CMP Garand

[CZU]

I've had a SA Garand for about 30 years. I bought it on the side of the road at a house whose owner would put things out for sale in the yard on weekends. He said he had been using it to clear his pond of turtles, that he had 2 of them and was going to keep one. I didn't know a thing about these rifles, just bought it because it looked to be in pretty good condition, just used a lot but not abused. I found out later from a friend that knew about these that it was a mixmaster of parts, most likely because it had been in Korea for years(yep, a Blue Sky import that actually functioned). Even though the barrel was close to sewer pipe status, I could keep bullets on a paper plate at 50 yds.

This one was at the LGS a little over a year ago. It had just been put out before I walked in there that day. My friend that works there saw me coming in and already had it off the rack for me to look at. To me, it looked like it was darn near new with just a little wear. I guess it was the stock that got me, it was new and had the CMP cartouche. Serial number puts it at 1955, barrel date is April of '55. All of the major parts seem to have the correct numbers. I haven't taken the time to go through it completely and I've yet to take it to the range.

Does anyone know what grade the CMP sold this as?

 

[Beemerguy53]

Based upon the descriptions on the CMP website of the various M1 grades they have available, it appears yours is a "CMP Special"...

M1 Garand - Civilian Marksmanship Program

 

[Redwood32R2]

CMP garand

I believe your rifle is a CMP service grade. The difference between a service grade and a special is the service grade comes with a original production barrel , like yours. The special in the description on the CMP site states that they use new production barrels. JFYI. Did it come with the CMP hard case, owners certicate and tag with serial number and barrel and chamber gauge on tag?

 

[CZU]

I believe your rifle is a CMP service grade. The difference between a service grade and a special is the service grade comes with a original production barrel , like yours. The special in the description on the CMP site states that they use new production barrels. JFYI. Did it come with the CMP hard case, owners certicate and tag with serial number and barrel and chamber gauge on tag?

No, the previous owner did not bring anything but the rifle as you see it. I asked about those items but he did not have any of it.

 

[ron 57]

Yes, likely a service grade from a few years ago. The bolt, trigger group and barrel are correct for a ‘55, they may be original. CMP received some correct unissued garands from Greece but the stocks and hand guards had been removed to use on other rifles. They were restocked and sold as service grades. That’s a fine rifle.

 

[Heinz]

I have a CMP Special. The stock markings are the same as yours but mine has a new barrel. I bought it around 2008 from CMP. It came in a cardboard box I still have along with the papers. It shoots very well although I have only shot it out to 300 yards. My son in Minnesota has possession of it now and I will probably never get it back. he likes to take it to the range with his AR-15 when his buddies are shooting their "assault rifles". He tells me the favorite target is a water-filled gallon milk jug at 300 yards and everyone wants to hit it with the 30-06.

 

[billj47]

I also think it is a Service Grade. I have owned several over the years.
I would call CMP and see if it is still in their records.

 

[kbm6893]

Yes, likely a service grade from a few years ago. The bolt, trigger group and barrel are correct for a ‘55, they may be original. CMP received some correct unissued garands from Greece but the stocks and hand guards had been removed to use on other rifles. They were restocked and sold as service grades. That’s a fine rifle.

I agree. I have two CMP Garand’s. One is a Springfield from 1944. The other is an HRA from 1955. That rifle looks unissued. Chamber and throat readings are both 0. Has new CMP wood.

 

[Mike 139]

In September of 2007, I went to Anniston and completed the CMP Master Instructor Training Workshop for CMP Garand- Springfield Military Rifle Clinics….It was a very friendly ,informal atmosphere and Mr. Michaels, along with South Store Leon, was there for most of it.

Mr. Michaels took me in the back and showed me the recent Greek Returns, all slathered in a thin, green grease…. A lot of them were minus wood. CMP contracted with Boyd’s Stocks and purchased the stocks stamped with the CMP logo…These were graded Service grade Special.

The Garands that were received complete were graded Correct Grade and the really pristine ones were graded Collector grade on the COA.

All the Rifles were SA or HRA with original mfg. components.

They also received several NIW, with the paper tube in the barrel and foil covering the sights… They went to Auction….Truly, the best CMP ever offered.

The later, Criterion Barrel Rifles sold as “specials” were not these….

You can contact CMP @ 256-835-8455 and for a small fee, they will advise if it went thru CMP or DCM and what grade the Rifle was when it left the CMP and send You a letter documenting it.

 

[M1Garandy]

You can contact CMP @ 256-835-8455 and for a small fee, they will advise if it went thru CMP or DCM and what grade the Rifle was when it left the CMP and send You a letter documenting it.

I believe the fee is $25 IIRC.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Very nice! I was fortunate to pick up this CMP SA Garand (Service Grade) at a local gun show several years ago for a great price. It's an almost complete 1942 rifle with a 1947 barrel. The only issue was a small crack in the rear handguard that I was able to glue and make disappear. What a hoot to shoot! Congratulations, and enjoy!

 

[BKLooney]

I've got a service grade SA M1 (1956) that I've had for about 10 years now, an extremely accurate rifle that's a blast to shoot! Went through 80 rounds the first time I got to play with it, it was definitely a workout for the shoulder.

 

[AJ]

It is a CMP rebuild. Yes, their research fee is $25.00, a friend just had it done on his 31st Garand a Gap Letter IHC.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Have fun with it........One of mine.....CMP Springfield service grade.

 

[Baxter6551]

I attended the 3 day CMP Advanced Maintenance Class in Anniston in June 2019 and built this beautiful CMP Special with a WWII 3.5m serial number. We started with a stripped bolt and receiver. We hand lapped the chambers and installed every part ourselves. It was a “buddy class” and my buddy got picked in the lottery and I got to go with him ! The CMP Tallegada marksmanship park is well worth the visit and some range time.

 

[AJ]

The last of the Mohicans, had had about 15+ Garands. Have kept this one as I know the receiver was manufactured on July 1st, 1944. The S/N is 29998XX. The last receiver made in June of 1944 was 2981126. Stock has a worn cartouche on it. It is a Service Grade. My cost was about $550 about 15 years ago.