I need some advice on my first CMP trip. Planning on going to the South Store at the beginning of next month. I am looking to get an M1 Garand, and wanted to know if any forum members had tips, tricks, or advice on having a good time while I'm there. M1 advice/reloading is always welcome.

I just graduated from college and my Dad and I are making the trip together. I'm really looking forward to owning my own piece of history. Nothing against modern EBRs, but they just don't get me going.

Thanks for the help!

Decide what you want before you get there, else you will be totally overwhelmed.

Do you want a collector rifle, a shooter, a WWII rifle?

Do you want it all USGI, or will you accept a commercial stock and some foreign parts?

If you don't already have them, borrow a set of muzzle wear and Throat erosion gages from the "cage" when you get there, some of the lesser grade guns have excellent barrels, and make great shooters.

Get ammo while there.

Take all your docs with you unless you have already submitted them to the CMP.

Get there early (after a good breakfast), plan to spend many hours, and HAVE FUN!

There is a dead time between 11 and 1 during which they do not process paperwork. If possible, submit your order prior to the cutoff.

I was there about 3 weeks ago and they had a lot of inventory. The staff is helpful, but you need to know what you are looking for. As was mentioned, get some ammo while there.

Where are you staying?

Be there when the doors open. There's often a line to get in. Go directly to the service counter and borrow the bore and chamber gauges. They'll hold your driver's license while you have them.
Then go to the check out and have them start your paperwork. Make sure you have all the documents ready. This speeds up the process.
Enjoy Shopping!
The folks at the South Store are great. Very friendly and extremely helpful. Feel free to ask all the questions you want.
When I went I was looking for a shooter. I simply walked through the racks dropping the bore gauge in every barrel until I found a good one. Then I'd pick it up and check the entire rifle.
Buy ammo while you're there. Saves the shipping costs.
Also be sure to check out the M1 Carbines, .22s and accesories while you're there. There's no telling what you might come back with.

Bear in mind that these rifles are all well used. Many will swallow the bore gauge, but there are good ones to be found.
In my case, I was there a few years back when the Greeks first came out. Many of the Greeks were worn out. However, I found a Danish M1 that gauged out as a service grade but was rated as rack grade due to a very dirty stock. The stock cleaned up very nicely and now I have a great shooter.
For me it was a great trip and well worth it. I hope the same for you.

Thanks for the advice! I didn't know about the dead time between 11 and 1 or to go to checkout early. I want to get a shooter, Grayfox I might borrow your method of finding one.

Can't wait until I'm in Anniston! Thanks again

I don't know where I'm staying yet. The South store website listed several hotels that feature a "CMP" rate.

The CMP is on the East end of Anniston and is about one half mile North of a whole bunch of motels. There is a also a Cracker Barrel, IHOP and several other places.

+1 on the advice re: good barrel, dirty stock. They brought a bunch to local gun show, were very patient w/ measuring the bores. I found one that was pretty tight w/ very dirty stock, got it at the cheaper price. I had a lot of fun refinishing the stock, am amazed how pretty it came out w/ repeated cleaning and then polishing w/ an oil finish. I used very fine steel wool but was careful to preserve the various imprints.

Lots of good advice here, enjoy. I just got the ammo I ordered in Feb., so get it there, as advised.

I travel to CMP at Camp Perry often,have your paperwork in order per CMP website. Make sure you have a up to date membership in a CMP affiliated club.Your state association is good since they are promoting marksmanship on the state level.Barrel and finish are important,stock can be redone.FWIW I take the stock and clean with "PURPLE POWER" obtained from Auto Zone or Walmart.Spray on rinse of and years of grim, oil,grease etc run down the drain.Sanding is minimal,steam dents and apply finish.Serious about PP,it works better than anything I have ever used and I have finished over 30 CMP stocks.

__________________
SWCA#2288
SWHF#407

Sounds like a great trip. Post pics when you get back.

Thanks for all the help guys. Man I love this forum! I'm really excited, going to be there June 3rd and maybe 4th. I've been looking at getting an adjustable gas plug from Midway Link. Has anyone used these before? I understand it will allow you to shoot commercial ammo through the Garand without bending the op rod.

Thanks again! I will definitely post pics.

Getting ready to leave now. Going to take a lot of pics. Really looking forward to it.

Take lots of money. You won't be satisfied with just a Garand and may never have an other opportunity to buy some of the things you are going to see. Buy ammo. If you get a carbine get extra mags.