M-1 Garand advice

[Markbo]

Going along with my other thread about my step son, the younger has now quizzed me on M1 Garands. He has satisfied his M4 jones and now HAS to have a Garand. He has the means so I can only support his wants.

The problem is I don't know a whole lot about them. I am familiar with them of course, but can't give him any real insight. He wants to know what exactly to watch out for in used ones.

Are the CMP re-man versions any good? Does he HAVE to spend a forture on a genuine used version? Where can he shop for one and trust what he is being told? Can he even get one with matching numbers for anything like a good price?

Will any of them actually be accurate? Obviously the gun auction sight have them, but neither he nor I know what to look out for or what to ask.

Personally I would prefer an M14, but the SOCOM craze has driven those rifle prices through the roof.

Any guidance is appreciated
Mark

[nonpcnrarn]

I know the SOCOMS are expensive but what about the Scout/Squad with 18 inch barrel? Springfield makes a M1 if I recall correctly. Does he want a gun that goes PING after 8 rounds? I would rather have a semi auto M-14 type (M-1A). Even with a CA approved 10 round mag, reloading is quicker. And those who own both say 308 ammo is cheaper than 30-06 ammo.

[nicholst55]

The CMP rifles are not actually remanufactured; they're given a quick once-over and any obviously unserviceable parts are replaced. IMHO they represent the best value in an original USGI M1 Garand. Another good source is Tony Pucci at Orion 7, although his rifle SHOULD be in better condition than a CMP rifle, as they are significantly more expensive: www.m1garandrifle.com/Garandrifles.htm

[Gary @ R&G]

I had several of the older CMP guns and they were all pretty nice. The newer ones are Greek and Danish bring backs and I hear they are nice but have non original furniture. The Garand is a notoriously accurate rifle. I have sold them from $600 -$2400 (a 42 out of Author Jesse Harrisons estate). I have a nice post WWII gun from the Harrison estate for about the same price Tony gets for a "Battle Grade". PM me if you want details.

For shooting I prefer the SA M1A1 platform. I have a Jungle carbine 18" and my son has a SOCOM. The detachable mag is a bonus over the Garand. But there isnt anything like an original old Garand. Everyone should have at least one.

[Hobie]

He can get the CMP Specials which are essentially rebuilt guns. I just got an RM-1 and it is a fine firearm. Conversely, the dealers at the last show were wanting the same money for really ratted out Garands of no particular collector interest.

[barryinin]

The CMP has some of the best customer service out there. If you aren't happy, they will keep trying until you are.

This forum www.jouster.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?3-M1-Garand-M14-M1A has the most knowledgable Garand people around.
The old site had a section of articles and FAQs, but now you will just have to look through posts. If nothing else, you should be able to tell what people are getting now as far as condition by grade. In other words, some feel a certain grade is a better deal than others, and another might not be worth the premium over the next lower grade. This changes with time.

The CMP has a forum also, and it should give you an idea of what is coming out of the CMP now. www.thecmp.org/forums/

[cadillo]

Mar 12, 2010 1:24:44 GMT -5 nonpcnrarn said:

I know the SOCOMS are expensive but what about the Scout/Squad with 18 inch barrel? Springfield makes a M1 if I recall correctly. Does he want a gun that goes PING after 8 rounds? I would rather have a semi auto M-14 type (M-1A). Even with a CA approved 10 round mag, reloading is quicker. And those who own both say 308 ammo is cheaper than 30-06 ammo.

Your statement about quicker reloading is inaccurate. An M1 reloads much faster than an M-14/M1A. I know as I have and shoot several of each. No comparison.

[phonejack]

nicholst55 mentioned "Orion 7" which rang a bell with me. A decade ago I sold all of my garands except an exeptionally accurate M-1 chambered in .308. I checked the barrell and next to .308 is the word"Orion". I suppose I have one of their rifles. I bought mine at a garage sale for a whole lot less than advertised. Guess the seller did not know what he had.

[cas]

Nov 21, 2011 14:02:51 GMT -5 cadillo said:

Your statement about quicker reloading is inaccurate. An M1 reloads much faster than an M-14/M1A. I know as I have and shoot several of each. No comparison.

I've shot both in 3 gun competition, I'd say they're about the same since there's more to it that just loading and so many other factors involved. Not that it matters, at 20 vs 8 the M14 reload can afford to be a little slower.

[cadillo]

Dec 3, 2011 14:00:06 GMT -5 cas said:

Nov 21, 2011 14:02:51 GMT -5 cadillo said:

Your statement about quicker reloading is inaccurate. An M1 reloads much faster than an M-14/M1A. I know as I have and shoot several of each. No comparison.

I've shot both in 3 gun competition, I'd say they're about the same since there's more to it that just loading and so many other factors involved. Not that it matters, at 20 vs 8 the M14 reload can afford to be a little slower.

Come On Man!

Read the darn thing!

I was responding to this guy about this post:

"I know the SOCOMS are expensive but what about the Scout/Squad with 18 inch barrel? Springfield makes a M1 if I recall correctly. Does he want a gun that goes PING after 8 rounds? I would rather have a semi auto M-14 type (M-1A). Even with a CA approved 10 round mag, reloading is quicker. And those who own both say 308 ammo is cheaper than 30-06 ammo."

He lives in Kalifa and is restricted to a ten round magazine as he states. If you tell me that you can lay down more, quicker accurate fire with an M1A using ten round mags than you can with a properly timed M1, I'll have a good belly laugh.