What to look for in CMP Garand

[Aught Six]

Hey guys, I'm brand new here--this is my first post.

I'm about to head down to Anniston (pretty close to me) to the CMP store to purchase my first Garand.

I've been on their website to get the info on requirements and the various conditions they have, but was wondering if you guys had anything in particular you'd recommend I look for (or look out for!) while looking through all those racks of rifles--I know, it's a tough job but somebody's got to do it!

Many thanks,
Aught Six

[TribReady]

I'd steer you to the CMP forums. It's been a long time since I was there, but you should be able to find some good advice on current conditions and what to look for.
TE and ME are obviously your first places to look...and I think all of them at Anniston are already gauged and marked.  From there, look for the best wood---good cartouches, good,even coloration and graining.

Enjoy your trip there. How often do you get to look at---and hold---a mess full of Garands 

[teddy12b]

I know a guy who has bought two of them from the CMP over the years.  He said the people there were very helpful and you could walk around gauging the barrels all day long if you wanted.  It's a great program.

[Connecticut Yankee]

     Now here is a nice M1, serial #100000.  It's located at the Springfield Armory museum in Springfield Mass.  If your ever in New England you have to make a stop at this museum, part of the National Park system and best of all it's Free. Hope the attachnent works for you guys.
    John M.   A Connecticuy Yankee

[horseman308]

From what I've heard lately, the Service Grade ones have been really good. Many of the HRA's people have been getting have apparently been in nearly new condition (obviously not with matching numbers, like the Correct Grade, but still with both wood and metal in great condition). But, like these others have said, check for good throat and muzzle erosion scores.

[teddy12b]

I think there's some cheap/small part you can change too that will allow you to fire modern 30-06 rounds through it without hurting the gun.

[horseman308]

I think there's some cheap/small part you can change too that will allow you to fire modern 30-06 rounds through it without hurting the gun.

Yup. You can get an adjustable gas-plug to replace the standard plug at the end of the gas system.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=777146

I think you have to work with it some so that you know what is the correct setting for each different load of commercial ammo.

Also, I'm not 100% sure if having it on your rifle will allow you to compete in John C. Garand matches, all services matches, etc.

[Aught Six]

Thanks for the good info guys.

[SHOOTIST TOO]

I bought mine while I was shooting at Camp Perry in Ohio 2 years ago. They where real helpful and let me use his gauge. He told me to check out the cheapest rack grades and I found one with all Springfield parts with new barrel. I put new wood on it. I  sent It to Fultom armory for trigger work, recrown barrel, reparkerizing, and complete removal of parts/cleaning/inspection. It looks 100% new with not to much invested. I couldn,t have it glass bedded because it isn,t aloud at Camp Perry during Rifle week.

[SHOOTIST TOO]

Also was told to buy a late serial # gun ( 5,000,000 ), Because they were made last during the Korean War and are better made guns. Mine had been rebuild and had not been used since. Look for clean cut and sharper edges in milling.