive uncut to 1953 or later, beats me.

Very nice rifle!

Lev

If the rifle somehow escaped rebuild, the op rod would not have been modified. About a year ago I sold a March 1945 M1 Rifle that had been purchased through the old DCM by a friend when it was one rifle in a lifetime. The rifle was totally correct as built in 1945, and was received that way. It was virtually new condition with the exception of a few op rod and rear sight dings in the stock.

[GIZMO8Z]

The date on the barrel indicates when the barrel was manufactured, and not necessarily when the rifle was rebarreled. Is the NM on the barrel stamped or engraved? The early NM barrels were stamped, but later they were engraved as it was thought the stamping might create stresses in the barrel.

I really cannot tell the difference... I brought the rifle to a local Garand expert yesterday and he tore it down for me. He said both the barrel and trigger grouping are NM. I asked if the NM stamp could have damaged the barrel at all and he said no, they used a very sharp stamp.

That is a beauty, congratulations. I hope you plan to shoot it, as the condition appears to be well capable.

Nice M1. Check to see how many parts are Springfield (SA) marked. Looks like it has a new production CMP stock? Grab some greek ball 30-06 and fire away, they're a blast to shoot.

Way ahead of you guys! 200rnds of Greek Surplus arrived yesterday from the CMP. Added bonus is that it came in a WWII vintage ammo can that would have mounted onto a tripod and could have been used on a Jeep or tank!




Stig, you have some beautiful rifles there! I love the one with the dark walnut, salty stock! The stock on my rifle is actually a damn near mint USGI HRA!

[petopoint]

nice job

Good job, thanks for the pics and info on how you obtained it.
When i put my request through I'll have to add that information as well.
I can only hope of getting as nice a garand as you did.

[GIZMO8Z]

The best thing you ever did was not go visit! I drove a good way to visit thinking I would get to pick the best of them... ha! All they had to pick from was junk! I finally decided to but two of the least worst. I wanted two Service grade guns and ended up with a Rack and a Service. The rack grade shot 7" off to the left with sights fully adjusted. I called them and sent it back. They rebarreled it and sent it back to me. When they rebarreled it, they cracked the bridge, killing the receiver. So it went back again! This time they sent a very nice gun. It got restocked and looks and shoots great. Both required new spring sets. But if I had to do it over again, I would order a gun and not visit. My service grade also came with an uncut Op Rod. However being a Korea war receiver, I would be fine trading it out if I could make a little off it.

Yeah I would say they sent you a new repro stock on there. NM=National Match barrel. Thats a high grade competition barrel.

To be honest, 60% of my drive to visit the store was to be in the presence of so much military history and to pick out my own Garand. I love my pieces of militaria to have that salty "been there, done that" look to them... as long as they are in solid condition. The other 40% of my drive to visit was to have a last hurrah with the fellas before the end of summer... grabbing a few drinks, smoking a few cigars away from girlfriends, spouses, and our daily responsibilities.

As I said earlier, I thought the stock was a repro at first, too! It looks in that good of condition. However, it has the arsenal rebuild eagle w/ three stars cartouche and the non serif P in circle cartouche on the pistol grip. The Garand expert I brought my rifle to last evening said it's a damn near mint HRA USGI stock from the 50s.

[GIZMO8Z]

Good job, thanks for the pics and info on how you obtained it.
When i put my request through I'll have to add that information as well.
I can only hope of getting as nice a garand as you did.

It REALLY was an amazing experience. I haven't felt this excited and antsy about receiving something since I was a kid trying to "fall asleep" on Christmas eve.

If you have ANY questions, feel free to call the CMP... I spoke to Melissa, Holly, and another woman whose name escapes me. They are genuinely nice people and amazing to deal with. They were friendly and very patient with my 1,000,000 questions. Although I am a high school history teacher, paperwork isn't my strong suit... they helped guide me through the process. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!