Gun show this weekend

[wombat13]

I'm going to the local gun show this weekend and while I'm not planning on buying anything I want to be prepared in case there are any good deals. I'm going to be on the lookout for a 9mm handgun (made before 1994) and a M1 Garand. So here are a few questions and any info would be greatly appreciated:

9mm handgun (made before 1994)

1. What do you consider the best 9mm semi-auto that was on the market before October 1994? The date is important because in NY we can only possess high-cap mags manufactured before 10/1/94.

2. How do I assess the condition of the gun?

3. Are there any issues specific to the gun you recommend that I should be wary of?

4. How much should I expect to pay for the gun you recommend in good to very good condition?

5. My XD45 is the only handgun I own and I bought it new. Is there anything I should be wary of when buying a used handgun?

M1 Garand

My interest in the Garand is because my grandfather carried it in WWII. I'd like to get one that is in at least as good condition as CMP describes as "service grade." I was on the verge of ordering one when CMP stopped accepting orders.

1. How do I assess the condition of an M1?

2. Since my interest in the M1 is to have the rifle my grandfather carried, I'd like one that is true to what he would have had. Are there any common modifications that I should avoid?

3. Are there any shady practices out there like using incorrect parts or other ways of cheating people on M1s?

4. The CMP was selling "service grade" M1s for $600. How much should I expect to spend at a gun show?