CMP Garand question

[crushert]

Come the end of July I'll get my yearly bonus check from work and I want to get a Garand through the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Does anybody have one of these rifles and what can you tell me about it?

Rack Grade rifles are mechanically the same as Service Grade above, except these rifles will have a gauged throat erosion of between 5 and 8 on a TE gauge or muzzle may gauge over a 3 on a muzzle gauge or show above normal wear. Finish will be worn and wood will show more use than Service Grade rifles. This grade is ideal for the individual who does not plan to use the rifle in serious competition or who plans to replace the barrel after a few thousand rounds.

What is "throat erosion"? (barrel wear?) And how would the "over 3 on a muzzle guage" affect the rifle?

Like the description says, I'm not looking for a competition rifle, just a "piece of history" that I would should occasionally.

And what would it cost to eventually replace the barrel as they state in the description?

[Brickboy240]

You need to go to Fulton Armory's website and read their articles on Garands. I cannot begin to tell you how much more those guys know about M-1s than I do.

I bought a Service Grade M-1 many years ago and got a very nice 1944 Springfield Armory rifle that is a fantastic shooter. It did nt have the best bore in the world, but not the worst, either. Still, it is a fairly accurate rifle and totally reliable.

"Rack Grade" is something new and was not a category when I ordered. Sounds like my Garand would fit in the rack grade category and its a fine shooter. You'll love the Garand - it is a great rifle to shoot. Good sights, comfortable and accurate. Everyone should own a Garand.

-Brickboy240

[HamsXD]

I ordered a Service Grade USGI Springfield M1 earlier this year before they changed their grading system and it is in very good shape. It shoots like an ace also. I am very pleased with what I got. It's a 756XXX serial number which will place the receiver being made in 1942. Not too bad.

If you include a note requesting a high serial numbered Garand (they're usually in pretty good shape), they might be able to find one for you. But please remember, it is still the luck of the draw so I wouldn't expect too much other than a fine piece of American history.

It's the best money I ever spent on a firearm as of yet. I still would like a 1903A3 sometime in the near future.

Before her initial clean-up:


After, looking stunning:

[crushert]

HamsXD, that looks great!! I wasn't aware CMP had changed their grading system. What would yours be graded now (if you want to guess)? I'm trying to determine if I want to pay the extra $125-175 for a Service grade rifle over the Rack or Field grades.

[Brickboy240]

My SA Garand looks very similar to HamsXD's rifle and it was a Service Grade.

My next purchase from the CMP is going to be another 03 Springfield. My first one is VERY nice (1943 Remington made 03-A3) and one sweet shooter.

-Brickboy240

[HamsXD]

Thanks Crushert! The only option in the CMPs website that I see that's as close to mine is maybe the Greek issue service grades. I believe some of them have foreign wood. I've also heard that some receivers were dipped with lead for some reason. I can't remember why. You should check out this site. A lot of folks from the board have bought their M1s from the CMP.

http://www.ambackforum.com/viewforum...81646b3ba0855c

If this is your first Garand, I would suggest the Service Grade due to their tighter ME and TE tolerances. They will definitely be shooters. Then, if you decide that another Garand is needed, you can always get a Rack Grade as a project. But if you really need a USGI rifle, the Field Grade option might do as well, along with a sincere letter.

Good luck!

[I_Route]

Originally Posted by HamsXD

I've also heard that some receivers were dipped with lead for some reason. I can't remember why.

The M1 Garand receivers were lead annealed from just rear of the sight base to the end of the receiver. This was because when armors were putting them in vises to work on them, they were cracking. This is what gives them the dark appearance on the back end.

Spot annealing is often used on rifle receivers that are too hard to drill and tap (read brittle). Bay taking a piece of bar stock that will touch the receiver where it is to be drilled and tapped, heating it to red hot and placing it on the receiver until completely cool. Then it will be soft enough to drill and tap.

HTH

[JimLongley]

Service grade is considered to be a shooter, while rack grade is less so.

Mine is Service Grade and I enjoy it thoroughly.

[Engineer]

Rack grade Garand's are usually good for basic plinking, but if you want to get into shooting, then go for the service grade or rebarrel a rack grade. There are also some Garands that are "service grade" in terms of TE/MW, but get put into the "rack grade" due to dark/pitted bores or nicked muzzles. Those usually tend to clean up pretty nicely or need a little touching up of the crown to shoot well.

Here are three Greek rackers that I picked up with good TE/MW numbers with those type of abberations:



and all the boys posing together:

[crushert]

Well, since it will probably be a number of years before I have the opportunity to buy another M1, I'll probably spring for one of the service grades. I'd have a very hard time trying to explain to the wife not just why I needed another gun, but why I needed one almost exactly like one I already have.