Where to get a Garand and what to look for?

[300grJHP]

I'd like to get an M1 Garand b/c I was a history major and I think it would be cool.  I'll use it for deer too, though.  Where is the best place to purchase a Garand, what should I look for when evaluating/buying one, how much should I pay, and is there anything else I should know.

Thank you,
Tom

[torpedoman]

take a 30-06 round and make a series of marks 1/16 apart up from the brass make 4 marks.( no one is going to loan you a muzzle wear gauge in a shop) you can use this to get a muzzle wear indication the mark farthest from the brass is 1 and is very good the closer to the brass the worse the wear. Go to the CMP site to check current  prices You will get the best price from them or a private deal in my experience.

[84Jim]

Tom,

If it were me, I'd start at the CMP.  Hopefully, you're within driving distance of the 2 CMP stores in Ohio or Alabama.  Considering the condition of the stuff I saw in Port Clinton last summer, I wouldn't trust them with a mail order.

I agree with Torpedoman, that for me, the muzzle wear would be my first check to try and get a good shooter.  Next, probably metal condition and stock condition in that order.  You can usually clean, steam out the dents, and refinish the stocks to make them look a little better.

Try some gun shows and shops as well.  Price will vary with condition and collector value, but the CMP prices should give you a baseline.  Good luck.

Jim