replace a garand reciever?

[Rayfan87]

I recently purchased a CAI garand with some SA parts, the execptions being the reciever (CAI), stock (unmarked replacement), bolt (beretta) and barrel (VAR). I can get a SA reciever through the CMP, would it be worth it or is this already such a mixmaster that I'd be better off leaving it as is?

[Reverend Recoil]

Is the head space correct?  How well does it shoot?

[Rayfan87]

Everything seems tight and smooth, but I haven't gotten it to the range yet. I detail stripped the receiver and oiled/greased everything. It all looked fine, I've just heard some bad things about century receivers.

[Richard P]

Only shooting on paper will tell the tale.  Mine wants the front sight way left and the rear sight way right.  That tells me the barrel is not on the axis of the reciever.  Possibly the front of the reciever isnt faced square or the barrel shoulder isnt square----or both are not true to some extent.  It can be made to work but it isnt the way it should be.  And it need a replacement clip latch so it wouldnt premateurly eject.

[AtlLaw]

All depends what you are looking for.      Sounds like they (CAI) took a repatriated Italian kit and put it on one of their receivers.   
 
Back when I went through my Garand phase years ago, there were a number of companies trying to make Garand receivers with varying degrees of success.  And I will admit I am not a fan of CAI!      I have an Imbel made FAL receiver that I don't like just because it was imported by CAI!   
 
But maybe you got a good one.  The only way to find out is to shoot the rifle.  If it functions reliably all the time and the if the CAI markings don't bother you, enjoy it as is!   
 
There is a lot to learn about Garands and don't let the "mixmaster" aspect bother you.  They are virtually all that way and they are authentic service rifles.  I could go on for hours but I'll restrain myself!